Having let the gremlins👿 get the better of me this morning, I was determined to run after work this evening, despite the rain. 🌧🌧🌧
Clothing choice was tights, rain jacket, waterproof cap (I still need to get a sun visor) and long-sleeved t-shirt.
I actually really enjoyed running in the rain, the cap did the job nicely and I wasn't too hot. No water droplet covered specs this time!
I also feel like this was a bit of a milestone run for me, as it's the first time I've run in the dark - and it didn't freak me out as much as I though it world. I certainly won't be running through the woods in the dark though.
Finishing my run, and on my warm down walk I realised that I hadn't factored in it being totally dark by the time I got close to home. Don't ask me why this didn't register, but the short cut between the woods and houses was pitch black, so my 5 minute cool down ended up more like 15 minutes. Doh! 🙄
For this run I wasn't bothered about pace or heart rate zone. I just wanted to run and I didn't check my watch at all throughout the run. I kept things nice and easy and just zoned out listening to my music. Anyway a nice enjoyable slow 5k - 43.25. Not my fastest, but not my slowest either.
My next run will be 4k when I'll probably try an interval workout again
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Birdlady64
Graduate10
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I have one or two of those. Invaluable when on safari or staying in places with non existent or intermittent electricity supply. I never dreamed of using them for running until now 😁
Well done for running in the rain AND the dark! I haven’t run in the dark, yet. Our village hasn’t any street lighting except in the small area where the houses are and it doesn’t seem safe. I’ve run in the pre-dawn light with a chest torch, which I prefer over a head torch.
You were obviously perfectly attired for the conditions! The question of whether to wear running tights or shorts is a difficult one for me at the moment. If in doubt I go for the shorts.
Sometimes it’s good not to worry about the zones and trying to monitor it can take the enjoyment out of the run. I am trying not to let it worry me too much, although I did do a double take when I noticed I was running at 101% of my maximum heart rate as set on Garmin. 😳
All in all, a lovely 5K run for you! Good luck with the intervals 🙂
Thanks Julia. Lots of my usual routes are unlit so I need to find some winter ones which will have to be along the roads.
If it hadn't been raining I would have gone for shorts. When I started out I thought my hands were going to be really cold in the wet and wind, but I ended up with my sleeves pushed up towards my elbows and I was fine.
It was nice not to obsess over the watch for once, but totally agree with you as on my last interval run it alarmingly told me I'd exceeded my max heart rate!
Well I'm still here so I assume no lasting damage was done 😁
I think our MHRs are not correct in The Garmin app. Garmin said 160. I set mine to 170, but I still seem to be running in Zone 5 most of the time! Can’t be right. Strava thinks my MHR is 190! Not sure where it got that info from. In any case, the data is probably not accurate as regards to the zones in Garmin. So I’m not taking too much notice 🙂
Yes I agree with you. There is definitely something not quite right. You can't be in zone 5 for that amount of time.
The formulas are only guidelines and I'm becoming more and more certain they don't work for me. I set my max to 175 but Im trying not to worry too much
Yes that's not good. Really easy to slip a disc in my back so must be avoided at all costs. I am looking at council maintained parks and area around the local University where the paths get a bit of upkeep 🍁😬🤔
Hi Birdlady64 great run. Yes nice to just run without worrying about pace etc. I've given up with all the heart rate stuff now as my rate has reduced a little hopefully now I'm a little fitter.
Be careful you don't trip up in the dark. I'm going to do my wk 7 run number 2 - 5k tomorrow but it is only my second run after 2 wks off so taking it steady. Aiming for the 9 k on Thursday.
Great stuff Birdlady64!! 🤗 I really wish I was as keen to run in the dark. Maybe that will be my challenge for next year. This year it’s just running through the winter.
Well if I am going to carry on running through the short winter days I had better get used to running in the dark I suppose. It is definitely going to be a challenge.
You’re doing great!! 😁😁 I am lucky to be able to wait just long enough to fit in just as the morning breaks and ready to work downstairs (working from home), otherwise I’d be doing the same. Your post is inspiring and you sound as though you’ve enjoyed it 🤩 and that’s all that matters!! 😁❤️
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A week of firsts 
First run in the dark!
Running in the dark
Magic 10 - W3R2 - 3.5K - a bit cold for an ice cream...
