The Things We Do For Love…of Running

Today’s run was not particularly enjoyable in itself, but it was helpful in my quest to at least maintain a habit and a reasonable base level of running fitness. It was just 5k through a little seaside village, and where the pavement ends the wild stuff begins. Well, it wasn’t that dramatic, it’s just that the terrain became more challenging with sand and stones and random potholes that were difficult to see. I twisted my ankle on this route last year and ignominiously fell into roadside shrubs where the pavement began again on the way back.

The terrain was good for developing strength and flexibility in my ankles, but it obviously slowed my pace. The running stats from my Garmin watch were further compromised by stopping to clamber down to the beach from the wooded path to take photos, doing this partly on my dupe (Bulgarian for backside – oh, did I not mention I am in Schlorpolitski again, on the Black Sea coast?). The more unpleasant part of the run was being plagued by large midges in the wooded part, meaning that I ran like a toddler flailing my arms around. So much for running efficiency! It also taught me to run with my mouth closed.

So, not amazing, not overly enjoyable, but it was a run. I don’t think any run is wasted, we learn something every time and it keeps our bodies in a state of suspense. It was more than a thousand miles from Brighton and 23 miles short of a marathon, but it is another one in the bag and on the blog. And however short the run, I never skimp on the opportunity to stretch my nicely warmed up body, and that has to be good. And, being on holiday, the best stretch is for the beer!

(The title is from an old 10cc song – but aren’t they all old?)