Saturday 8th January 2022
Join me for a slow Beach run.
Deeply inhale and then a long slow exhale, feeling much better already. Avoiding barking dogs and rolling stones as the tide begins to rise, subtly reaching up the beach. A large flock of Oystercatchers are back together. Gulls bob about safely out of reach of the dogs. Gentle breeze at my back as I trot along the sand towards East beach. Overcast skies and grey sea but clearing with a hint of blue skies to come later.
Fishing boats in the harbour, creels waiting on the pontoon. A flock of Knot whirl from the river wall out along the river popping out by the lighthouse. They create a dazzling flick flack display flying in close formation around the edge of the harbour wall.
Running on past the sand dunes and the deadwood on East beach. Out towards the Old bar, a large sand bar doubling up as a bird sanctuary. A feeling of remoteness, dog walkers slowly fade away the further East I go.
I was only meant to go for a three-mile run, but the beach kind of pulled me along. Calling me to go further, reaching wilder shores by the Culbin forest. An hour and a half later and I am back at home, transformed. Feeling alive and healthy. Full of beach goodness.
Have you started running this year? Here is a selection of my running stories to help you find inspiration, motivation, and consistency.
Nairn Beach Notes