Having set the bar at parkrun at the end of May, I fell off the pace in June. Half marathon training should have started (and in theory has), but the tall task of getting back to speed leaves me a little lacking in enthusiasm. June has also seen me away for work related things a few of times and overall it’s just been a very busy month.
I felt like I’d lost my mojo a little, but have been pleased to rediscover it on the trails. Thursday saw me dropped off on the back road as husband headed north. This allowed me to enjoy a loop of my favourite forest before making my way home, barely touching tar until the final mile.
Then today saw the social Sunday group hit our usual loop of Hazlehead and Countesswells. After yesterday’s hot parkrun at the beach, the damp, cool air among the trees was a true blessing!
The run started with a warm up loop with Alan before meeting the others. We then headed up the trail at Hazlehead, through the gates and over to Countesswells Forest.
Stopped at our usual spot for the group photo, minus Ali, our usual photographer, so a couple of people are missing from shot!
Onwards along the beautiful trails, great in all weathers but especially pleasurable on such a lovely summer’s day!
Kingshill, the big hill of the run, is tough on the legs, but definitely helps with overall strength. First time around …
And around again …
I have no idea how I ever managed to do this 5 times! That was probably around this time last year when peaking for the Fort William Marathon.
Crossing over to the other side of the Forest we run up what I consider to be the last hill – in actual fact there are two more but I find them comparatively easy.
No sprint back through Hazlehead this week as my legs were more than happy (or fatigued) by what we’d done. Finished with a run up and down the reps lane to round the day off with 14 miles.
Goal for the week ahead is to try to get some regular running in, whatever the weather.
This is where I’m at. What keeps you motivated? Feel free to share any tips by commenting.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 
Lunch time runs down the beach break up my work day and give me forty minutes of me time two or three times a week. That keeps me going – cos I look forward to them and feel great afterwards. And all easy – just for the fun of it…
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