Being stubborn I decided a while ago to have my rundays on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday or Sunday. But this Tuesday I had my 4-weekly IV to keep my rheumatic arthritis well behaved and I don't run afterwards. So today was my first run of the week.
My hydration vest had arrived and I today would be its maiden run. Put 1 of the 2 flexible 500 ml bottles in a pocket, my phone in a zippered pocket and my jellies in yet another pocket. Still have 4 pockets left unused, so handy! And there is a whistle at the top in case of emergency. And I have to admit, such a flexible bottle with a long straw that reaches to my face is sooo much handier than having to pull a (flexible) bottle out of a hip bag! In short, I am very happy with my vest!
Did eat some melon before my run, because I was very hungry. I knew I might be cursing myself, because I easily get stitches when eating something within 2 hours before a run. Luckily my body behaved nicely and no stitches appeared.
As always I Jeffed my run at 4min30 / 0min30. First 10 minutes of easy running and then I did fartleks. My goal was to get a PB on this 5K by doing the fartleks until the end. Unfortunately I missed a PB by 25 seconds! Did go under 40 minutes though (for the second time) with 39:38. But I was ready to puke, I had pushed myself too hard.
I now decided not to go for PB's anymore. Just enjoying myself is sufficient. There is no need to exert myself that hard nor to actually puke. I did get negative splits though, much to my surprise: 8:58 - 8:11 - 7:52 - 7:30 - 7:03.
Well done BS, a great run for you! Who knows where not worrying about PBs will take you? With splits like that, you might surprise yourself! I like the sound of your hydration vest - a girl can never have too many pockets! Happy running!
Thanks and indeed, not worrying about PB's might actually give me one. My PB on 5K was actually run during a 10K (without fartleks). Still don't understand how that can be possible 😹
I've come to realise that I very rarely enjoy my running when I'm chasing PBs, let alone negative splits. I'm much more interested in the overall experience, not just the numbers.
I honestly did not chase for negative splits this time. I thought that was impossible even doing fartleks. So it was a big surprise. Getting negative splits is fun when you don't expect it. But I am not going to chase consciously for them anymore. Just like the PB's.
I've realised that I tend to get injured if I try for PBs on purpose. Sometimes you find yourself running harder and sometimes they come even when you don't think the run was hard.
The trick is just to keep putting one foot in front of the other repeatedly, and not falling over.
That sounds like a good run Evy, I'm really pleased for you
I find it difficult not to think about times and pace etc, as my watch constantly shows how long I've run for and when I get home I always look to see my time.
It's particularly true if you run the same route, as you can compare your time to previous runs so it's tempting to try to run just a little bit faster.
The main thing of course is to enjoy it - which obviously you do!
It is tempting to try to do better each time, but honestly, it also takes the joy out of things. I feel if I want to do better, the running becomes a chore instead of an enjoyment. And I don't like doing chores, haha.
Thanks! The walks are not really fast. I use my walks for blowing my snotty nose, taking a sip of water and / or taking a jelly. So it is a normal walking pace, I think...
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