February

[twittenkitten]

I went out to take my new trainers for a spin on Friday, after 10 days or so of giving my ankle an easier time of it.

I wanted to get out in the last of the light - having done all the other things required of me that day I ventured out at 5:30ish and I was rewarded by catching the sunset. I love the way bare trees are silhouettes in front of a finely graded sky from blue down to yellow (sometimes also pink) at sunset at this time of year. Criss-cross floaty clouds still pale from the sun are an added bonus. Getting out for a run really did feel like a reward, a bit of time just for me.

   

I took it easily along the cycle path to Ringmer to test my ankle. I will tell you now, it was sore and I was limping a bit all evening, but it was worth it to get out in to the fresh air. I love feeling the cold air on my face - I so rarely get cold while I am running it is a wonderful contrast.

The most heart-stopping part of the run was the fright I got from a pheasant that launched itself into the air as if from a comedy canon. I clearly frightened it more than it frightened me as it exploded from the shubbery at the side of the path as I came in range all noise, bulk and feathers. I imagine them, sitting quietly and still as they hear something approaching just hoping it will go away, hoping, hoping until they can bear it no longer and suddenly have to noisily panic. I'm not even sure how they get airborne. I watched it for a bit and then carried on, heart rate elevated from where it had been.

It certainly made a change from frightening the local flock of goldfinches, who were nowhere to be seen.

The rest of the run was uneventful, my main finding being that my running shorts felt a bit more loose than usual which I have taken unequivocally to mean my arse must be reducing in size. Hurrah! A good part of my newly found motivation to run regularly is that I want to lose weight so this is good news. It is also a scientifically proven fact* that I lose bulk from my bum first, before the more obvious tummy & hips.

So I finished my run feeling pretty good about life in general and just as the light was truly slipping away into dusk. Next up, trying the hill again.

*based on observation by male housemates in previous times. They certainly had an air about them that bespoke long study and close observance ...