Day 119 - 16 February 2011

Wednesday
I woke up a little earlier than usual, so it was out of bed and on with Ricky Gervais' Guide to The Arts in my ear. 

Outside was perfect. It was 5 degrees C with a 6mph wind. Last week, I had made the conscious decision to run/walk as walking alone wasn't touching my HRM and somehow, I find this easier than the really fast power walking that I am able to do more easily in the evenings (the speed that Debs and I achieve, which is blimmin' fast). For some strange reason in my head, power walking doesn't feel quite 'right' at stupid o'clock...

So, I'm walking for 2 minutes and running for 5 minutes throughout the whole route which keeps my HRM happy.

Everywhere was empty of cars and people. The first thing I saw as I headed inland on the outward journey were two foxes, who kept stopping to look at me before running off into a garden. 

As I approached the longest road on the journey, I was aware that in the western sky, there seemed to be floodlights on. I knew there weren't any courts or football fields around and I couldn't work out what this could be. I imagined workmen on a site working in floodlights, but I knew this couldn't be right either. I ran faster to get nearer to the source of the light, but I didn't see what was causing it until I had got to the end of the road and crossed over. 

It was the setting moon in all its glory. Almost full (86% so my Star Walk app tells me) and setting deep into the north western sky. It was a shame that I couldn't get a proper look, as the north west view has houses, so I could only see it between each house. But it was beautiful. 

I ran up "Nemesis" hill and headed towards the sea, which is still incredibly loud at the moment with big waves and because I'm running, I am obviously getting back to my starting point that much earlier. This gives me chance to start running in a different direction now and allows me time to spot more things in the sky. I saw Venus rising up in the east and whilst running towards this direction, I became suddenly aware of the dark, dark blue of the night sky gently changing into a deep turquoise. It was dawn breaking. Not first light..but a definite change in the colour of the night sky.

How lucky did I feel this morning? Feeling great, running, seeing the moon setting, venus rising and dawn breaking. I could have stayed out there forever. 

SEA STATE:
Swell - 3ft @ 17secs
Wind - 18mph

Temperature
Sea 8°c Air 5°c

First Light: 6:43am - Sunrise: 7:15am
Sunset: 5:27pm - Last Light 5:59pm