Holkham Hall

...heading for the 'fun' run raising funds for Heritage House Day Centre at Wells.

A perfect morning after torrential rain yesterday.
Running is not my thing, I do not believe I evolved off the Savannah, born to run. I'm with the water theory.
Setting off at an enthusiastic pace I placed myself behind a mother and the nearest seven year old reckoning that would work...until they disappeared. I then waited until I was a respectable distance and walked a bit, broke back into a run when I approached the first marshal by the church who directed us off around the lake...as I passed the graveyard I asked if he had plot ready for me as I was already fit to dive in and call it a day. The lake shimmered in the morning sunlight and by marshal number two I said ' I'm running inside ...really, I am'. I caught up and passed mum and seven year old and saved some face. By Marshall number three I had to read the plaque on the wall and catch up on the history, it would have been rude to have sped past. As I shot past the estate deer, I could tell Bambi was impressed by my gazelle like action. As I rounded the front of the Hall, I started running again to put on a good impression and at the finish was shocked at the lack of Vangelis for the final flourish but got an encouraging clap.
Running is a funny activity. It wouldn't be my choice but as I ran I thought of mum and was glad of the juxtaposition of doing this, in a place that I know so well and love (once I've go over the landed gentry bit...and I had to eat my words because runners were not charged for parking), and it helps a feeling of continuity and community rather than just finality.
What a great setting. I hope the force of energy that is Mary, who runs the day centre, and whose mother also died this summer, was pleased with the outcome. She does an amazing job.