I was up before the alarm this morning. Quick cuppa and a glance outside to see if it was raining. It wasnβt. Shall I? The βgo back to bedβ gremlin was out in full force, but I soon despatched him and got my running clothes on! Minimal chit chat with my brother and stepped outside to check the temperature. What??! Not only a bit chilly, but dark! Quick change to a hi viz long sleeved top. By the time I actually left the house, though, it was almost light anyway; but I was still glad Iβd worn long sleeves. Heavens, it will be running tights next!
I decided on a short run this morning and I would Jeff it today with a 30:30 ratio again. It worked well last week. Warm up walk, a press of the button and off I go. Iβm becoming used to Jeffing now and decided to play music. I spot a Dire Straights album in my list, so start that off too. The familiar sound of the piano introduction to Telegraph Road played through my headphones. I would have sighed with satisfaction, but I was running too fast so I slowed it down a bit!
I donβt have to think so much about running and walking, it becomes automatic. I actually noticed the Red Kites calling to each other this morning. I carry on - trying to pick up pace during the run parts. Maintaining consistency is tricky with these Jeffing runs but Iβm sure that it will get easier with practice.
I carry on round my 3K route. There are a few other runners out, most of them familiar. Traffic is light as itβs still quite early. One van driver has parked half on the pavement and he has his door open as well. I tut with annoyance as I have to stop and check for traffic to step into the road and safely pass the van.
Last kilometre now and I negotiate the incline. The run part happens at just the wrong time, I should have swapped it, but never mind! Hills are my friend π. I duck down a side road, still Jeffing. I turn and join the main road again, nowβs the time to take the brakes off! I need to know when Iβve reached 3K, so I swipe my watch upwards to get the normal readout, ignoring the buzzes for running and walking. Iβll just keep going now! Downhill all the way! I resist the temptation to shout βWheeeee!β I stop the run at just past 3K and head to the steps.
A comment from one of my contacts on Strava congratulated me on a PB for 400 metres. Really? I hadnβt noticed! It must have been at the end when I took the brakes off! Well, thatβs made my day! ππ