Extras

My normal rule is to have at least one day of rest between runs but desperate times need desperate measures and this Christmas blubber needs shifting. As all my chores had been completed by midday including the usual Everest of ironing (OK so today it was more a Ben Nevis of ironing) I decided to get my trainers on and head out into the breezy but sunny Sunday.

The first song on my iPod was playing nicely and my legs were moving but it was hard, I kept reminding myself that the first track is always hard and that it would get easier. It did, but then came the hills. Up and up I went, slowly but surely I reached the top of my chosen route. Today I decided to go a different way, bit risky as I might have to turn back as i wasn't 100% sure of the safety of the road this lane comes out on and I don't like turning back, I like circular routes best.

This new route took me by surprise with a lovely long downhill stretch, I tried not to think about the inevitable up which must surely follow and instead focussed on the beautiful panoramic view laid out before me. I could see that reaching the top of this hill had opened up many more possible running routes and I was already planning future running routes.

I hadn't run this distance for a while and the following up beat me and I ended up having to walk, no shame, just get on with it. Stop thinking about the damage to my pace time, more running would surely follow. I reached the main road, a dangerous stretch, very fast and a bit of a squeeze for two vehicles in places. I had joined the road on a sweeping bend as I suspected I would and was able to cut the corner through the adjacent field and then only had to run down a short distance before turning once more back onto a much quieter lane.

Fortunately then I was treated to lots of downhill and I even managed to sprint the last few yards to my house. I clocked up 10.5 KM (6.6 miles) in a somewhat slow time but the 750 calories burned more than made up for that.

My treat is now to go and see War Horse, I have my tissues!