Finding an easy pace doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m the one bursting off the starting line, then later gasping for breath whilst everyone else overtakes. I love the feeling of being able to run ever greater distances, but I still sometimes find my legs petering out to a walking pace.
I’m searching for that sweet spot between race and plod, where your legs get in to a rhythm and feel they could keep going for ever. I keep my eyes on the horizon, stand straight and breathe deep while my feet keep pounding. That perfect rhythm requires all my attention- blissful distraction from the rest of the world.
I could listen to music, but it seems to distract. There’s enough of a beat in the air already. Were I plugged in I wouldn’t notice the flock of waders with their bright red beaks, who fly off on the wind; or the rabbit tucking in to the hedgerow beside me; or the splash of my feet in a grass-lined stream. Perhaps all these little pieces around me will help me find an easy rhythm. And, if my legs do just drift to a halt, there’s always the photo opp excuse..
I’ve just realised I’ve got to the end of January and haven’t had a run yet – whoops! I’m so jealous of you having such a beautiful place to run – it must be amazingly refreshing and uplifting. x
It is great to be able to run on the beach. But I bet you’ve got some lovely places where you are too (and you’ve still got 24hrs to squeeze in that January run!)
I really liked reading this :)
I’m so glad Grishma! I enjoy writing about running.