Another training in the mountains

The sun is out and despite my tired legs and hurting muscles I went out for a long, slow run. Not that long, actually. Only 15 kilometers. Wait… "Only" 15? A few months ago I could not even imagine myself running such a distance.  

This time I started downhill. Impossible to go at the slow pace as scheduled. And over here, there's no end to the downhill part. Steep. And steeper. Going downhill is actually quite strenuous. Shall I try not to hold back and allow myself to rush down at the pace gravity is pulling me? No, that would be ridiculous. My legs will never be able to catch up with that speed and this unpaved path with rocks and mud…  

Finally I reach the lake. Have been here before, some years ago. I recognise the trail running around the lake on one side. Love the sight of the still water, the impressive height of the dam at the end of the lake and the surrounding woods and mountains.  

I allow myself to enjoy the lovely scenery, pausing now and again to take a picture or just stand still and take in the beauty of these surroundings. After all, it is supposed to be a long., SLOW run.  

At the other side of the lake the trail goes up again. Often 'running' is not the accurate term to describe my activity. It's more like a sur-place. Still, the views are such a treat and even while I'm getting exhausted, I'm wearing a smile that just won't disappear. The exhaustion doesn't bother me. After all, I'm at an altitude of 1.000m. I would have expected a much stronger effect.  

Going down again, back to the lake. This part of the trail is really fun! Dancing down the track, jumping from one stone to the other, running through the fields on a track that is hardly visible… Crossing a hanging bridge at full speed (still slightly going down). I wonder if the other people on the bridge were equally pleased with me running there and causing the bridge to sway up and down vigorously.  

A little later my lap around the lake is complete. I walk to the little beach, to feel the water. It's not that cold and I enjoy the relaxing sound of the little waves washing ashore and the birds in the trees.  

Now it's time to 'run' back to Ruben's house. I don't have the illusion that I will be able to actually run a road this steep. At the end of this climb, breakfast will be waiting!