I didn't relish the idea of the run today. I did some house work first and then squished a gel with caffeine down me and got changed. I was still undecided where I would run when I pressed the "go" button on my very clever computer watch. I knew I needed to run for at least two hours today. I didn't really fancy my usual route. So I decided to go over the mountain on a mountain bike route that I have done dozens of times. The first two miles was my usual route and generally downhill, then I turned onto the hill to take me onto the mountain. The road was steep and the temperature was warm. Over the next three miles I ran up hill about 700 metres. The tarmac turned to a dirt road with lots of loose rocks just waiting to upset my footing. I began to wonder how clever this was, if I twisted my ankle now it would be a disaster. As I gained height the view over the valley was spectacular. It made me wish I could take photos with my eyes so I could share the view with you.
A few mountain bikers passed me with big grins as they flew past.
At times on the climb I had to walk to bring my heart rate down. Sticking to the training plan can be frustrating. I felt ok to keep going but my heart rate was creeping over 151 beats per minute, and today was supposed to be an easy run.
Then came the down, it was too long. It was even more treacherous underfoot with loose rocks and smaller marble like pebbles. None of this is a problem when bombing down on a mountain bike.
Now I had to pick my way down carefully and now my heart rate was dropping too low. The idea today was to stay between 115 and 151 beats per minute. But I was not taking any chances. All the running downhill was taking its toll on my knees and they began to hurt.
Once back down off the mountain I headed back toward home. I was lucky enough to spot a trail that I never noticed before and soon I was running along the river. I was so happy to just be running and enjoying everything around me.
My mind wandered to my colleague Cath, she has Cancer and has undergone surgery and Chemo and is now undergoing radiotherapy. I smiled as I remembered how she is coping. She has faced it head on. I saw her this week and she showed me her new fluffy hair that is re growing, she reminds me of my Mum with her unfailing sense of humour . Just thinking of her made me scoff at my complaining knees and put a spring in my step.
I though of the courageous ladies I met in Africa, I though about how I will feel when running the marathon in Sept.
Suddenly I was hit by the most beautiful scent of the many wild rosehip flowers all around.
Once back on the tarmac trail, it became harder to keep going. But I knew that I would be running more than two hours and that pushed me on.
I finally got home having run 12.4 miles in 2hrs 36mins.
I spent ages stretching my legs whilst having a recovery drink. My legs felt battered so I ran an ice cold bath and sat in cold water for 15 minutes. As cold as the water was and finding it hard to catch my breath, my legs felt hot.
And that folks was Sundays run. I still don't know how I am going to run a marathon in two months time!
Monday is a much need rest day.
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