Instictive fear

Yesterday I went straight from work to the Forest for a run just before it got too dark.

In the first few miles there was just about enough light left to see where I was going. By the time I readched Hasley inclosure the light was almost gone, and it was time to turn the head lamp on.

After a little boggy section I made it back on to the hard packed trail in the Amberwood inclosure.

Running in the forest you expect to bump in to the odd animal, not that there's anything that will harm you. But as soon as your head torch locks eyes with something else ahead of you, you immediately assess your situation.

I first lock eyes with something ahead of me on the track. I slow down as I approach as not to startle the creature. As expected though it just turns out to be a couple of ponies munching on the fauna.

Upon reaching the end of the inclosure I stop for a moment to take a picture on my phone. The flash going off ruins my night vision and it takes me a moment for my sight to return. As I stand there I listen to the sounds around me, subtle noises from the forest highten my senses. A twig snaps to my left and I shine my head torch - nothing is there. I quickly make haste to finish off the last couple of miles.

Running along the track, eyes forward scanning for movement ahead of me. I occasionly shine my light in to the trees to see what might be watching me. Eyes shine out through the trees back at me, both of us wondering what is starring at us in the darkness. Instinct overides my brain as the hair on my back stands up, I feel the warm rush of adrenalin envelope my body. I occasionaly make loud noises as I clear my throat, signalling to the rest of the forest that I am here. I pass a herd of deer surprised to see me - more than I was of them. My legs keep going...

The forest opens up before I make the final climb, feeling a slight releif to not be surround by dense wood and almost in reach of the safety of my car. My legs speed up for the last few metres.

Though I knew I was never in danger (unless there are big cats romaing I don't know of!) its hard to deny that natural instinct of 'fight or flight' when put in these situations. The experience made me feel on an level playing field with the rest of the forest and the creatures within it. You realise we are all just animals fighting for our own existence on this earth.

 I left the forest feeling quite humbled.

New shoes getting a good break in!