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
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate10
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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.
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 😂
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
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!
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 🤷♀️
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! 🤣
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 😂
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 👍💪👏👏👏🏃♀️
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 🤗
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. 🙏
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 😂
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 😂🤔
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 😊
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.
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!! 🤣
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
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.
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 👍
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