The best things in life are free!

When my plans changed this evening and I had an unexpected free night, how better to spend it than going for a little run after work. The sun was shining and I felt motivated so I was keen to lace up and get out when I got in from work.

I went to Bootcamp last night for the first time in quite a while and boy did I feel I feel it this morning! We were boxing so I could really feel in my arms (and I still can!). I am really glad I went as I have caught the exercise bug again and was motivated to go running tonight.

I realised that I left my Garmin at my parent’s house when I went home for the weekend so I knew I’d have to run without technology. Once upon a time this would have made me stay inside but I decided that I would rather just go out and run because I can.

I ran to the running track near Temple Newsam and planned to run round it twice before heading back. During the second lap I noticed a really pretty spectrum in the sky that looked like a tiny rainbow. Rainbows are one of my favourite things so I had to stop to take a photo. It was so beautiful but the camera didn’t capture it’s full beauty. The blue sky and pretty colours gave me a bit of an energy boost and kept me going for a third (!) lap of the running track. I then headed back and really enjoyed taking in my surroundings…the birds were singing and there were lots of people out and about enjoying the spring weather. It was lovely to see that some of the trees are getting their leaves again. I love the changing seasons and felt like I got to experience part of this tonight by being out in the fresh air. My legs and hips began to ache a little bit so I decided to walk on my way back. I enjoyed the walk too and the pain eased and I ran the rest of the way back.

 

 

It was definitely the most enjoyable solo run I’ve done in a very long time. I find running on my own difficult but I think I enjoyed the freedom of being outdoors in nice weather with no technology. (I had my phone in my pocket in case of an emergency but I didn’t have it logging my run). I’m definitely going to do more runs without my Garmin as it reminds me to take in my surroundings and actually experience the run. I am doing a Parkrun in Leeds on Saturday with some of my friends from work and I am actually looking forward to running without my Garmin (I’d always use it if I have a choice but I’m a little bit pleased I accidentally left it behind when I came back to Leeds).

Two years ago today, during my training for my first Half Marathon, I ran 10k for the first time ever. I never thought that I’d still be running two years later, or indeed training for another half marathon. I know it’s not going to be easy but I am actually looking forward to the challenge again!  And if I wasn't training for the Great North Run again, I doubt I would have gone out tonight...and look at what I would have missed. The best things in life really are free!