4K just to get out there!

[Jools2020]

I wasn’t happy on this run. For various reasons, I wasn’t able to run early and it was 11.30 before I set out on my run. Still chilly out but the sun was shining. Maybe I could manage without my jacket today? I had on my short sleeved tee and my new Proviz long sleeved tee shirt (which looked grey yesterday, but green today 😂). I opened the front door - nope! Chilly breeze. Jacket on! Gloves on.

Warm up walk and photos taken and I was off! Nothing felt right. I was planning on a Zone 3 run - about 30 minutes. Heart rate shot straight up into Zone 4. This does happen to me occasionally and I noticed that the air quality wasn’t that good. In any case, I could see it was going to be a struggle to keep in Zone 3, so I adjusted my plan and just ran.

The village was a lot busier in the late morning and I had to stop 3 or 4 times along the single track lane for traffic. It was sunny and I was glad of my sports glasses and sun visor. Back out along the main road I saw people I knew walking their dogs. I saw another runner who I know, she’s trying to get back into running after a long break so I offer encouragement to her as I overtake her.

I reach 3K and my legs are really tired; possibly I didn’t drink enough water yesterday. My breathing isn’t good. Should have checked the air quality before I left and used my inhaler. As I start my 4th km I’m thinking I should focus on the good things about the run and stop complaining 😊. There’s no ice - it’s not windy and I’m doing what I love, going out on a run! I take a deep breath and pull out a few stops as I run back into the village. A cyclist comes towards me and shouts encouragement; I manage to give him a thumbs up and it helps with my last couple of hundred metres!

Back home I check my stats - not the fastest run, but I managed negative splits and a reasonable last km. My watch loves me! My VO2 Max is ‘Superior’ and I’m apparently in the top 5% for my age and gender, with a fitness age of 27. (I’m 67). I decide to believe this today 😊.

Kilometre Splits:

7:47, 7:39, 7:22, 6:48

[Raisemeup 60minGraduate]

Hi Jools, I'm similar age as you and all I can say is if any device told me I'm same as a 27 year old, I'd be doing handstands up the wall! - well why not at 27!!Your run was a good run indeed. Glad you enjoyed it after all and how nice of the cyclist to encourage you, rich in goodwill and a boost to your ego, seems like you found what we all need right now.

Best wishes, ☺️

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Raisemeup]

Thanks. I think that for most of it, it was better looking back on it than actually doing it. It was hard work, but I’m still glad I went. 😊. If I could still do handstands up the wall, I would have 😂

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Surely the best part of that run was VO2 max saying that your fitness age is 27, wow. 😊

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Yes, it was, Al! Running is definitely making me younger! 😊

[nowster Graduate10]

An "off" day. We all have them. 4km is still a decent run.

I'm going to try a short walk this lunchtime to test out the knee, and if I feel really good, I'll jog for 10 seconds a couple of times.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Thanks, nowster. I don’t often have off days. Good luck with testing out the knee.

[Hidden]

That's a perfect encouragement right there Jools2020 bravo 👏👏👏👏

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Imc! 😊👍

[Vinchie13]

Well done for getting out for a run when your not on song 💗I don’t usually look at my VO2 it usually says age 76 but today gone down to 62 so I’ll take that. How do I improve

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Vinchie13]

Who knows? 😂 Mine likes a mix of runs, long ones and runs with some interval training or short, fast runs.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Vinchie13]

I find the lower I can keep my heart rate the higher the vo2max goes, try slowing down for a couple of runs and see the difference.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

I was going to do that today, but every now and then my heart rate increases for seemingly no reason - maybe the air quality, maybe I was more tired than usual. It’s great advice, though!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

I did a long slow 10 miles on sunday and vo2max went up 2 points, did a 30sec/km faster 6k today but it went up another point, but generally I find lower HR makes it go up, but theres maybe something to do with duration there too 🤷‍♀️

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

My VO2 Max usually improves dramatically after a short, fast run!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

🤣 🤣 maybe my device knows I cant do fast so has chosen a new method 🤣🤣

[Peter44 Graduate10]

Well done, you got out there, that's what counts, you lose me with some of the tech stuff 🤣 your watch saying your 27! 🤔 mind you, i do know what negative splits are 🤣 i still think about folk, not able to get out, right now, when i'm out running, pretty mild down here, went out in just t-shirt, and shorts today, still no tights! 🤣

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Peter44]

Ha! I lose myself, I’ve got no idea what it all means!

Yes, it’s good to get out and run. Fortunate to be able to; if I couldn’t, I think I would go crazy. I am already going crazy. Got dressed up yesterday to go and pick my shopping up from a car park!

I can tell you’re longing to wear those tights - I’m sure it will soon be cold enough for you 😂

[Peter44 Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

🤣👍

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

That's a great run! It may not have felt great but look at those splits! Well done for pushing through and getting another 4k under your belt 👍💪👏👏👏🏃‍♀️

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thanks, BF 🙏

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Fantastic run although it did sound busy so well done persevering round everyone. If you need an inhaler do you have a preventative one. My hubby was advised a few years ago to use his every day through winter and we have really good air being in the country. He's been running over 40 years with no issues, talk to your asthma nurse for advice. Happy running 🤗

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks, Grannyhugs! I no longer have a preventive inhaler as the doctor said it wasn’t necessary. I only have mild asthma. If the air quality is poor, the run is a lot more effort, like it was today. Usually I check the forecast and use my inhaler before I leave the house, but today I did neither. Maybe time to talk to the nurse. 🙏

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

You weren't happy but that's still a good run Jools 😁Impressive negative splits again

Can I have some of your VO2 Max please?

