Today found me north of the Border, in Scotland, with my buddy Mark for a taste of trailrunning in his neck of the woods.
I was, as usual, pretty anxious headed up there, the usual doubts and anxieties trying to convince me against going!
I'm finding that whilst still anxious in new situations, or out of my comfort zones, i'm coping much better, and felt quite relaxed shortly after arriving.
The run itself was 12 miles of field, trail & fell running, with the highest point on Penchrise.
I really struggled with the ascents and the distance today, having been hospitalised with a severe infection a few weeks ago, a strained muscle in my shin and a recent kidney infection that is just clearing up! Mark had also been pretty ill last week with norovirus, and was still sweating out the lingering effects!
When i returned home i went for a meal with my girlfriend. Meals out are a big trigger of anxiety and panic for me, so i figured after the anxiety of being away & running etc, it would be good to really push myself. Gladly the meal was perfect, the foam roller session when i got home wasnt!
A great day on the trails with Mark, and another big step towards banishing my undue anxieties 👍
Photo: Mark Lyons
