It's tough at the top.

It was a Sunday morning in September last year and we could not muster the enthusiasm to go for a run. We decided to go for a walk instead and look for a new route to run when we felt a bit more like it. The route that we walked was five miles long and definitely undulating, we decided we would need a reasonable level of fitness before we could tackle it. Winter set in and the wet weather made it impractical but today seemed perfect.
We set off at a modest pace knowing what was in store. It was the warmest day of the year so far and a pleasure to be out. Surprisingly running down the first track there was no one else about, no walkers or dog walkers. Crossing the main road we enter a field and hit the first hill, it is very steep and difficult to get into a rhythm. Once over the top the sun lights up the countryside and we could see for miles. Catching our breath we ran down the side of a hill to the stream at the bottom. Past a dozen bee hives which we give a wide berth to and follow the stream on a path that is like soft sand. After half a mile we turn sharp right and the main climb begins. The first section is up cultivated land. The hill is then too steep for ploughing and we are on grass. It would be all too easy to walk and probably as quick but we push on with thighs on fire. Eventually we can see it levelling out and we swing around the top of the field and can look down at the climb we have made. Someone walking their dog along by the stream looks tiny. After running through a gap in the hedge we skirt around a field that has broad beans just pushing through. On past a farm then up again to the highest point of the run before plunging steep downhill back to the main road. Climbing again towards town we are only a mile and a half from home. Lungs are bursting and legs are shot but a mile and a half to go we have to hold it together somehow. We made it and now only have four to run tomorrow. It will be flat.