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I found a new playground |
I wasn't giving up, though, and I was still determined to get a longer run done today, I just needed a different mindset. Perhaps I'd piled on too much pressure with the possibility of an impressive distance, maybe I was tired from an already quite active weekend, maybe I was worried my shins would begin to throb again, maybe it just wasn't my day...but I felt that taking a moment to gather myself and start a fresh would help.
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Taking on stinging nettles, thistles and thorns in shorts was not a good idea |
After a drink, stretch, a face-full of getbuzzing flapjack and a change of shoes, I stepped out the front door again and ran in the opposite direction as I had earlier, travelling at a deliberately slower pace.
Just changing a few things and taking the time for a breather did wonders for my mood. After my reset, I was more comfortable and much happier, managing to enjoy getting lost and finding new local trails. I stopped waiting for the pang of injury pain and didn't even notice when my watch's battery ran out, my focus was on exploring new places and, on the occasion, not getting hit by flying golf balls.
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A bit of agility training included on my run |
Taking that pause meant I ran for over three hours all together, much longer than I'd predicted. I have no idea how far I ran but that doesn't matter. I discovered that my trail-running playground is even bigger than I thought and that a fresh start works wonders.
Yay this is great. I ventured out for my first solo run up on the Downs this morning - I've ran up there so many times in different running groups and on runs with friends but never remember where I'm going so made a point of finding a route and trying to follow it today. Lots of stop-starting to check the map and take photos of the beautiful scenery/cows etc. but made it in one piece and vowed to do all my long runs for Fort William on the trail from now on! Well done on your run, 3 hours is immense! I ran for about 2 today :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an amazing place to run! I'm all about trail running and love to stop and take in the views, too. Well done for your long run and good luck for the rest of your marathon training!
DeleteAhh I love a trail explore. Looks lush! x
ReplyDeleteMe too! It was great to find some more places to play.
DeleteLooks like good trails :)
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty tasty! Looking forward to going back and getting lost again.
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