It’s been a while since I last blogged…7 weeks in fact!

You’d be forgiven for thinking that may be because I haven’t been doing anything worth sharing, but actually it’s quite the opposite. I’ve done a lot, and I mean a LOT in the last month or two that I’m very proud of, but I’ve been doing so much running, TOO much running, that I haven’t wanted to sit and think about it once the trainers are off and the miles logged.

So here we are with a lot to catch up on, I’ve missed you, I hope the feeling is mutual.

There’s so much to share, going back weeks, but I’m going to start with where I ran just a few days ago. After a long period of intense training, studying times and distances and being totally focused on outcomes, it was nice on Friday just to go out and do a run for fun, for me, for the hell of it.

Tunnel entrance, looks foreboding!

Love taking the train for some run tourism

I’d heard about the Two Tunnels route from friends who ran it recently. Part of the Sustrans network it is a shared use path that stretches out from the centre of Bath and includes two tunnels (hence the name!) which run for over a mile. That’s just the start of the entertainment though, if you follow the full loop you take in rustic villages, canal towpaths, an incredible weir; in fact this run will go down as one of the most scenic and entertaining I’ve ever done.

A mile of underground to run through

One of the most incredible places I’ve ever run

The tunnels are quite incredible. They’re lit, but subtly so you know you’re underground, and the echoes of your footfall and ragged breath are a fantastic soundtrack to your running. The aural entertainment doesn’t stop there though, in the middle of the longer tunnel a section provides background music from recessed speakers, the haunting strings and electro beats accompanied by a miniature light show. It really is an experience!

I love the sights of the canal, like this incredible mural on the side of a barge

Once back above ground there’s a mile or two to enjoy past a lake, through a village and down a country path before you reach the Dundas Aqueduct and the start of the canal section of the run. Where the novelty of the tunnels is over, the beauty of the canal is a worthy replacement.

Dundas Aqueduct, perfect spot for a snack and to watch the world go by

A short diversion from the canal path is the incredible Warleigh Weir. Easily missed if you aren’t careful, it isn’t signposted so look out for the noticeboard about the Claverton pumping house. I would have stopped for a dip but I had the area completely to myself and was a little worried about getting into trouble with no one near by. (You’ll remember from my triathlon exploits swimming isn’t my forte!)

Warleigh Weir, play safe

I have no idea how far the route was as I didn’t wear a watch, partly so I could relax and enjoy it and partly because I knew I’d be underground for a while and my Garmin barely works in perfect conditions as it is! What I do know is that the run ends at the train station ready to head home…which also happens to be where Grillstock Bath is located, my favourite post-run treat!

Incredible meats and beats for tired feets – Grillstock

So there we have it, back in the blogging game at long last and with so much to catch up on! Over the next few weeks I’ll tell you all about Edinburgh Marathon, my first attempted ultra, taking running to the classroom and spreading the word about this thing we all love. Lots to share…but I’m not done making new stories yet! 2015 has been incredible so far, who knows what the remaining 4 months will bring…