The Big Thaw

It's the day after  Boxing Day and I've finally got out for a proper run without the fear of falling over. There's still a bit of snow around but most of the ice has gone. It was good to get out running my usual morning 7.5km route. This involves running through Victory Park, up through the top fields to Broomhill, across to Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve, along by the River Avon and then down through to Nightingale Valley before returning home. I struggled on the hills - I blame the lack of running over the last couple of weeks due to the three i's - illness, ice and indulgence. Too many  chocolates  and mince pies. However knowing I had eaten too much made me try harder particularly up those steep hills.

The ponds in Eastwood Farm were still frozen - a solitary heron carefully walked across the surface of the ice. But the River Avon - half frozen on Christmas Day had thawed. The pavements were pretty much OK for most of the run and where it did look slippery I diverted to the roads.

The shady Nightingale Valley was still covered in a blanket of snow but if the thaw continues, it will no doubt disappear  soon.

I've ordered some running crampons in preparation for the next cold spell. Not being able to run due to the ice is sooo frustrating. Still despite the ice I did manage a short run on Christmas Day around Arnos Court Park and Arnos Vale Cemetery while Dave and the girls went sledging. It was a beautiful day, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Check out my blog post on www.bristolrunningresource.org.uk. What else could you ask for on Christmas Day in Bristol?