After last week’s picturesque run from Crystal Palace to New Addington, I fancied something a little different.
So this morning, I opted for a 15 mile downland run. 4 miles uphill to join the South Downs Way at Truleigh Hill, then an undulating 7 miles to Saddlescombe and back, followed by a 4 mile downhill finishing stretch.
Fast it was not. But I did learn several interesting things:
- Most people will say “hello” in response to a cheerful “good morning”.
- I like running long runs by myself. I always thought long runs were easier with company, but I’ve changed my mind. Running at my pace in blissful silence is far more relaxing.
- I’ll take a border collie using me as a training tool over a small uncontrolled trip-hazard of a dog any day of the week.
- I have a favourite running song. I sang it to myself at the start of the run to help myself find a suitable running rhythm and carried on singing it pretty much the whole way round. In fact, at one point, when my knee was playing up and I needed a boost, I even resorted to singing it out loud. Which garnered some very peculiar looks.
- The best way to carry my knee support when I’m not using it, is to turn it into an elbow wrap. Though this also garners peculiar looks.
- For every calorie burned on my long run, I will eat three when I get home.
Sounds like my long run – like having someone to run with but I’ve really enjoyed my last two Saturday runs alone! Wasn’t sure how I was going to cope without music but singing to oneself is very helpful – luckily it was raining yesterday so no-one else about! It’s good to learn things x
I agree with the long runs by myself – no pressure to match pace or pretend to listen. Although Alma is good to run with as she has got used to me just grunting in response… What is your running song?
Sounds good but as Carla said, you didn’t tell us what this magic running song is?! 😉
My running song is “The Sloth” by Flanders and Swann. Which I suspect is on very few playlists 😉
Well done on 15 off road miles. Marathon is in your sights! I also like a solitary long run with my music and imagination.
With you on the calorie consumption after a long wrong it just makes you so hungry doesn’t it? Well done on your solo long running