Time To Run :: part 3 ( a seaside run )

Hello Lovelies,
 as some of you know I'm currently training for my third Half Marathon. Our holiday coincided with week five of my nine week training schedule. The little sheet of paper pinned on my calender told me that I needed to do two runs . Four and nine miles in distance.

 It's always lovely to run somewhere different for a change but also slightly worrying that you might get lost or end up on a busy narrow road with no footpath. To try and get an idea of  possible routes I visited this site . It gives you an idea of the area and includes routes already plotted by users ( try entering your postcode and see what's there :0)  ). Here  I could see there was a coastal path....... Now I was feeling excited about my seaside run.

 As I mentioned in my last post the weather was pretty mixed for our holiday but on Tuesday I woke at seven, peeped out of the caravan curtains and saw sun. Yessss. I crept out of bed  quietly, and whilst the family slept, headed off for my long run . Well, my eldest woke up and insisted I took my phone ( bless him ...such a caring boy )

 I love being out in the early morning on a sunny day. And in such a stunning location it really makes me happy and thankful I made the effort to get out of bed..........

Looking back towards Croyde Bay..........

As this is a coastal path designed for walking some bits were too steep or dangerous to run.....this scary  view made me wonder if I was breathing deeply  from running or fear........it really was breathtaking :0)

I was glad when the path turned and was not so close to the cliffs, though it was still tough going ,with steep climbs and "locals" to negotiate........

I knew from the map there was another sandy bay around the headland and was excited to see it in the morning sun............It did not disappoint..........

Woolacombe Bay........WOW gorgeous

A little further along the track I realized there is a caravan site practically on the beach .......

What a view to admire from you cozy  little home from home .........I'm sure you must have to book very early to get a pitch here :0)

In this picture you can see the caravans from the other direction and the headland I've just run along reaching out into the sea..........

Looking at my watch I can see I've been out for for 50 minutes already so I decide to turn back and retrace my route, just time to take a couple of macro shots of the pretty plants lining the path.......

Ferns

And one I'm not familiar with........anybody know ?

Back over the stile....

It's so nice to think this wonderful bit of coastline is protected for future generations to enjoy........

As you can see the paths are great for walking but a challenge to run on ...this is a good bit....

I think I only managed to run about 80% of the time and I now have a healthy respect for trail running :0)

Obviously the scenery more than made up for the tricky paths .........

I took the high path on the way back to avoid the scary rocks and was rewarded by a wonderful view .........

Just had to pause here  to drink in the colours and sunlight and space  , it's the sort of moment you want to bottle up and open in the depths of winter.........

These Crocosmia were growing wild all around the village.......

Nearly back now, I can see some big waves and people already in the water..........

Arriving back at our holiday home the sight of our family of wet suits makes me smile. 

Inside my boys are waiting and I feel so blessed . Time for some breakfast and a bit of rest before the beach and body boarding fun. Another day to remember.

Jacquie x

P.S. thank you all for your comments on my holiday posts. It's wonderful to be able to record happy family times in this way  . 

There is one more holiday post to come..........hopefully not quite so long and it includes crochet :0) 

Jacquie x