Mothering Sunday Run

Just after 8am this morning there was a spiteful north east wind blowing when we started our run, but we had dressed to allow for that taking comfort from the fact that the sun was shining and the sky was as blue as could be. Spring has sprung.

 

Steve and I had worked hard on our bike ride yesterday and so neither of us was surprised that we found our usual Sunday morning run so much harder than of late. We have been trying to get some good sessions in ready for the season ahead of us that holds five triathlons over three distances by mid July and hopefully if all goes well in qualifying events there will be that very important one in Rotterdam in mid September.

The run today, after totally ignoring how hard it was for us, was spectacularly beautiful and to distract us from the discomfort, we reminded each other every half mile, how very lucky we believe we are to live so close to such wonderful scenery. The views from the highest point that passes over the crown of one hill and everywhere you cast your eyes is another one of our stunning South Downs, were breathtaking in every direction, and all of it looking more lush with every week that passes. Below a photo of me when I was a young mother with my darling daughter Jacqueline at her Christening.

 

The Big Birds as we call them, Red Kites and Buzzards were soaring overhead seeming to share our joy for this marvellous day. Sheep were not safely grazing (Nothing meant by this but a musical comment; J.S.Bach’s Sheep may safely graze), as they normally are but were huddled low to the ground in large groups looking for all the world like a mass display of fluffy stools. The only ones that moved as we passed by were the few sitting right on the path, who scuttled out of our way. Below is my mother, Winifred Rose Peace, I think of her every single day.

We were not the only ones taking advantage of the fine weather, since there were mountain bikers, a few dog walkers including two women who were walking for the dog, a cheeky looking Frenchie who stayed snuggled inside one of the ladies coats. There fewer still people on horses but one lady appeared to be doing the same loop as us but the other way around since we passed her twice in totally different places on our loop. here below is my mother when she was young with me and my brother Peter Antony Peace. What a great name eh? If only there were some more of it in the world.

The horrendous mud from the winter had dried up considerably and the ground was at the perfect level of just having a bit of give in the top layer. I so prefer to run off road though, of course you do have to watch your footing. With wild spring flowers were everywhere and the trees and bushes breaking to greet the start of better weather, we felt truly blessed. The added delight was that when we got to the end the route, our time was second fastest this year so pushing on was worth while after all. This photo below is of Steve's Mother, Caroline Mary Belt or Peggy as she was known to many.

I have been enjoying Mothering Sunday and having had a visit from my lovely daughter Jacqueline on Friday before she and her husband Martin and the little black dog with endless energy, drove off for a short holiday continuing their exploration of the UK’s many delightful regions.  The photo at the top is one of her amazing shots. Then having got home, had a nice bath and had set about making a big jug of iced tea for us to have with our first lunch in the garden, my phone rang and it was another nice surprise, a call from Jakki to wish me happy Mothers Day, so I was able to thank her for the pretty card and the most acceptable voucher for a treatment in local salon.