Well, Strava has kindly advised me of the last time I ran my first venture onto the trails post lockdown. Has it been that long?

Nothing much has changed on the trail except I need a bell.

Oh, it’s so good to be back on the trails. If it’s one thing I’ve learnt from this lock down is time can flyby without out any immediate realisation. Having Strava highlight the last time I ran today’s route makes that clear.

Having decided to run the trails the day before, I got all of my kit ready the night before (to help stop any procrastination). I even found the trails shoes I’d ordered before lockdown and gave them a go.

Arriving at the trailhead (Helsby Quarry Car Park) I waited whilst a kind gentleman gave up his parking space for me. It was that busy.

I’m not sure if it’s the general lock down or the limitations on where people can go, but the increased use of our local countryside by so many families is a marvellous sight to behold. I just hope it continues when journeys further afield start again.

One reason I like the Helsby trails is their shelter. When it’s raining the tree canopy provides shade and acts as an umbrella during the rain.

There was no getting away from the heat today though and a passing lady I stood aside for confirmed this, when passing said, ‘Oh it’s humid today isn't it?’.

‘Yes, it is, I replied,’

She then looked up and seen my face and said ‘oh my you look hot. I bet you’d like some water?’

My response of ‘Yes, if it comes in a bath!’, brought a laugh. The first of many today.

The trails condition under foot surprised me. I was expecting a jungle of brambles and nettles to be waiting for their next victim, but it was mainly clear. Never did I whine under my breath or return home with legs looking like the Britannica Encyclopedia written in Braille.

My pace was slow (relatively compared to my usual pace). Carrying an extra 6 kilos will do that to you. But, looking at the positive, it allowed me to spend more time taking in the sounds and smells. Each helped recharge me and at the end of the run only my smiling muscles ached.

Sharing the trails with more people came with a problem. My normal heavy breathing didn’t seem to announce my approach to people who walked ahead of me. Not wanting to scare people or encroach into their personal space uninvited, I needed a novel idea. Bring on the bell!

Ok, I didn’t have a bell but as I got closer; I announced my approach with a ding!, ding!. I must do a wonderful impression of a bike bell as some people seemed to jump a few feet to the side of the trail before turning expecting a bike.

A quick thanks from me followed by the statement ‘I don’t even own a bell’ made everyone laugh. Hopefully, with me rather than at me.

Today’s run ‘ticked all the boxes.’ I fell recharged and remember what I love about being on the trails and as a bonus I felt I have helped everyone I met today laugh a little louder and longer.

Until the next trail run....