Today was a special day in number of ways. Firstly although it was bitter cold first thing, there was a deep blue sky and when we started our run the sun was very low and blindingly bright, casting long tree shadows that crossed the whole field beside us as we began our run. I wore my prescription sun glasses as protection from the cold as much as the sunlight but none the less tears rolled down my cheeks in the chill.
We had chosen to make our first attempt at10km since the chest infection that knocked me out of action for the whole of September and October. It has been a slow comeback but then as everybody knows, I am not twenty one any more. Recovery is a slower game as one gets older. Slower, but not impossible.
My swim has come back nicely, the first of my sports three disciplines. For a time I understandably had my doubts about whether or not I would be able to find anything like my normal triathlon form. Biking has been done bit by bit on the turbo and last Sunday I took part in the first group session with Steve, (husband, coach, best friend) and the usual suspects at the fire station. Big screen, music, rising temperature and a bit of jolly banter.
Completing the three discipline comeback to near normal has put a big smile back on my face and the warmth of happiness in my heart. Completing our usual 10km route backwards was Steve’s last minute idea, the logic being that if we did it that way round it was harder to cut it short if it was less than enjoyable. However it was a most enjoyable session, the time was slow but the distance was achieved.
We have already entered three events for 2018 and about to commit to a couple more, so although my determination hit a few wobbly spots along the way the path is getting more clear with every passing day.
Bumping into a group of friends from Tuff Fitty triathlon club coming the other way was an added bonus.
The wildlife count was pretty good too, Kites, Buzzards, Wagtails, a Robin and a Kestrel. No deer. Down side was the sound of a full scale shoot going on and the vans full of beaters set to send the birds to slaughter. The thousands of pheasants are bred in cages and tipped out to amuse rich folk.
Yellowhammer
Roughly where abouts you live
Popping up to say a bright hello
As walkers pass right by your home
Unaware of the pleasure you give
Flitting about the wide hedgerow
Prejudice is not found in your nature
First with other birds to appease
Joining flocks of bunting or finch
Singing out to other tiny creature
‘Little bit of bread and no cheese’
Though no bigger than a sparrow
Yet far more beautiful to the eye
Head and body a brilliant yellow
Cleft tail tipped white so narrow
Darting suddenly into bluest sky
Gleaning specks of seed and grain
Daintily thru’ the hedge you squeeze
Playing hide and seek with friends
Dark streaking on proud breast so vain
Sing ‘A little bit of bread and no cheese’
The next writers meeting at the Harbour Lights Café
will be December 10th at 2pm
Everybody welcome readers, writers or listeners.
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