A couple of 5.5k runs completed in between my last post and the run today (and this post). A 6k effort today, which was in perfect conditions for me; a chill in the air, sunshine in between intermittent light showers to keep me cool (I am a prolific 'sweater').
This is my journey to 10k, started during a shoulder break recovery which is very much on the mend now... thank you for asking.
I've been completing 5.5k runs for the last two weeks or so with the odd 6k run thrown in when the going felt good enough, that is, when both mind and body felt good enough - it's not enough to have just one or the other think it's OK, they both need to agree! Today felt good for both, so another 6k run under the belt.
The last stretch of my usual 5.5k run is up hill. It's not steep, but long, well it feels long, because by the time I approach it I'm at around 5k and the push then is to get to 5.5k, which has been a challenge to do toward the end of the run ('you could go the other way round' I can here some voices saying in the ether, but where's the challenge in that?
I'm achieving it OK-ish now, so I want take that uphill finale up to 6K, my new go to distance. I know it's do-able because I've done it, I just need to keep doing it even when feel I can't do it; to train the brain as well as the body to believe that this is the next acceptable level, then keep doing it until it becomes the new norm for the pair of them. Then, then just as body and brain believe it's safe to go out again, I'll spring a 7k run on them, after a few weeks, so it comes as a surprise, don't tell 'em, they'll love it!😉
The issue I have is, I live in a village (that's not the issue) and have to leave the confines of it to have a decent route so that i am not running around in circles, figuratively speaking. Leaving it means leaving civilisation though, which I do like, running along country lanes with only the odd car passing now and then (not the same one of course). With winter coming, it'll be pitch black whenever I can run, morning or evening, because work gets in the way😒.
I am about to to order a night running jacket, but as for lighting the way ahead, what would you recommend? As alluded to already, I sweat, my forehead sweats (my apologies if this seems a little gross, esp. if you're having your breakfast, lunch or dinner), and from what I have read online, 'head-lamps' are not good for us sweaty types.
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
