Adventure is out there!

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After a long run on Saturday and a decent 8 miler on Tuesday it was time for the Thursday morning run. It was my turn to get to John's house for 7:15. I'd been awake since 5:30 so that wasn't a problem. We set off for the hills and climbed Caesar's Fort again. A tough incline to get the blood pumping. From the top we could see the sun just beginning to rise over the sea towards Belgium.

We tracked west through thick mud which was more sticky than squelchy due to the cold - it was only a couple of degrees above zero and there was frost on the grass. Our path took us over the white horse marked on the side of the hill and the Channel Tunnel below that. We turned north and joined the road which wound its way towards the copse and radio mast the other side of Peene village.

In the past we have crossed through the fields but we went further on the road for some reason, stopping to see the sun now fully up and glowing a deep orange. Eventually we spotted a footpath sign and hopped over the style into a field. Sadly the field didn't go anywhere and we ended up peering over the edge to a steep escarpment. A number of fence climbs later we made it to the bottom of the hills and could see Summerhouse Hill ahead of us. It had been weeks since we last climbed what we affectionately now call Bald Monkey Hill.

I encouraged John into the woods which seemed to be the last obstacle between us and the bottom of the hill. He foolishly followed having not learnt yet that my guidance is often far from accurate and in some cases can add miles to our route. Before long we were knee deep in blackberry bushes and the sharp thorns that even the dead ones carry. They clawed at our legs ripping the flesh from our knees and thighs. The further we progressed the less there seemed to be any clear route. Eventually John climbed a tree to get a better view and confirmed we were heading deeper into the jungle.

Retracing our steps we continued to battle through the undergrowth, making trails where there were none. Finally we emerged battered and bloodied but back where we started. We had spent nearly half an hour doing one mile. Soon we were at the hill and ran to the top where we could see from where we had come. It was evident that if we had kept going the way we were in the woods we would have been in there for hours.

By now it was 9 o'clock and I needed to get to work. We ran back quietly, John probably cursing me under his breath and me enjoying being able to run unhindered again. I would have apologised but it was an adventure and that's what we love. After a quick coffee and cake in Tesco I was soon back at work having completed 14 miles. My legs are still a mess but they will heal. The memories on the other hand won't fade.

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