Sunday run returns

Sunday the weather was cooler, a lot cooler, more conducive to running. Cloudy and a noticeable breeze. We ran along the main road before turning into a lane. In the field next to the lane I saw a man with a metal detector. I could not resist the temptation so we stopped and had a word with him. His haul for the morning was a broken child's toy cap gun from the seventies. Metal detecting can be very hit and miss unless you do a lot of homework into local history. It can become a bit addictive, the next sweep could uncover a hidden haul.

Reluctantly we set off again along the lane, then up the steep field. I was pleased to be able to run all the way to the top after losing so much time through injury. A man was at the top with his daughter collecting elderflower to make elderflower champagne. Running down through the woods with the breeze blowing it was very pleasant. After the woods we ran down a field across the stream and up the other side before entering a village. The footpath beside the pub is overgrown so we had to walk up it. Once into the open fields again we were able to press on again. Fields that a few months ago were flooded are now as hard as rock due to the hot dry weather we have enjoyed. It was six and a half miles at a fairly sedate pace but that was exactly what we needed. We now have a base to build on.  

Run in the sun.

Well get out we did. Only twice but at least we made the effort. Tuesday we ran three miles and Thursday four. Twelve miles for the week was less than I had hoped for but under the circumstances it was acceptable. Saturday is forecast to be cooler and if that carries over into Sunday we can begin to build up the mileage again.

Too Hot To Handle.

After completing a second three mile run last week I was keen to build on that momentum. This morning it was hot and forecast to get even hotter so it was best to get it done. We ran on the side of the road that was in the shade of some large trees. This ploy worked well for a mile when we changed course running along a lane before entering a field. The ground underfoot was rock hard and unforgiving. The sun was beating down and I was beginning to sweat freely. I took a bottle of water but this had little effect. I got progressively slower as we went along, partly due to the heat and in part due to the fact that I had missed so much training. It was good to be running again and I have no after effects on my Achilles. The weather forecast for the next week is more sunny hot weather but I will try and get out there.

One step at a time.

Yesterday I took a step in the right direction. A three mile run without any adverse reaction from my Achilles tendon. It had been two weeks since my last attempt and eight weeks since the injury occurred. Even the cycling, which had been reduced during Wimbledon tennis fortnight, has done little to retain much fitness. It will be a long slow road to reach the level of fitness I had achieved before the injury happened. I do not enjoy running in hot weather so a little rain would be very welcome.

I have been out with my camera a few times and have posted some of my pictures.

Poppies in oilseed rape fields.

Poppies in perfusion.

A scene from one of our regular runs.

Tranquility.

Canal in town center.

Sign depicting what was sold at the town market.