Friday 27 September 2013

Running along...


As a writer, I’m often sat at my desk for most of the day and I find that long periods of time spent at my computer causes me lots of problems. I get sore eyes (I have to wear reading glasses at the computer) and I get a stiff neck (I find myself hunching over the keyboard sometimes) and I have had a few painful bouts of repetitive strain syndrome in my shoulders and wrists. And all that’s before we go anywhere near the expanding waistline and bottom syndrome!

I've always enjoyed taking a brisk mid-morning walk on most days, but now I’ve stepped things up a bit and I go for a run. Running loosens up my muscles, fills me with oxygen, and helps me to either think or to empty my mind – whichever is needed the most. I run for three miles in a circuit around the cottage and, now that I’ve being doing this for a few months, I sometimes manage five miles!

This morning’s run was particularly enjoyable. Autumn has arrived here in my part of Scotland. It was dry and mild and the leaves on the trees are just starting to turn golden. Mushrooms and toadstools lined the verges of the lanes along my route and the brambles are ripe and asking to be be picked and made into jam.

I had my phone camera to hand today and took these photos. I thought you might enjoy them too.


My running route away from the cottage
 
Woodland Toadstools
 
Love these colourful ones - so pretty - but probably highly poisonous!

The high stretch of land between the Nith Valley and the Lowther Hills

 


A rewarding view from the top of the tough uphill stretch!
 



Looking over Durisdeer and the Lowther Hills
 
Brambles in the hedgerow - but no time to stop and pick them!

 
The home straight!

I have a busy week ahead filled with writer’s meetings and speaking events. Why not check out my Author Facebook Page which I update several times a week with all my writer news, authorly views and book reviews!

Haste ye back here next Friday!