Club run

I nearly didn't go out to run club last night as I was feeling tired, but reminded myself I am really trying to push my fitness up a bit and that slacking off isn't the way forward. Longest fell run I've done for a while 13.5km, taking in Two Lads, The Pike, Noon Hill and Winter Hill, the weather came good with a fabulous clear, dry evening. Even though the club run these fells every week there are still plenty of options to try new routes and last night we explored a bit, looking for some slightly different paths, most not run on for while. Made for some hard running but there is something lovely about getting off the main trails and paths, going off into the fells proper. Pressing on uphill, breathing hard, seeking out the faintest of trods in the long grass, avoiding gullies and spooking birds out of hidden places into the air with a panicky flutter of wings. Half running, half stumbling through tussocks and shoe gulping mud, the breeze drying my face to a patina of salt. The descent back down to town done in fading light with discussions of how soon headtorches will be needed. Life is so much better for a run.