A.M. One of those magical runs that crop up from time to time where it is just sheer enjoyment to be out there. Early morning is now cooler with the later sun rise, this morning was lovely and fresh, clear blue skies and I ran the wonderful two castles route. Start up the hill past our own castle in Beilstein, it is also has a bird of prey centre within the walls and I could hear them mewing. Uphill through the vineyards overlooking the town and into the woods, past the 'Annasee' (lake of St. Anna) and onto a trail to Schloss Wildeck. I love the concentration needed, placing my feet between the tree roots, just living life in the moment. Back on myself and then a woodland track downhill for 1,5k where I see deer and sometimes wildboar. Then it is back uphill to run a circuit round the ruins of Helfenberg, from here on a good day there is great views of the whole region. Downhill hill again through farmland, then back uphill into the woods to pick up part of a long distance path across 'B.W.', the emblem is appropriately a red bunch of grapes. The route comes out of the woodland for a wavy 1,5k stretch with views of the settlements belonging to Beilstein on the left. Total 16,3k in 1:41:08, av pace 4:52/k, 7:49/mi.
P.M. Paced Johanne along the cycle way in the valley, she ran 3 x 2k with 1k rec inbetween and exceeded her own expectations, she was aiming for 5:25/k on the repeats, but the toys were thrown out of the cot after the first 2k and she ran 5:15/k on the 2nd 2k & 5:12/k on the last one. Total 10,4k in 58:33, av pace 5:38/k, 9:04/mi. | 