Joy Run #44: Ups & Downs ⛰️

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Thanks to last week’s ‘wildlife’ runners - with elephants, monkeys, bears, deer, snakes, praying mantis, and lots more. Enough for a zoo!

A busy patch at work and socialising has me craving solo off-road adventures.

Running, much like life, isn’t always smooth. There are tough climbs and easy coasts, challenging sections that test your limits, and steady stretches where you can breathe again.

These moments aren’t just part of the run - they reflect the terrain of everyday life. And the truth is, some of the clearest life lessons from running hills come when we face the tough stuff head-on. They teach us persistence, patience, and how to keep going even when we want to stop.

It’s tempting to avoid the hills. And sometimes, that’s the right choice. We all have days when we need ease. But if we always avoid the hard stuff, we miss the opportunity to grow. Hills make us stronger - not just in our legs, but as a gym for the mind. The more we face our hills, the more capable we feel in all parts of life.

This Week’s Theme: Ups & Downs ⛰️

This week why not seek out elevation. Embrace the climb. And when it’s time to go downhill, let yourself enjoy it. You’ve earned it.

Walk if you need to. Pause if you want to. But don’t shy away from the hill.

Because running - like life - is full of challenges.

Don’t have easy access to a hill? Swap for steps or simply the highest point you can find.

As always, don’t forget to tag Joy Runs on Instagram to be featured in our gallery 📸

Have fun!

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Here’s How Joy Runs Works

• A new theme is revealed every Monday

• You have all week to run it

• Share a pic and reflections on Instagram, tagging in Joy Runs

• Grow in the company of other runners

Happy running 💛🩷

Joy Runs x