Nothing clears the mind like a solo run

Finally Friday comes around. Not that I was wishing the week away, but I was looking forward to finally having an evening where no one in the house had activities as it would mark the end of a week’s driving, working, preparing, thinking, talking, managing, educating, planning, cooking, housework and all the other daily chores that can consume ones time.

I love all this but sometimes one just needs a break from traffic, roads and towns. One needs some escapism to the countryside and some time to enjoy the outdoors - no matter what the weather is like - and some time to enjoy wholesome food eaten at home shared with family. No rushing, no driving, no going. The excitement around the Late Late Toy Show also creates a wonderful, warm happiness around the house making that the Friday feeling even better.

The messages start to come in about tomorrow’s park run; where, who, what time, maybe a race on Sunday. I am not good at saying no and therefore have to talk to myself as all this involves what I am trying to avoid this weekend; driving, planning, preparing, rushing.

I decide to stick with the plan of being at home. Saturday morning will involve a solo parkrun, around the roads of Shrule, alone, no watch, no people: just me and the road. With many 5k routes to choose from, one hillier than the other but one major advantage, I will have the boreens to myself.

When running a flat out 5k one does not want to meet humans, cars and especially not cows or tractors, and so it will be an early start to avoid all. I pick one of my favourite routes from the back door, the Lough escapism exactly a 5k loop starting and returning to the front gate. There is no need for a watch as I know exactly where the 5km end line is. Having not been to the park run in a few weeks, I am excited. I have a real need for speed and am rearing to go. On some occasions the younger members would come along for a trot around the loop but after a late night watching the Toy Show, not a chance. I will be out, back and done before anyone has risen.

And so Saturday morning arrives. A dark, wet dreary morning, humidity 96%, hot strong tea brewing, a wander out the back to see what Mother Nature has presented and decide what one should wear.

The oven is on while sipping the pleasurable tea; a home cooked fresh breakfast is the most wonderful reward on returning back from a tough run and with life dragging all the family on different journeys each day, a weekend breakfast together is a joy.

A few exercises indoors first is a great way to waken and loosen up the tired body and get the temperature up before heading out to the mist, cold and dark. A swig of water and I’m off, a mile warm up, up the steep hill and out onto the tar road. There’s not a sinner about and I have the road to myself. Because I am running solo today I can go at my own pace, not at the groups, and can push on when I need to.

There is something free about running down an open road, alone and not worrying about traffic. One can run and escape away from normality and into a peaceful, natural, silent world. Half a mile is done and I turn to go back to the house. It’s time to remove a few layers and do a quick check on the oven. A beautiful smell.

The rain jacket is now left at the back door and I’m ready for my solo park run. Out to the gate and I’Il be starting on the hill. I don’t need the watch but it’s on. I reckon it’ll push me when the going gets tough. The GPS signals, the heart rate beeps and it’s time to go.

I run like hell up the hill, turn the corner and off for the long mile to Shrule; knowing every bump and corner on this route, I push on the ups and recover on the downs. Some Christmas lights are up, some are still on from last night and some are just in darkness. The crib is half set up outside the Church; the festive season has begun; a wonderful time of the year but it can be a very difficult time for some.

Running alone is a great way to get the most out of your running experience and a great way to clear your mind. I love running with my friends and other people but sometimes I love to run on my own. Sometimes when running with company, we love to chat but for today’s task there is no energy left for talking. When running on my own I can focus in on the task at hand. My mind is fully focused on the aim which today is running fast but also my mind starts to wander. Leaving all life’s problems on the road, it allows the mind to create new positive and happy thoughts.

I pass by houses where people have passed away in the last year. I forget about my legs getting tired and push harder though some peoples pain; it makes me forget. I also think about some family members where health problems can sometimes crop up; the weather, dampness and darkness doesn’t help.

For some people it can be a very stressful time. For me the festive season is about spending time with family and friends, and away from the busyness of modern-day life. Taking time to listen, to talk and enjoy loved one’s company. It’s not all about presents, buying, partying. It’s only when you pass a neighbour’s house who are no longer with us where it makes one appreciate the time we have.

After my mind wanders to another place, I now have two miles completed and am on the Homefront; the third mile is my favourite, with a steep downhill the legs move faster and the arms pump through.

Running over the mushy leaves, the mucky farmyard and through puddles from the lough. My runners ruined, splatters of much up the legs, but today I don’t notice. I am out for speed and nothing is going to slow me down. The faster I run the sooner I will be home.

The lough is amazing. Each time I pass it, it looks different. Today there is a cloud of mist hanging over the horizon, the swans are asleep, the cattle are taking shelter under the trees, the birds are flying low but for me I am almost home.

Half mile to go and I have to pass the house with the cross dog. The heart rate shoots up, he is still asleep. I run on my toes, no coughing, hardly breathing, silence, to creep by. The last hill, I power up, I see the house, the lights are on and the world is beginning to awaken. I sprint to my imaginary line, the front gate, and I stop the watch. I feel amazing. I take a moment, the mist has stopped but I hadn’t noticed. Running for speed is a great way to challenge yourself and push oneself out of your comfort zone. I do push harder when running with people but for an alone run today this was the challenge.

I continue on for a cool down, a mile out and back off to Glencorrib this time. After running hard this feels so easy and so I think this park run alone craic could become part of the training journey. The next time you find the Christmas build up a bit too much or you want to avoid driving, work, household chores, head out the back door alone. Walk, jog or cycle, no phone, no watch, no traffic, let your mind wander, leave the problems on the road and on returning your breakfast will be all the more worthwhile.

The oven is off, breakfast is served in Shrule. Its 9.30am and the Park runs are about to start, I look forward to seeing the “real” Park Run times today.