I love to go on a longer run on Saturdays, it sets me up for the weekend. No gremlins this morning, but I took my time as it was going to be chilly first thing. I had half a banana and a coffee about 90 minute before I set out. Long sleeved top and running tights. Had to go back for my gloves! I was glad of the gloves, but once I started running, I wished Iβd worn my shorts.
Iβd decided on a 10K run as I want to start running longer distances again. I wasnβt going to push myself, just run at a comfortable pace. Once I started running, I decided to try and keep my pace between 8:00 and 8:30 mins/km. I wouldnβt even push myself for the last km. Says she π.
Music today! Started off with Sergeant Pepperβs πΆ. I do enjoy singing as I run, even if it attracts odd looks, so off I went jogging along the lane close to the riverbank, happily singing along to the music. I do watch my heart rate as I donβt want to be working too hard today, but it isnβt until the 4th or 5th kilometre that I realise Iβm working harder than I want to and pull back a little. I have the heart rate zones showing as a number on my watch, so if my heart rate increased to above 4.5, it was time to pull back.
I donβt try and run negative splits on my longer runs as itβs not helpful. I let the splits ebb and flow, although itβs natural to have an overall increase in pace after my body has warmed up.
I cross the rural part of my route as the album ends, but the bird song is so lovely that I donβt start any more music, preferring to listen to the sounds of nature for a while. This part of the route is about 2.5K I would guess. I heard horses whinnying, but I couldnβt see them today. Iβm disappointed that itβs overcast, I canβt wait to run in the sunshine again.
Coming back out onto the main road, I take out my mobile and find some more music to sing to! Kate Bush, yes, why not. Iβm now about 3km from home and sticking to my plan of not working too hard. This is my first 10K since my break and I donβt want to overdo it. There is a lot of traffic and I have to watch it in case I have to jump into the hedge! As we are so rural here, there are many tractors and they are a lot bigger than me, but drivers are considerate today and give me a wide birth.
I notice that my 9th km is just over 8:00 mins. Shall I speed up a bit for the last kilometre? Oh, all right π. Iβm almost home and duck down a side street to add half a km. I run past my house just before I get to 10K and stop the run. I walk a bit further for my warm down walk and then turn round to go home and make coffee.πββοΈπββοΈπββοΈβοΈπ
Splits: 8:30, 8:28, 8:10, 8:15, 8:18, 8:10, 8:05, 8:03, 8:03, 7:35