Long and Easy on the Garmin Training Plan

[Ian5K]

In my early 20s, I worked alongside a thoughtful Polish guy and one time, for reasons I forget, we discussed the weather in England in Autumn. I said September was probably my favourite month and he remarked, in his soft Polish accent, how October can be nice, also…

And he is right, and I dedicate this morning to him. What a glorious morning to run a gentle 10k!

This was my #2 run in my Garmin 5k training plan; scheduled the day after the first run. This is the first time I can remember I’ve run on two consecutive days! Luckily, it’s part of a plan so I can be confident, and it’s another easy paced run.

It’s termed “Long easy pace” and begins with a 5 minute warm up walk or light jog (I jogged it), followed by 50 minutes running at a pace between 5:45 and 6:15/km. At the end is a 5 minute cool down walk or light jog. It’s basically the same as the first run on the plan but for 20 minutes longer.

I really needed a coached plan to tell me to run at this pace but I’m glad of it. It’s such a beautiful pace. I decide to run down a straight and reasonably level - for around here anyway - country road. At the halfway point, I’ll turn around and run back the way I came but there’s a Forrest Gump feeling about this road where the pull of running on and on grabs me. I have to tell myself I’ve strictly only 50 minutes to do so, turn around!

Average workout pace was 6:01/km (distance 8.32 km), average HR 127, average cadence 172. It felt pretty flat but the elevation gain was 68m, a gradual incline all the way back.

It’s one of my most enjoyable runs this year. I see the next run is already scheduled for Friday - a day’s rest tomorrow then. The next one is a repeat of run #1 - “Easy pace” for 30 minutes. It’s also given me a 2 minute article to read from Coach Greg, an overview of the workout and a brief explanation of the different training runs coming up. Ready to go! 🙂

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

It is positively balmy out there today isn’t it? We’re very lucky.

The plan seems to be working well for you 👍Enjoy.

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Interesting - nice numbers once again. I wish my cadence was 172.

I used to work with a Polish lady who complained there were no seasons in the UK - just rainy all year round! 🌧

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

Wow, mostly, as the saying goes, we can get four seasons all in one day.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

The weather is so amazing, October can be very nice. A good run too

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks. 🙂

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Just wow! That is so fantastic 👏