This running lark is dangerous for your health, well this week it nearly saw the end of me. Where I live can be a little temperamental for weather, it seems to have it's own micro climate. No fog where I am but head to the top of the road its a pea souper. So in order to keep myself safe I wear as much florescent gear as possible and run with the flow of traffic, maybe wearing lights maybe my next option, as this is something that car drivers seem to forget even in the thickest of fog. I am really fortunate that where I live is nearly all countryside which gives perfect opportunity to extend my distances out well. So far its going really well and I am not feeling tired even at 13 miles, my new route takes in a couple of country lanes which are fairly quiet normally, however they have very fast moving traffic. It was Thursday morning and I was about 8 miles in and heading down a really narrow section of a country road, as I rounded the corner I kept myself in as tight as possible. Then literally in the blink of an eye a Range Rover came out of the fog.....with no lights on.....I jump onto the grass verge and grabbed the nearest tree and gripped on for dear life. I was furious I could not believe how close it was, the car never even saw me, but the fact that it had no lights on made my blood boil. After venting my disapproval at this episode, 2 workmen installing a new sign were finding my expression amusing, I wondered if these same workers would be there on my return. As I continued my run the fog remained and I was very surprised to find the expected quiet route I had selected over run with cars and vans. Once again jumping out of the way to allow 2 sets of cars to travel by me was met with thanks ( I always acknowledge anyone that moves out of my way) I double back to finish my loop. As I cross the road to head towards traffic, the 2 workmen are still dealing with the post....."that was close wasn't it ?"...well yes fool I did not decide to just jump up a tree and stab myself in the head with a huge branch because I love it....I politely agree and set off.
Its still foggy out and decked out in my flo jacket I again extend my run, its the beginning of the Easter holidays so the traffic is lighter already, so I predict that the country roads will be quieter still. I was nearly right today was met with avoiding big lorries and huge puddles, the fog was coupled with the slight falling of rain, but in these areas it was heavier rain making the road very narrow in sections. The decision is simple go around or go through, the problem is obvious once your feet are wet then they rub and get sore, but I cannot expect drivers to avoid me running round a puddle. I decide to run through the smaller ones and try and avoid the biggies, aside from the puddles is the mud that has been made by the constant splashing which I cannot avoid. Wet dripping from my hair, my feet are sodden and I still have 5 miles to do, but I feel confident and relaxed, popping my glucose tablets every 4km is really helping. Mmm I can feel my toes rubbing against my shoe, I change position slightly and its not as painful, it starts to rub on a different toe..oh come on seriously I am not stopping or cutting short. I dig in and try and ignore the pain, I replay my playlist and pick up the pace and try to shift my stance, it worked until I went downhill. There was no getting away with anything at this point I can feel myself limping and trying not to strike the floor hard, this will cause me pain not only from the blisters but aching hips. I finally hit the flat again and begin my speed up again ready for my home run. As I pull up outside I know my toes are a mess both feet have rubbed, I am out again on Wednesday so I am hoping that they will have covered over by then.
I am really happy with my running at the moment it feels effortless, the weather is helping the damp in the air, a good air temperature and the glucose tablets are all beating together to bring the miles on.
Have a good week all.
