Winter Running

I find it much harder to motivate myself to go out for a run on these cold, dark windy evenings, but I know that I always feel better for it once I have dragged myself off the sofa! I find that the worst bit is getting out of the front door, but I tell myself that I'll only go out for five minutes and invariably stay out longer.

I did just that this evening having slobbed out for too long and eaten too many crumpets. It was really chilly out, but I wrapped up warm, donned my highly attractive, but highly visible reflective jacket and head-torch, and headed off around the village. I felt a bit like an oversized glow-worm as I was trying out my new flashing 'tail' light (if only it was green...!) – but at least it made me a bit more noticeable.

Heading out in the evenings is great; with less to see you really focus on your other senses – the bark of a fox in the distance, or a robin chirruping in the trees, confused by the artificial light of the streetlamps. I love catching a glimpse into other people's lives through their un-drawn curtains and really notice the smell of the autumn leaves mingled with the acrid scent of a coal fire that hangs in the damp, cold air.

As always, it was definitely worth heading out into the cold. My cheeks were pink and glowy and I felt refreshed and invigorated - and more worthy of a lazy, relaxing evening. After all, I'd earned it!