Having finished our long walk last week I followed up with Aberdeen parkrun on Saturday. Ignoring my watch and running by feel I didn’t feel too bad, although the finishing time was slower than I’d usually expect for the perceived effort. That aside, it had been the best part of three weeks since I’d last run!
Today, I stopped off on route to Braemar for a wee run. I’d checked out Walkhighlands to find a route, something short with not too much elevation was the goal, and ‘Around Craig Leek’ fitted the bill.
Invercauld Estate
Parking up at Keiloch on Invercauld Estate, I followed the wee road along past the estate houses to begin my run. My legs felt somewhat heavy and tired and I wondered whether I should bother! On the positive side, the fact that it was warm meant a walk in shorts and t-shirt would not be unpleasant. I passed a field of heilan coos and continued on the minor road for a mile or so.
Deceptive Elevation
The route profile on Walkhighlands looked pretty flat.
I realise on reflection that this may be due to the use of metres as it didn’t look or feel quite so flat when running (and walking) it.
I ran a bit (slowly) and walked a bit to ease myself into it, questioning whether I’d made the right choice and thinking maybe I should have just walked after all.
Message on a Bench
Then I came upon this bench and it spoke to me.
I don’t think there could have been a better message for me! I reflected on the way my thoughts were going:
I can’t do this today, my legs feel heavy, I’m tired;
and recognised that I could change the direction of my thoughts, giving myself permission to go more slowly, to take my time, to walk if I wanted to, and suddenly the run became more pleasurable. I looked around and took in the views again.
All Downhill
Having reached the high point it was then a fun descent.
The track was fast but care was needed to ensure even footing. On one of the steeper, windier sections I had to step off the track to let a very slow moving Landrover past, some sort of tourist ‘safari’.
Reaching the flat ground again there were a couple of tiny water crossings, very dry due to the lack of rain of late. The views of the hill were lovely and I was glad I’d made the effort after all!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 