Cool Runnings

Bridge over the Forth

I normally enjoy running in the snow, it provides soft ground, a serene quietness, spectacular scenery and chance to observe the tracks of the wildlife. Today the forest trails had had an overnight dump of 8-10cm of snow on a hard frozen base. Every step became a whole body experience as I kicked steps through the snow. Apart from a couple of buzzards circling for food, there was no sign of fauna. The deer, foxes, squirrels, small mammals and cyclists had left the trailblazing to deranged runners.

My regular 6-mile route that normally takes 44/45 minutes, or maybe 48 minutes wearing winter gear, became a 58 minute run in the snow and extreme cold. I spent all morning recovering first from numb hands caused by peeling off gloves to take photos and then just the deep exhaustion of cool runnings.

Deep stuff

Point of no return

Cool at minus 4°C

No chance of going off-piste

Last legs

Home straight