I didn’t run yesterday, the weather was awful. This morning it was chilly but not raining, and a slight breeze, so up and out!
Today I needed a slow run. I wanted to run on my usual route but have the time to look around, unconcerned about my pace or even negative splits 😀. I would run for 60 minutes in Zone 3. I knew it would be about 7K.
Starting off on the lane by the river, I do have to make sure I’m keeping in Zone 3, but soon settle down. I spook a heron and wonder if it’s the same one that I keep disturbing on this route! He flies off low over the river and stands on the other side. There’s no traffic this morning, but I see in the distance another runner coming towards me and wonder if it’s my neighbour, I’ve managed to persuade her to do C25K and she’s on Week 2! I soon realise it’s not her, unless she’s grown a beard 😂. I know this runner and he’s an older gentleman who lives in the village. We exchange greetings.
I keep on with my slow run and notice the sparrows in the hedgerow, they seem very busy this morning. I reach the gate and turn to go back. I spook the heron again! Back in the village, I pass a dog walker with his cocker spaniel. I often see him out on my runs. I always enjoy seeing people I know while I’m running, it’s the only real contact I have with anyone right now.
Out of the village and heading towards the infamous Deadend Track. The photo shows the road out of the village and the turning for the Track. Somebody beeps and waves at me. I wave back happily. I’m dreadful at recognising cars, so I had no clue who it was 😊. I cross to turn up the Track. The gates are open so there’s been some farm activity. There are lots of mud clods on one section of it, so I have to hoppity skippety to avoid them! I’m amused at my little dance!
I reach 5K and note that it took me 42:53. Wow. I remember running my first 5K in August, with all out effort. I managed it in just under 45 minutes then, but I was out of breath, exhausted and sweating. Now, just a few months later I can do it in less time, with virtually no effort. And carry on running!
Coming back out onto the road, I’m struggling to keep in Zone 3 and so back off a little. It is tempting to speed up, but I really wanted this to be a slow run, so I resist the temptation. Only for the last half kilometre do I stop watching the heart rate zone, but still run at an easy conversational pace. I run past my house until I get to 60 minutes. I slow to a walk and I’m not even out of breath! Home and coffee. Love those slow runs 😊👍🏃♀️
7k on a beautiful morning
