“You bloody show off” yelled the grumpy old git at his front gate as I ran passed his house. That run earlier this week, which, if I say it myself, was pretty damn good.
My run in numbers:
Miles – 7
Pace – 9:30/mile
Calories – 1010
Other friendly runners – 3
Grumpy old blokes yelling “you bloody show off” – 1
Stops to admire the bluebells – 1
It was a cool day but clear blue sky, pretty good for April. The air was crisp and clean and I just couldn’t help wondering if this was helped by the Coronavirus keeping cars and planes grounded.
Speaking of the Coronavirus, this run was in splendid self isolation, which is one of the reasons why I love running, just being on my own. It did seem odd with there being so few cars and people around, not that I’m complaining. I can get lost in my thoughts, choose my route and pace.
Worth mentioning the three runners I encountered. First was at the gate going into the Church End church – there’s a footpath running through the grounds. We said “hi” to each other in a cheery way.
The other runners were a couple together with their alsatian dog. He had a heavy looking canvas rucksack and seemed a chunky, well muscled man. She was slim, almost dainty and had a dog lead around her waist with a long lead to the dog (which looked a bit of a handful). For most of the time we were running at a similar speed along Common Road at Kensworth until they needed to stop for the dog.
As I passed I said “looks like you’re training for something?”
“Training for all those lost years mate!”
And then as I carried on I heard a “you bloody show off” as the old grumpy man yelled out at me. I’ve never had that before and I remembered all the comments I’ve had hurled at me over the years. I decided the “nice bum” was the best comment from a few years back.
The hills
There are two main climbs in this 7 mile circuit and they occur at about mile 1 and 2. Then there are a few little slopes, nothing worth fretting over.
The second hill, Hollicks Lane, is really steep and I admit to having to walk a little this time. Years ago when I started running I hated that hill and used to find a different way around it. Then as I got better at running, I used to look forward to it. Probably only 200 or 300 metres, it rises at 25% so pretty steep.
I could feel my lungs using every bit of their capacity, breathing deeply into even little crevice. My heart was beating quickly, probably faster than the recommended 220-minus age=maximum heart rate. It wasn’t too far to the top and I’ve run this hill many times before, so I knew where to stop for a breather. I knew I was getting a brilliant workout!
The woods and out onto Dunstable Downs
This is probably my favourite part of the run, where the reward comes. There are some trails which go through Swallowspring Wood and out onto the Dunstable Downs with its amazing views. The woods are always quiet and, although small, are lovely to run through at different times of the year. I love it when it’s muddy and wet, or autumn leaves falling or dry, quicker paths – they’re all great. Then it’s out on to Dunstable Downs, passed the Visitor Centre and onto a fast path for about a mile before descending to the edge of the town.
Recovery
Last night I slept for 10 hours and I can still feel my legs are tired, even my feet are a little stiff. Rachel probably thinks I push myself too far, perhaps I do but it does feel good in my mind.
Normally I do some lunges and other leg stretches while my muscles are still supple and warm, but completely forgot and this might explain why I’m feeling sore. Talking of feeling sore, I also forgot to have any cherry juice, which is very effective in reducing any muscle soreness.
As I have mentioned recently, I can’t accept that, at 58, it’s all downhill. I keep believing the best is yet to come.