Trail running ...

 I'm a very unlikely runner! I started a few winters ago with the Couch to 5K app and a few friends. I certainly never expected it to last but we found that we had quite a laugh as we huffed and puffed along. We dragged ourselves out on freezing, dark mornings but really looked forward to it. My times were slow but it was really enjoyable to feel like I had a goal to aim for. After bringing up a large family for a couple of decades, it was really lovely to have something just for me :-) 

The first time I ran 5k (3.1 miles) I was really chuffed but genuinely surprised! Over the following spring and summer, I built up though 10k (6.2 miles) to 10 miles at a push. Then, I decided to try running a half marathon distance (13.1 miles). I ran along the river early one morning, just me and a bottle of Lucozade. It took me three hours and I was utterly exhausted towards the end (it was a super hot July!) but I'm still really proud that I managed it. 

Since then, despite trying to build back up to it again and again, I haven't done another half marathon - but I will at some point ^_^ There have been lots of times when life has got in the way for months at a time and running just hasn't really been an option. I've found though, that it doesn't take much to get back to it again. A couple of weeks of regular short runs again and it all starts feeling a bit easier. 

I must admit though, I don't really class myself as a "proper" runner as such. I've overweight, and I plod along. Don't think I mean that in a putting myself down sort of way mind you - an hour of pushing yourself, or even an hour of having a happy plod is the same hour regardless of the distance you cover! 

Well, after a break of several weeks (this year has been more breaks than running I think!) I went out today with the aim of 2 miles, or 3 if it felt okay. It did feel okay (ended up being 3.3 miles), though in a rather puffed out and unfit sort of way. I've lost 1.5 stone over the past few months which has definitely helped. Anyway, according to the app I use, I'm "trending fasting" on that route, despite the lack of fitness so something must be working. I'm not really bothered about times as such and 15 minute miles are fine by me. I'd like to get a little bit quicker really though so I can lengthen my routes without it taking over the day. 

Here's the pics. It was beautiful! Just after a downpour, though the chalky, flinty paths were really slippery!