I (unlike some people in Devon) managed to get out of bed and hit the road for an hours run, across country in the dry (except for the mud under foot). It was still frosty when I set out so the ground was crunchy in places. I was intrigued by the field in the distance being still frozen with the one closer just all mud. Love the contrast of colour.
By the time I had showered off and was ready to head out the door for Madams cross country at Killerton (EA South West Club and County Cross Country Championships) it had started to rain. By the time we got there it was pouring. On arrival there was a lot of dithering by drivers trying to find a parking spot, I am not keen on ditherers and spied a spot nearby that I dived in to. Immediately there was a ‘community police officer’ at my car door asking if I was there for the running, and when I informed her that I was, she told me I could not park there as it was for National Trust members only. Time for the trump card Shaz I took a deep breathe “I am a National Trust member here is my card” then added “I am going to have lunch here after the run” yes my nose might have grown a touch at the added bit, but it was Shaz 1 and Authority 0, the car stayed where it was!
We walked and somewhat slithered the course, it was tough, tougher but shorter than Parkrun. The rain continued and the wind joined it. As the girls lined up ready for the off another mother gave me a whose who run down on the other competitors. One of them trains 6 times a week- madness at Under 13! Oh dear I thought Madam won’t be happy with this. Then they were off. After a lap on the flattish muddy squelchy field, it was time for the up
See that happy ‘ I love hills’ face? She gets that from me.
Then it was time for the down
See that flying down hill stride? She gets that from me.
There she goes
See that tiny bottom? She gets that from me too. (honest)
We were both glad when she got to the end. I was a proud Mum she had done well in awful conditions. Out of her happy, happier, happiest she had set prior to the run she got a happy. Me? I got more washing.
Our second visit to Killerton for the day was done in the dry as we watched Countryfile, who spent a day there. If you watched it did you spot the mud trail in front of the house, I help create that every Saturday!
shazruns 
Running 6/week and under 13 = joint problems at some point. 😦
I agree with you and I feel burn out by. 16 bodily and physically. They are young I would rather they did as hobby rather than career!
I keep thinking I want to try trail running, then I read posts like this! Your girl did well to brave that weather.
Morning The Winsome Run. Saw your comment on Sharon’s blog & had to say “give it a go!” I’ve never looked back since starting trail running after 4 years of road running 18 months ago. My injuries are minimal compared to regular injuries whilst training for my marathon. Anything I can encourage you with, please ask!!
I agree it is fun and far more interesting than sticking to the road. Killerton had taught me not to be scared of mud and this year am using our local footpaths a lot more
Good work! I especially like the ‘up yours’ to the CSPO!
Well done to both of you! Like your NT quick thinking 🙂
She`s fantastic! Dreadful conditions there. But you beat the rain gods yourself today!
Love this post! It’s got two of my favorite things in, mud & humour! Great to see the next generation out there in all weathers achieving great things. Hope you enjoyed your Sunday evening relaxing with Countryfile 🙂
Thanks Lara
That’s great1 Hope you enjoyed the lunch afterwards.
Yep, it’s true, there was definitely no frost by the time I got up! Well done to Madam! And especially well done to your poor washing machine 🙂
Thanks x
Blimey she’s as nuts as you are!