Well it looks like it’s my last evening run having to wear a headtorch.
I’ve been using a Petzl Nao over the winter and it’s been great. I’ve often heard people say that when it’s in reactive mode it can be frustrating. I have to admit I have had some trying moments when running in a group and or when condensation from my breath rises up and obscures the path ahead. However these problems have one very simple solution: I just put the headtorch into standard mode with the flick of a switch.
My other top tip for dealing with this is to run at the back. I do anyway but only because I’m steady. I've found you can use the light to see the trail from other peoples' lights and save your battery. When they have all left you, put it back into reactive mode.
On this last run I’m moving along at a fair lick (ha ha) and I’m thinking to myself what can I do to make the time and pain pass by quicker?
Up ahead I see them; SHEEP, lots of them on the trail. Quick as a flash I go into sheepdog mode and I’m down on all fours, setting the camera up. This might seem to be an odd reaction to fairly common traffic on a Peak commute, but I'm in photo snapping mood.
Camera set ACTION: I move forward 3 paces to get in the frame. Only on the 3rd step, the sheep disperse; result empty.
This goes on for several more attempts before I get the shot.
Feeling smug about sheep herding I up the pace (well start jogging)
I execute a quick body swerve to the left (ok I tripped) and they’re off in all directions. I spend a couple of minutes sat on my arse assessing the chaos that spreads out before me.
Clearly I’m just not fit enough yet, so I carry on with my run making a mental note to watch re runs of one man and his dog when I get home.
The rest of the run goes without a hitch and I stop off to see the lads bouldering at Plantation. Some of them are laid down on their beds (pads) hmm!! bouldering looks relaxing I think, before making my way at a fast pace up on to Stanage.
Next week I’ve been invited to test some running gear with Salomon. Check back to see how I get on woof woof!!!