On the gradual wind down for work before Christmas so this week has lent itself to a bit more running time. Despite that it was not until Tuesday evening after our annual Elf Day celebrations watching Elf (the movie) that I ventured out.
Because it was much later than usual I decided upon a run around the local roads instead of my usual canal route. I took my head torch just in case but the street lighting was in most parts sufficient. It was just as well because part way around the torch could barely muster up a glimmer let alone a beam of light!
Then on Thursday, the first of my days off, I decided that I needed to get out for a longer run as Tuesday’s had been quite short. This was a lovely run as it was a bit like a weekend. Not too early and therefore not too cold.
I am currently trying to get myself back up to 10km and beyond. Having followed Ju-Ju's plan earlier in the year I know I can do it but I want to improve my time. My plan this time is to keep running around 8km until I am happy and then push it up to 9km.
So Thursday’s run was another 8km run. Whilst happy with my pace from the previous run I wanted to push myself just a bit more. The first half of the run was bang on where I wanted to be, sadly the second half was not! Still better than my previous 10k pace overall it showed that I must be approaching what I am comfortable with at the moment.
So this morning having done 8km once this week I had planned on doing 8 X 1km intervals but had forgotten to set my watch up so instead just went out for a slow run, whatever distance came it was fine.
I set off really slow, not wanting to burn up too much energy. I reached the canal after the first ½ km downward section and was pleased by the gentle pace I had managed. Keeping it slow as I took the canal I kept going to my usual Hobbit Run 8km route turn around point.
Along the way I was able to watch the local wildlife including blackbirds stealing berries from the tree branches, swans a swimming and dogs hustling their owners along the path. All in all it was a very enjoyable run. Lots of people to say hello to, little dogs to dodge and a feeling of being cold but not too cold!
To top it all, once my run was complete it was good to see a sensible average/peak heart rate with the result that the recovery advisor on my watch gave me a thumbs up for my next run date.
A few stretches before walking the remaining 10-15 minutes home for a welcome banana and cup of tea.
Happy running everyone.
A happy slow one
A Sunday morning 5 Mile (8K) Towpath Run
One run - 2 PBs! Thank you Fabienne!
The slower than slow run with NRC’s Coach Benett 
Slow run in the cold
