(D for departure)

At last! I’m away in the morning and it seems like morning will never come! It’s been the longest day and I got shit loads done – did an 8.5 mile trot in the warmth but left later than planned due to technical issues. My phone’s playing up (look at that for timing – 48 hours before I go up to deepest darkest rural Northumberland with a slightly decrepit car) and I pressed reset last night in a vain attempt to resolve the issue, which prompted a whole host of new issues and it took me a while to put everything back in place as best as I could this morning. Most important was linking my watch to my phone so I could log my miles and see my stats. Meltdown!!! I did it though so kudos Rare Bit. Off I went on my trot:

After a quick temperature check in my back yard I decided it was bloody cold so took way too many layers which I promptly peeled off after half a mile. It was the kind of weather you could stay out in all day. I didn’t have all day but a long list of to dos and I made a hasty retreat after 4 miles. I always worry about getting up the last steep section but I don’t know why. I always manage it. I might run out of water and get heatstroke after twisting an ankle. I didn’t. I’m also struggling a bit with my new shoes, they’re about half a size too small and my toes bang uncomfortably against the front on my favourite descents. This is the downside to buying online I suppose. Despite some discomfort and mild cramp, it was difficult not to dawdle and I tried calling mam as an excuse to stay out longer. No signal. Blast it.

I threw the dirty laundry in the wash and got on with the biggest task – mowing the lawn, AKA making hay while the sun shone. It took about 30 minutes longer than planned as I weeded too but it looks better and any burglars will at least see I take care of my garden. I pegged the laundry on the line and had a 30 minute rest on the sofa before resuming my activities.

What next? Food prep obviously after a quick shower. Maybe they don’t have food in Northumberland? Of course they do, and they definitely have fish and chips, Mr Whippy and hot fresh sausage rolls, but I had some leftovers to cook and a few basics to take to my self catering cottage. I’m keen to keep to my new healthy eating routine while I’m on holiday – this morning I’d lost a few ounces and that felt so positive! I’m so excited about going away but the run up to leaving is always a quasi ridiculous farce worthy of a scene in a sitcom. Instead of relaxing I find a million things to do and you know what? I haven’t even packed! But that won’t take long. I’m taking my yoga mat and some basic equipment as well as candles and bath salts. Yes! There’s a bathtub and the weather forecast is so poor I might spend most of my time in it!

I played for a wedding yesterday a couple of hours away. I’m often asked why I leave so early and yesterday was further proof to justify my near neurosis. The motorway was shut for 4 junctions and the diversion added a palpitant 30 miles to my trip. I was still on time so neuroses have their uses. Maybe it was the warm weather. Maybe the venue? Or perhaps the fact that I have so much to look forward to and be grateful for but I had the best time playing I’ve had in years, quite literally. I was just in the zone. No inner critic (she was probably knackered from all the ranting at the motorway symbols 🔼⏺️🔽◀️⁉️⁉️⁉️) and I didn’t question my ability or ineptitude or need to reassure myself with reminders of my years of training and experience. It’s a great feeling that. I’d forgotten and I know I can’t chase it. It’s there or it isn’t.

And it was.