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Thanks Diane, I think it all felt out of kilter because of the time of day. I’m an early morning runner! I had a slight stitch as well - although I had breakfasted 4 hours before I set out. The VO2 Max just made me laugh 😂

[NotPrime in reply to Jools2020]

Hi Jools2020, I’m the same age as you and my VO2 Max is a constant source of amusement to my wife who refuses to believe she’s married to a 20 year old. According to her my watch is clearly stupid 😂🤔

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to NotPrime]

20?! Thinks to self, “how can I get my fitness age down to 20?” 😂

[NotPrime in reply to Jools2020]

A quadruple cardiac bypass definitely helps. My wife insists it’s cheating as “you’re kind of bionic”. 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to NotPrime]

I suppose you are! I think I might just stick to my running programme, though 😬

[Tinytears60 Graduate10]

Well done for focussing on the positives! 👏👏👏 27 is a fab achievement- be very proud of that lady! 💕 x

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Tinytears60]

Hi Jane! Thank you. Hope to see you running again soon 💕 x

[9weeks2Run Graduate10]

Wow I love that watch!! Can I have one please, would love to be told my fitness age is 27 and I am superior!! Lol 😂 I love it!!!

4km is a very decent run ohhhh And look at those negative splits, brilliant, well done you.

I love the way everyone encourages you when you are out running so nice.

I have started eating porridge (breakfast of champions!!) Makes me think of you and checking in the mirror to see still gorgeous!! That really makes me smile 😊

Enjoy reading your posts you are doing great.

Take care

Rebecca x

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to 9weeks2Run]

Thanks, Rebecca. There is so much encouragement on this forum, it has helped to keep me going through dark times.

Porridge is indeed the breakfast of Champions 😊. I add a banana, a small handful of seed mix from Tesco and a splash of maple syrup!

Hope you are feeling less fatigued today and that you and your Mum are over the worst. x

[9weeks2Run Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

That is good Julia, it is so amazing. I am so glad to be part of this forum and has helped me so much as well.

My mum is feeling so much stronger thankfully I am still in bed but think I am feeling a little better today going to have some porridge soon!

Have a lovely day x

[Week7 Graduate10]

Thanks for sharing.Loved your post, love your watch even more!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Week7]

Thank you, Week7 😊

[CBDB Graduate10]

Just looks so great! And it sounds like a great but also challenging cold 🥶 run! Fab!! 👍🏽👏

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks! It was slightly warmer than other runs I’ve been on lately! 👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Negative splits Jools2020, excellent run for you.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks, Al 😊

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Oh my...I want some of that! In awe of your splits, and your “slow” times...not to mention being told you’re 27!

👍🏃🏻‍♀️🥰

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

I laughed at my fitness age. For goodness sake 😂. I’ve never been super speedy but my pace has improved. My favourite runs, though, are the long slow runs with no agenda at all, other than to just enjoy them.

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Jools2020]

I think they may end up being my favourite too ☺️

[Sybilw Graduate10]

My watch is similarly disillusioned and thinks I’m 22 despite the fact I’ve only walked for the last month! Just can’t get out the door to run 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ Even when I was out running I was very unspectacular. Like to tell the family though!! 🤣

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

That’s amusing that you have a fitness age of 22 and you’re not even running right now!

I’ve just checked out your stats (like you do!) and you’re waaayy faster than me. Nothing about your running is unspectacular! 😊

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you so much - I don’t tend to compare much so that means a lot. I feel slow and ordinary when I’m out! Sometimes I even imagine I’m a bit old! (especially when I glance in a mirror) Think this last month of restrictions has really got to me. Your kind words are appreciated

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

You have a pace that many younger people would be thrilled with! My self confidence took a nose dive when my husband left me. Every time I go out on a run I check in the mirror (maybe from quite a long way off 😂) and I say ‘Yep, still gorgeous!’ I think I might be starting to believe it.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Believe it!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

😊

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Well done getting that run in 👍4k is absolutely fine and as you say your watch is also happy.

Mine dosent like me just doing 5k's

I need to start mixing (again)

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks, Ian 😊 I’ve noticed that about my watch if you keep running the same distances.

I fall back on a 4K and 5K run in the week, but I’ve been running in exactly the same way, so I need to mix them up a bit, too.

[AndrewJR75 Graduate10]

I dream of the day I overtake someone not walking a dog. Well done Well done 👏👏👏

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to AndrewJR75]

Thank you 😀

[GailXrunning]

Fascinating read, J. The downs and the ups. Guess you can’t complain about losing 40 - 40!! - years in age!!

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

Thank you 😊. No, I can’t complain at that, although I was more amused than anything else!

[GailXrunning in reply to Jools2020]

😂 Those crazy watches!!

[Couchphoenix Graduate10]

Fitness age of 27 😮 that’s impressive, get you Benjamin Button ! Well done Jools2020, nice to get the encouragement from another runner and cyclist too 👍

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks! I’ve said it before, running is making me younger 😂. The same cyclist has given encouragement before, it’s lovely when people do that 😊