Just running... just a bunch of runners...just beautiful ..
So says that voice, that many of us know so well. CB and I, out for a run together on Sunday morning, he chatting quietly and me responding, not always as quietly.
I have not had time to ramble a lot lately... Admin duties, Mr OF duties, family garden help duties, the list goes on !
BUT, there is always a but... I have been running... not far, certainly not fast, but I have run.
I have, unusually taken my NRC chum with me on most of those runs. The reason for this, being, I needed the company. Times and circumstances meant that I needed some guidance and some slightly formalised running. NRC and CB work for me.
Now, when I run, I always take friends with me. Sometimes, just the one, always the same one; Bluebirdrunner , has run, over the years, some miles with me and had to listen to some real moany mumbles, silly jokes and rambling rhymes as we have run, and she never complains; sometimes, I take a few more folk too and sometimes too, like on my first HM, I take a whole load of us!
So, on Sunday , there was me, BBR and CB. CB has been a good friend over the past weeks, giving me guidance and support.
The Sunday run then. Just a run. And a trio of runners.
Not that far, distance was not in my mind, but a long run ), for me this year), 1 hour. I wanted to run for at least 1 hour, in preparation for the Monsal Trail run next Sunday. I wanted, also, no, needed, to run on some flat bits. I am not completely fluid on flat bits.
The weather was unusual, it was not raining! Hard to believe, given that my last few runs have been done either in freezing fog torrential rain, or both. The run was going to be a good one. I knew this.
Gear put out the night before and, again, fairly unusually for me, a vague route planned, incorporating, flat bits! Waking to a brighter, drier day, my morning cuppa tasted good. Just going over the route in my head whilst doing my regular wake up routines, I felt those familiar fluttery tummy-flies. ) Like butterflies but not the same); it is a lovely sensation.
Minimal faffage time, again unusual and my run, I hour run, loaded. I headed out into the day,
I love Sunday running. The peace, the quiet and despite the fact that it was Eastertide, the silence. Birdsong and blossom at every turn.
The gardens as I ran out of the Close and onto the Crescent, beginning to show signs of activity; the rambling ones and the regimented ones. Neat borders with measured planting and the ones where Nature is allowed to do her own thing. Daffodils, primroses, winter Jasmine and the ever present, short-lived, flamboyant flowers of the Magnolias.
I listened to my friend. Easy, slow; words that are for me, watch words. I am able, if necessary, to increase my pace, but I don't. Early into the run and the pace is set. High above, the lads are heading over to the lakes, and in the hedgerows, Mr and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow are arguing, as usual.
The flat bits will come, but I begin with my usual foray up the hill, only a little way, but it sets me up. Turning at the first little copse, I return down the hill and into the village. I am listening to CB, unaware of my time or my pace on my Garmin... he is giving me all the questions, and I am able to answer, comfortably and enjoyably. I am trying to run and walk. I find this hard. My natural instinct is to run.
But I am sticking to the plan... I take a route along by the Blythe and along a little footpath, where I have not run for an age. It runs between the back gardens of some houses, all high fenced and tree and shrub lined. Muddy underfoot and slightly slippery, the going gets slower, but gives me time for photo shots and to take in the beauty that surrounds my run. Folk have done much, in the time I have been away. New fences, new shrubs and new gates onto the footpath... and then I am out, CB tells me I am over half way through the run.
I can hardly believe it, I have been so wrapped up in my running world. Slightly downhill and into the village, along and through the pathway at the back of the church. The silent sleepers, their resting places bedecked with bunches of the brightest blooms... all is still. Along and out and across and through and past the school. Playground deserted and the school galleon high and dry and bereft of the small sailors!
Through the copse of trees , photo shots en route and along the lane, with a glimpse of sunshine ahead. No hidden watchers here today....
My running has been good, so far. Breathing steady, light footfall, and strong legs. My core could do with a tad more work.. I shall persevere with that. Rounded ankles and a steady beat in my head. Always, I,2,3,4. Down the hill and back towards home.
I always seem to finish with a slight uphill, and true to form, it is so. My legs are beginning to feel a tad tired, but I make that last little effort. Always something left in the tank... shouting a good morning to a friend walking her dog, and I am rounding the corner to home.
CB has counted me down... and I am done.
Pancakes, honey and bananas await... Mr OF shouts a cheery, well done you! Good Run?
Glass of water drunk and I say, in all honesty.
Yes. A good run .
Just a run, Just a bunch of runners... and yes, just beautiful!
Oldfloss x
PS
Link to the hidden watchers... 8 years ago! I have come a long way since then!
healthunlocked.com/couchto5......
And, if you wonder who Mr and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow are...
nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/spa...
I first read this as a small girl ... x
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