When times are tough, the mind racing, low moods embrace you, running a business makes your head hurt, donning the fell shoes, even when not in the mood takes me outside, and outside of myself. And this happened today with a visit to Teggs Nose.
Photo taken from Teggs Nose car park looking toward Macclesfield Forest.
I’d been up early, probably on the computer from 7.30am, and by lunchtime needed a run as my head was spinning for business and personal reasons. My mood was also low, but after speaking to a couple of friends perked up a bit.
Attired I set off, with no particular plan apart from running to the Trig at Kerridge Hill at a gentle pace, followed by some sun bathing whilst looking toward the village of Rainow.
I ran to the summit, sunbathed and relaxed letting the proverbial brain box wander, and avoided picking up the iPhone. All of this with beautiful views over the Cheshire Plain and down toward Rainow.
The mood grabbed me and I decided to head for the Teggs Nose Country Park and off I went on the undulating ascent via Rainow. Hot in places, but a nice cool breeze in places. I eventually hit Teggs Nose with the plan to get a soft drink from the cafe. That was not happening - closed. Thanks Covid.
Chilled out on a bench and took a photo toward Macclesfield Forest, and also took a business phone call from a lovely old business contact. Then proceeded to make my way back. A lovely descent with amazing views of the Cheshire Plain and Manchester.
View toward Manchester from a hill not far from Teggs Nose on the return route.
It was a bit of a rocky climb up to Kerridge Hill, so I took a rest and again admired the views at the Summit. Tried to call a friend, gave up due to reception, despite a mobile mast about 300 metres away down the hill from me - how does that work? Then back along the ridge (Saddle of Kerridge) to White Nancy, with views into Bollington. And from there back to Macclesfield.
Why do I like Fell Running?
Well today it got me out physically in lovely weather in an area of beauty where I was lucky to grow up in (Macclesfield). But more importantly was the break and release from troubling mental pressures, a sense of resignation, coupled with low mood, uncertainty, worry, and sadness.
What fell running seems to do is take you out of that moment as you concentrate on where you are putting your feet, whilst taking in scenery. On the flat or downhills, and for that matter steep climbs my mind wanders as I concentrate on feet, terrain, breathing; and my mind seems to organise thoughts, put thoughts to bed, create thoughts. And it is the same for emotions. It is very therapeutic when having a bad day. I’d like to say shite day up until the run, but that is rude.
I’d suggest Fell Running for those who fancy getting up in the hills and off the Tarmac, but must confess it is not for everyone. Running up hills in this heat can also be rude.
Graham Greene’s “Travels with my Aunt”
I very rarely listen to anything when Fell Running as I prefer to hear the natural sounds. But today, being low, fancied some company. I’ve been listening to this book on Audible and continued listening when running. Highly recommended is all I can say.