Running, farming and the beauty of outdoors

Throughout the past few weeks the weather has been terrible, so much rain, wind, a sudden drop in temperatures and even a storm. Of course, the clocks changed, with the evenings dark so early and the morning’s light hidden away, so the opportunities for us to get out in daylight are limited. It’s at times like this that we really need to think positively and just get on with it, when it comes to running at least, because we must be able for the elements.

I always believe training in the winter makes us stronger in spring. I was never one for training indoors, in the gym or on a treadmill. I admire the people who do and can totally see the benefits but while outdoor training is tough, with appropriate clothing one can enjoy hours of training.

The harsh weather at this time of the year and the beauty of autumn can enhance our training, making it so enjoyable. We experience wildlife and nature like no other time or season. The colours, the browns, orange, yellows and greens, are ignited and thriving from all the rain. The weather can cool one down on a very humid day. The beauty of a morning run in November is that we experience darkness into light; there is something magical about starting a run with a headtorch in the woods, sheltered by the trees, mindfulness created by the silence, listening for nature’s sounds. Gradually as one progresses through the trails, a little light begins to appear, the unnatural light of the headtorch slowly fades away, the morning brightness rising up through the sky. A few miles ran, animals begin to wake, birds begin to sing, humans begin to emerge, cars can be heard miles away but here on the trail one is alone with nature and the animals.

On running around each corner more light appears, the sunrise awakens all one’s senses and one looks forward to a bright new day.

Every day last week it hammered rain. Surround be people in my family who work outdoors, I try to highlight the positives, the weekend is promised nice. I explain that every morning this week was beautiful, the early morning is the best time of the day. I’m asked “Were you out in it?” Of course I was. “You’re mad, the weather was shocking bad.” I then ask, “Were you?” “Of course, the animals had to be fed.” “Well sure you’re as mad as me.” I begin to realise that whether you exercise or work outdoors, it has to be done; the weather is no excuse and out we go.

Saturday morning arrives, it’s down to one degree, a fresh brisk morning with a bite in it, not a sign of rain but the fields are wet so which way to go? The bog it has to be. I haven’t been down since the marathon or seen it in daylight, it will be magical this morning with a glorious sunrise and so I head off, down the same road, up the same hill, turning the same corners through the slushy leaves. The man-made lough is amazing, the reflection of the trees beaming off the water, a line of ducks swimming along, I have quarter of a mile of this to admire. One suddenly forgets about the tips of the fingers being cold or the toes being wet from running through puddles, the warmth of the trees quickly felt on one’s shoulders, the high walls sheltering me from the breeze.

There is a little frost about so I run in the grass in the middle of the road; always fearful of frost, I never take a chance. The past week we’ve had wind, rain, sun and frost so we’ll be fit for anything. I think being outdoors in all kinds of weather strengthens the immune system and with such a busy week, I can’t afford to be sick; I reckon a tough run in one degree kills off any bugs.

The cattle dealer off to the mart wakens the parish with his morning blast of a lorry hoot and a roar. I laugh and he blows louder. I meet my morning neighbour, who stops for a chat about the Oscars and Shrule/Glencorrib’s GAA fundraiser. I meet the farmer out feeding cattle, the same time every morning. The weather doesn’t affect him or the animals. I meet Jimmy walking, he never wears a cap, he’s as tough as nails.

The bog is so different this time of the year, cobwebs on the briars ignited by the morning frost, bright orange sunshine glows the rivers. I have the place to myself. The bog road has become a trail track since summer, the volume of traffic has rooted the surface resulting in more potholes for me to jump over. I now don’t feel the cold, if I had listened to the weather I wouldn’t have come out and would have missed the most wonderful, fresh morning in November.

On nearing the house, I see hubby’s green, lit up cap in the distance. I hear the tractor humming, I see the cattle heading towards the shed for feeding. I am now in a t-shirt and shorts, melted from pushing the last few miles and from the little heat of the morning sun. Hubby has a fleece, jacket, cap and overalls, he hasn’t warmed up yet. He’s facing the same challenges as when I started, a cold bite, a frosty surface, wet puddles, but no matter what the weather he’s up and out. The farmer and runner are similar, out at the crack of dawn to get the best part of the day, up and out no matter what, both overcoming whatever their challenges, returning with a pep in one’s step.

Farmers live and breathe their work, they have a love for their animals and the land. They go to extremes for their stock, just like runners live and breathe their every step. They have a love for their sport, trails and routes, they go to extremes to achieve. Both species are physically and mentally strong, the body endures beyond the norm and sometimes is pushed to its limits. Every day we learn, improve and perfect our methods even more. We thrive on challenge, our minds are strong and resilient. Then there’s the buzz, the achievements, the reward from a run or the morning herding completed, the success from a race or from selling at the mart. All this makes us want more and so we do the same tomorrow morning and the next.

Sometimes in farming things go wrong, like the sheep break out, the tractor breaks down, the dosing gun gives up, so you must find a way, ask for help, overcome the challenge. It’s the same in running, things go wrong in training, you’re tired, sore, it’s absolutely hammering rain but with dedication, toughness, mental strength, endurance and a bit of hard work, you get through.

Farming and running are both journeys, some months will take different paths, like the uneven bog road today or the ground being too wet for the cattle to stay out. Challenges will crop up, nature is always in charge, frost will appear but will melt, weather will be bad but good days will come. Loving what you do is the goal that drives you; we must separate what we can and cannot control. Farming and running will take you out of your comfort zone, each time us learning, improving and getting stronger. We train, prepare and work to be the best we can. November will pass, in January we’ll set new goals, spring will bring new beginnings, but for now tomorrow morning will come around and we will check the weather, peep outside the back door and decide which way to go.

The tractor will be started, the cattle will head for the shed, the bright yellow cap will arise. Here’s to many more self-fulling days to come, be it in autumn or spring, winter or summer, wind or rain, farming, running or both. There’s a red sky this morning, a runner’s delight, There’s a red sky at night, a shepherd’s delight.

Let’s enjoy all of November’s delights.