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I picked up the trail at the end of Tonbridge Racecourse Park.
I'd gone maybe 10 metres along the trail before a rabbit crossed my path. We often see rabbits from the train around here but I'd never managed to be this close to one without it running away. To be fair, I did start the run at 6.30am, so the rabbits are probably used to having the place to themselves at this time on a Sunday!
Anyway, on with the trail. The first part of the trail was fairly dry and compact earth with just a few puddles. The trail follows the path of the river Medway, heading West out of Tonbridge.
At the next section there was a choice between a couple of hundred metres of tarmac or a bike trail... I took the bike trail.
I went past the ominously named 'Lucifer Bridge'. Here the trail got a little wetter and muddier, nice!
So I carried on, passing along the edge of a couple of fields on muddy, grass trails, until I reached the next real trail section. It was at this point that I heard a woodpecker tapping away on one of the trees, I looked around but I couldn't see the little fella.
Here the trail was about 80% waterlogged, and the remaining areas were reduced to thick mud... Trail Heaven! I almost had to walk most of this section as I quickly realised that the mud was on the lookout for a nice new pair of trail shoes to swallow! Note to self: Tie the laces tighter next time and/or wear thicker socks.
I made it through and entered another field, then crossed a bridge (no name on this one) to head back along the opposite bank of the river Medway. This side was much less muddy and after a couple of wrong turns in the forest I came out in Haysden Country Park to be greeted by the most awesome sunrise reflecting off the water of Haysden Lake. I ran along next to the water until deciding to jump into the forest to my left, over a few tree stumps and branches, and then back onto path.
I ran past some sleeping fishermen with a Tarahumara-like lightness so as not to wake them. Then as I reached the end of the lake, I once again jumped into the forest and followed a path. It brought me back out next to 'Lucifer Bridge' - This time I had to cross it.
I'm happy to say that nothing untoward happened on the crossing!
From here I headed back along the first sections of trail and as I was just about to leave the trail I came across three more rabbits. They didn't seem to be bothered by my presence, but I slowed down to almost a walk so as not to startle them.
I had arrived back at Tonbridge Racecourse Park having completed my first trail run and feeling on top of the world.
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Running on the trail made running feel like it did when I was a child - It was fun and exciting. The puddles and mud were not there to be avoided, there was no need to worry about getting my road shoes muddy - As far as I'm concerned, trail shoes are supposed to be covered in mud, and although mine are yet to be completely covered, they have made a start!
Summary (with split times etc) / Map (with GPS data)
7t.