Night running

 I have on occasion woken up at 5am to fit in a run before work, or when I can't sleep. Yes crazy I know! There is something quite peaceful and accomplished about running in the dark. But, running through the night, on technical and wet ground when already weary does fill me with fear.
Joe and I decided to make our way up Skiddaw as the sun was going down and run down in the dark. It really was beautiful with the snow capped mountains and the colour of the sky with the disappearing sun. I managed to run a good way up the 700m climb and felt strong. However, for some reason I felt anxious and stressed and just wanted to get it over and done with. I struggled to get my breath walking up to little man (if that's what it's called), and made the decision not to go to the summit. I hate admitting defeat but I'd had enough. I don't know what came over me. It wasn't just the running at night I don't think but just the feeling of needing to get something done and not really embracing it and taking the time to enjoy it. I just wanted to be at home, having dinner and chilling out. So, I think more practice is required, for the psychological training of running at times that are out of my comfort zone as well as it just being dark. That's what training is all about though, learning more about your strengths and weaknesses and using both to motivate and push you to your goal. I look forward to getting out with others at night because I know that will be a real boost.  But for now I'm off to bed 😊