One of the public footpaths that I use frequently on training runs goes across the middle of several arable fields. This year, two of the fields have got maize growing in them. For the last few weeks it has not been good for running: the path is still clearly defined, but the maize leaves are spreading across it, many at face height. After last night's rain and a heavy shower mid-morning, I would have had wet leaves in my face if I had run that way today. So I went a different way, adding about 10 minutes to the run; although much of the diversion was along roads, there were grass verges most of the way, so it wasn't too unpleasant.

If it was bracken or heather, I could say that I was training for the fells . . . but maize!