So it was Easter Sunday, it was scorching and I was working (brilliant). The shop was super busy but when I could grab a minute I did a little map research to see where to run that evening.
Sorted, I picked an area called Bretton Clough. It was new to me so it would be interesting.
It was still warm as I parked the car at Leadmill Bridge a little later than expected. I’m sure Rob mentioned an hour’s overtime or it may have been just the hot sun getting to my head. Anyway off I went at a nice steady pace. As soon as I turned off the road and into the first field there were the sheep again. This time they had babies with them. Quick as a flash I got the camera out click/click what a glorious sight new born lambs, it really felt like Easter.
On I went at a slow pace as I wasn't too sure of the area. A busy day in the shop had knackered me out.
I was really enjoying this run. Discovering new paths added interest and the weather was amazing. All of a sudden travelling downhill at speed on a steep, muddy descent, I was down on my arse.
I couldn't help but laugh knowing I would have to get undressed on the driveway again when I got home (new carpets).
I decided at this point to turn back and head to the car. At the top of the hill after a steady run up a well-marked path I headed off in the direction of Hathersage. Dropping down to the river I followed it downstream back to the bridge, listening to the sounds of the lambs in the nearby fields.
Arriving back at the car I was grinning from ear to ear. I really am enjoying these runs and I’m starting to notice an improvement. I’m now running every other day – fast paced short runs of around 2-3 miles, usually followed a couple of days later by a steady 6 miler. I try and run one long run a week, which at the moment is about 12 miles. My pace is varied, around fast 9 min miles up to 14 min miles steady.
This week I did a long run in the afternoon on my day off and it felt really good. It was a nice change from the early morning and after work runs.
On Saturday night when I finished work I ran back to Hunters Bar roundabout (Endcliffe Park) which was around the 10 mile mark.
On this outing I picked up some company. An Everest mountain marathon runner, a Lakeland marathon finisher, and a little bloke from Dronfield who's done a 10k. I would have asked them for some training tips but I was too far away to hold a conversation.
Also this week I met Stuart Air, a sponsored trail runner who runs for Scott. We are going on a training run later this month and I’ll get to try out some new products. He’s a Hardrock 100 finisher, so if I can keep up with him for long enough it should be a good opportunity to ask some questions!