Beacon Batch exploration

Did a great run today in bright winter sunshine. Four miles around Beacon Batch in the Mendips. I must have walked around there when I first came to Bristol but haven't been there since. With the grandparents staying for a few days Dave and I grabbed our chance to leave the kids for a couple of hours and ventured off for an explorative run. Straight up the hill to the high point, across the top and then down through the woods. The views across to Bristol and Blagdon Lake were amazing. Makes you really appreciate that we live in a beautiful part of the country.

There were lots of people around taking a Sunday afternoon stroll. I will have to go back there with the girls. No doubt there will be a bit of grumbling with the hill, but plenty of rocks to scramble over and a handy pub nearby.

Why go for run in the dark, cold and snow?

So while some of you were wrapped up warm in a cosy bed, muggings here had planned to go for an early morning run with two running pals. So when the text came through saying "look outside - still up for a run?" I had a moment of hesitation. A thin layer of snow was covering everything. Oh well, I could have a lie-in instead. I was up late last night writing copy for a deadline and a lie-in of half an hour would be good.

Who was I trying to fool? The kids were already up. Then my other running pal texted saying we could use our running crampons… Of course, I'd completely forgotten. We'd ordered a pair of Yaktrax Pro ice grippers. They were only £20 and are great for running and walking on ice. Could have done with them back in December. But was there enough snow to warrant wearing them? I was beginning to question myself. Why was I going for a run? What was driving me?

I asked Dave if he thought I was mad going running this morning. His reply was "no, going ice climbing in Scotland for a weekend is crazy." Dave's last trip up there was something of an epic. Maybe that's it! In comparison to his long drive, long walk-in carrying a huge backpack and then ice climbing up some sheer cliff, going for a short run in the snow in Bristol is kind of tame really. I've tried ice climbing - along time ago now - and believe me it is the most knackering, exhausting, frightening thing I have ever done! And that was without the long drive. No. Running out of my front door is just right for me.

So with a sense of adventure we strapped on the crampons and ventured out into the dark, cold and snow. Just round Victory Park and through the top fields and back. I wasn't really convinced that there was enough snow to wear the crampons but they did give that little bit of extra confidence. Walking to school was far more slippery when I decided not to wear them. That would be typical. Go for a run and then end of twisting my ankle walking to school!!

Anyway the run was lots of fun and a real stress buster. I overheard someone say that there was no snow in Bishopston. So sounds like it was just us South Bristol lot that got the snow. The kids were very happy. Anyway enough rambling on. Must get on with some work.

New Years Resolution

I promised myself I would get back into yoga in 2011. It's all very well doing all this running stuff but it's no good for those of us who are not naturally supple. However much I stretch, yoga seems the only thing that does the trick. Having suffered from sciatica in my early thirties and then a prolasped disk, believe me I know how important it is to stretch and stay supple. So yesterday I went to my first yoga class in months with Lila at Yogaprema and it was great. I had done some practice at home, but it's not the same as attending a class.

Here's to staying supple and avoiding injuries in 2011!

ParkRun Bristol

2010 was a great year for my running and I hope 2011 will be even better. I've just entered the Longleat 10k in February to keep me motivated for the next few months. For anyone out there with a New Years resolution to get fit and start running check out www.bristolrunningresource.org.uk. The site is full of information on running in Bristol, running routes, lists of races and running events in the area and some great blogging - including a few by myself.

A recent post mentions ParkRun, a great initaitive spreading throughout the country to get people running 5k in parkland. Sounds like one could be coming to Bristol. But you don't need an orgainsed event to start running. Team up with a mate and get running. Feel good, feel fit and stay trim for 2011.

My first run of this year was a real stress buster after an intense night in the childrens' A&E after my daughter got glowstick fluid in her eyes. I almost cancelled my morning run as I was so tired but pleased I didn't. I felt so much calmer after the run.

Happy New Year everyone!