As I sit here after a good day, typing this blog, I reminisce to the days of late running the Saddle of Kerridge, to and from White Nancy and Kerridge Hill, and from there to further pastures. And what fun it has been.
Looking backwards to Kerridge Hill Trig, and village of Rainow in the Peak District.
I am currently spending some time with mother (“Muver”) at her establishment in Macclesfield. Try as I may I am not capable at 49 years of age of resisting being mothered, smothered, loved, told off, given advice, and needing to report in regularly. It is actually quite nice, and I’m having quality time with her. I am also quite thankful of my remembering to leave the toilet seat down.
Whilst here I am working found us, ticking the business along as the good ship navigates the choppy waters of Covid. But I have some time on my hands as industry begins to crank itself up. So what do I do?
Well I go fell running in the hills of my youth, where I grew up, and now realise have longed to return to. The isolation of solo running I’ve enjoyed. Myself and my thoughts, a drifting stream of consciousness that has allowed me to sort thoughts, worries, hopes and aspirations as I tread gingerly through the ever changing terrain. Wonderful.
White Nancy looking towards Bollington and Manchester city centre, wearing Merrell Nova Trail shoes.
I’ve really enjoyed myself and started around the 6 mile mark, and have now increased the distance to 12 miles with around 2k of climb as I take in the very much hidden Lamaload Reservoir that sits near to the Goyt Valley.
Lamaload Reservoir.
My latest run today was in wonderful weather and conditions; overall cool, with the sun breaking through the cloud cover at times. I was able to wear the sunglasses and simply enjoyed the freedom of being alone, getting fitter as I have put weight on, and have also not been running regularly.
STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/activities/5229383216
Haruki Murakami
All of this has made me think of a wonderful and book that I read a while ago. It is written by a Japanese author and whilst he is a crime writer, he loves running, and wrote “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”. It is a wonderful book for anyone who solo runs and has a mind that is active. Have a read of it, it is well written, fascinating, and a perfect insight into the mind of the runner. It is clear we do not simply switch off when running, it enhances both the conscious and subconscious as we cover those miles.