One year ago today I wanted to be a trail runner. I even tried my first run. I felt wonderful and free and then did not do it again. A few months went by and I tried again, had lost fitness, probably pulled a muscle and gave up. 8 months later I went out again into the countryside and puffed my way up a hill in the sunset. The sheep were watching. I was trying really hard.
Three is the magic number
So they say. I did indeed do three runs to end up here. I am sitting at the end of my first full week of trialling trail running. I haven’t felt this well in a long time. The air, the little rocks to trip over.. the focus on fun instead of pace. I love it.
Conic Hill
April 2024
Walked up, ran down and followed a stretch of the West Highland Way along the Loch Lomond back to the car. 5k. I felt amazing & free; running where I would usually walk. I loved jumping from stone to stone on the way down the path. I enjoyed scrambling through gorse on the way through the fields.
Cornwall
June 2024
I was working away, in a hotel, by the seaside. I challenged myself to run part of the coastal path. I went too far, got really tired, late for work, realised I was not fit enough for this sport. I then had to drive all the way to Scotland that evening. It was Summer solstice. I got home at 2am and it was still not properly dark.
Shropshire
Feb 2025
I was training for a half marathon (should have been). I had not done much over Christmas. I finally made it out the door and I had the most incredible time. Mostly paths and roads, lots of hills, but the feeling of being free in wide open spaces… I really want that. I said I would do it.
And now, here I am. 30km of trails done in this last week. Half Marathon lined up in 9 days time.. my goal is: 1. Don’t get injured. 2. Have a wonderful time. Such a change from before.
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