The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

Week Seven, Day Three: 8 May

It is Bank Holiday Friday, the 75^th anniversary of VE day, and my alarm goes off at 4.50am; I am not best pleased. I fleetingly think I could go back to sleep and run tomorrow, but then I would just have to go through this again. So, I drag myself out of bed, and can see from my bathroom window that it looks like it is going to be a glorious sunrise. This gives me a boost, and I feel much better about getting up. I am keen to get out close to sunrise, so I do my stretching while I drink my tea, choose the Fun Loving Criminals for my soundtrack, and get out of the house at 5.33am.

I remembered my gloves today. Although it’s cold, it is not freezing so I don’t need them. There is a light covering of mist across the fields, and the sun is coming up over the trees but still nestled behind some low clouds on the horizon. This is the fourth time I have run for 25 minutes, so am feeling reasonably comfortable with it now. I gave myself a little pep talk before I left the house about settling into the run, and not getting into a panic, and this seems to have worked. I settle into the run quite well and every time my thoughts start to move in the direction of ‘there is so long to go’ I distract myself by focusing on the music or my surroundings. No sign of Hera again, but she wouldn’t be able to hunt with the mist obscuring her view.

I find I am more comfortable throughout the run and, when the one-minute marker comes, I am able to open my stride and really go for it, leaving me breathing hard but feeling very satisfied when I finish. I can really notice a marked increase in my fitness now. I slow down for the cool-down walk and head home, taking photos on the way and looking forward to two days without the alarm going off!

If you are thinking of doing something similar take care to stay safe.

To do this I am:

• Keeping social distancing. I aim to get out by 6.30am (I am a lark not an owl), so there are very few people around, and if I do meet them I stay 2 meters away.
• I have my phone with me, and someone knows where I am going and when I am due back.
• And, of course, I have Dog with me.

Top tips to keep you safe and well during this strange time.

• Keep to the self-isolating and social distancing rules.
• Keep in contact with friends, family, and, of course, Restore.
• Find a routine and stick to it (I can’t emphasize enough how important this is)
• Every day do something for your physical and mental well-being. On the days I am not running I go out for a walk. I am also doing a 21-day meditation challenge with 2 friends. This benefits my well-being as well as keeping me connected every day. There are plenty of meditation apps out there, but if that isn’t your thing then find something that nurtures your soul. This can be as simple as listening to the birds sing or gazing up at the stars.
• Set yourself a challenge. This could be big or small, it’s entirely up to you.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there. The Restore website has a directory of useful and trusted websites with information, tips and ideas, here.

The Reluctant Jogger and Dog