Well, before coronavirus. Long before lockdown (back on the 18th February) Mary and I went on a lovely run. Something about marathon training. But mostly trails, because roads are kinda boring. Anyway the bag-for-life had a notion to run to North Berwick. I'm guessing a strong wind from here to there was the inspiration. But to miss out the boring urban first bit (9 miles?) by catching a train to Prestonpans. Then down to the coastal trails into Aberlady and then along to NB and train home.
The forecast was mixed. As was the actuality. We carried waterproofs, snacks and cameras. It was so long ago I can't remember much apart from the story the photos tell. I think we might have doubled up coffees at home before setting off and a station coffee too. There were several similar jaunts. Alighting at Prestonpans we were in adventure mode and avoided any known paths in preference for the road less travelled. Monuments were visited, photos were taken.
We then found ourselves on this ridge that went past a housing estate heading North to the main road. Views across to Edinburgh and snow on the Pentlands.
Just before Bents car park No.2 the rain began to fall. We had been watching dark clouds and stopped quickly to put on waterproofs. It was falling so heavily that we ducked into the gents toilets by the car park and stood propping open the door to offset the chronic stink. The rain lashed off the tarmac. From god-knows-where a large dude in a mobility scooter appeared, to make use of the facilities so we moved to the Ladies. I have to report this was much less whiffy and quite civilised by comparison. Another 5 mins passed and the worst of the rain blew over. We emerged and ran on.
As we approached Aberlady, thoughts turned to snacks. Although I was carrying a few sports bars this was our last/only chance to buy drinks or treats before NB. Due to quite a bit of dicking about, (2 hrs to run 8 miles) it was some time since breakfast and the list of but-what-would-you-really-like changed from elevensies to actually a bacon roll and a pot of tea. The ladies of the Old Bakehouse Tearoom were very cheerful (their humour is on display in the quirky exhibits around the wee shop/cafe) and happy to ignore our muddy shoes. The bacon rolls were exceptional. We emerged about 35mins later stiff limbed but cheerful.
Across the bridge to enchantment and onto trails. I think there was light drizzle as we got onto Aberlady beach - unusual to run there without taking the camera out. Worryingly dark clouds gathered near the horizon but for a while we didn't have to wear waterproofs.
spectacular skies
On the outskirts of NB a storm threatened to chase us to the station. For once we didn't have to sprint for the train. We had about half and hour to run the last couple of miles and arrived in plenty time, the train not even on the platform. Just as we got there the heavens opened again for the third big shower of the day. Not bad timing.
over 18 miles, about 4hrs running
No comments:
Post a Comment