Christmas should be a time for rejoicing and sharing. For some people it’s not – it’s a lonely, sad time. However looking back over 2019 I was conscious that most of the highlights of my year have been moments with friends, old and new, and family. In particular some of the best times have been outdoors.
I thought therefore that I’d like to post some of my favourite memories and I hope my friends won’t object if they’re in any of the photos.
Talkin Fell on a beautiful New Year’s Day with Mark, Joshua and Laura January – Kielder Dark Skies 10km with Mark, Laura and Tricia – and we all ran well!February – Penny and I continue the running challenge. This was about 14 miles around ConistonIn March it was 19 miles around Ullswater in mixed weather. What a sense of achievement at the end!It was Windermere in April, which meant visiting (for the first time ever) High Dam, Claife Viewing station and Wray Castle. 19 miles on day one and 12 miles on day two. Also Pooley Bridge at Easter with Bella and Edward, followed by a solo run around Brotherswater; archery at Kielder with Alex and Edward; Castlerigg Stone Circle and Cat Bells with Cynthia, Edward and Bella; and a fab. weekend in York with Jo and Caroline.
May brought a run around Esthwaite Water, choir concerts and taking Edward and my parents to Wray Castle – where he loved the amazing playgroundJune involved a fantastic run up to Hayeswater and then along to Angle Tarn – both are gorgeous and I’m looking forward to swimming in them!
In July Penny and I ran along the Derwent in Borrowdale, and at home we got kittens, Artemis and Apollo (this is me with Artemis)
August meant some time off with the kids and several visits to the Solway Aviation Museum, and the start of open water swimming – Bassenthwaite and two trips to Crummock Water; also Ullswater and – August bank holiday weekend – wonderful Wastwater
September brought more open water swimming with Anne and Jo. Penny joined us for Blea Tarn; we did Wast Water again for what became nicknamed ‘WastFest’ – my birthday, when we swam at sunset and then had a lovely barbecue and picnic. I won’t mention all the friends who were there in case I forget any and they feel insulted! At the end of the month I met up with Caroline and Jo in the Peak District for a weekend of walking, drinking, talking and laughingThe Tarn looked gorgeous when I went up there the October half term with Edward; this is the Tarn that Head Torches run around. Another great group of great people, with a few new members this autumn/winter.
November – I went cycling along Borrowdale and back under Cat Bells with Jeremy; I introduced Anne and Mark to Wray, Claife Heights and Stott Park; and I did my HF leader assessment. The tarn in the photo is Stickle Tarn, another I’m looking forward to swimming in.
And finally we arrive at December. We had the Head Torches run, cake and certificates evening. One of the best things I ever did was start that running group – partly from selfish reasons as I wanted people to run with when it was dark and cold in the winter. We will soon have our own logo and t-shirts and I’m looking forward to seeing what everybody achieves in 2020. Who knows what else the new year will hold – but if it has as many good times with good friends and with my family as this year, I shall be happy.
Merry Christmas everyone, and best wishes for a very happy New Year.
It was lovely to look back over your year’s outings and share them with us. I love how alive and happy you look when you are walking, running or swimming. Obviously all agree with you.
Thank you – hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas etc. I hadn’t thought of it before but yes, you’re right – being outside and ‘exercising’, especially with friends, is good for my soul!
runningin3time 
It was lovely to look back over your year’s outings and share them with us. I love how alive and happy you look when you are walking, running or swimming. Obviously all agree with you.
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Thank you – hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas etc. I hadn’t thought of it before but yes, you’re right – being outside and ‘exercising’, especially with friends, is good for my soul!
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It shows on your face.
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