1:52:51 - 13K

Hiya,

Saturday, time for my long run of the week. Around 10°C, so kitted up in my long running thights with a long sleeved shirt and of course my new hydration vest with some jellies, tissues and a 500 ml bottle of water.

Some dynamic stretches and out the door. Though my longest run to date was 11,5K, it was not 12K but 13K that popped up in my mind...

I am at the coast, so it is my usual route along the main road, past the harbour, onto the dune path and into the polders (fields). When we arrived the polders were filled with mist, but by the time I ran in them the mist had disappeared. Luckily, otherwise it would have been too dangerous with the cars and cyclists.

First 10 minutes (the toxic ten) my legs had to wake up and get in the mood for running. After those 10 minutes my legs were in the mood and felt good. Got in a nice cadence and felt it was a good day for running.

At 5K I realised I was smiling like an idiot. I think I actually scared some people with it. Don't ask me why, I just could not get the ridiculous smile off my face. I just like running so much nowadays! It did turn into a less ridiculous smile the longer I ran though, but I kept smiling and greeting the people on bikes when I crossed them.

At 12K I felt like I could conquer the world and 10 miles did not seem that far off anymore. I did keep in mind to stop at 13K though. Weirdly it was as if the idea of being almost at the end of my run, made my legs feel more and more tired. And then 13K came and I stopped my watch.

Who would have thought I would ever run 13K?

Pics are at the harbor, in the polders and of ridiculous ol' me 😁

Cheers, Evy

[Week7 Graduate10]

Well done. Sounds like one of those perfect runs that we are all hoping for at the start of every run but don't always get!

[Hidden in reply to Week7]

Yes, must admit though that I am in a good running mood the latest time. I am not fast, but I am enjoying myself!

[Woollyweaver Graduate10]

Brilliant - you have come so far! What a beautiful place to run, and in the sun too - no wonder you were smiling 👏

[Hidden in reply to Woollyweaver]

Thanks and yeah I do prefer running here above at home. But alass, can't always be here...

[GailXrunning]

Fabulous! Well done, BS! You certainly look the expert runner with your hydration vest, too.

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks, I might look it but my speed is that of a snail 😹

[GailXrunning]

Snails need hydration too! 😉

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

Very true (I have actually kept garden snail in a terrarium once and they like a daily spray of water 😜)!

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

What a great 13k 😁👍Sounds like you really enjoyed it smiling away 😁

That 10 miles is so close 👍

[Hidden in reply to Instructor57]

I knooooow, so exciting!

[Instructor57 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure you will be there soon !I haven't yet !, 14k is my longest

[Doris8 Graduate10]

What a great 13 km. I wish your snail time was mine very quick for snails. Love your horsey picture. Your looking really well after your run don’t look exhausted at all. 👏

[Hidden in reply to Doris8]

Thanks and each snail her own pace. Mine is no better than yours. Yours suits you and that is important. 6 years ago I tried running too, but I ran faster. And I absolutely hated running. Now I know I ran too fast. I prefer this pace as it makes that I enjoy running. Might be you can run faster too, but would you enjoy it?

As for my pic, I always wear a cap for a reason. My hair is always plasteted to my head soppy wet 😂. Plus the cap hides a bit my reddish face 😜

[Doris8 Graduate10]

I would like to go faster like I used to but a wee bit scared with this osteoporosis. I might try and up my run to 2 min and walk 4 mins, . I can speed quicker but it’s the pounding . It’s all about enjoying 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Doris8]

And taking care of your body. No sense in doing something and ending up on the IC!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Evy that’s amazing what a wonderful run and photos

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks ☺

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate10]

Great run! I sometimes get the grins when I run too. What a nice feeling. Great stamina too, you're running for nearly two hours!!

[Hidden in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

Thanks and yes, almost 2 hours sounds heavier than 13K!

[Kirst13 Graduate10]

I love your phrase about your legs getting in the mood for running. It sounds so much more positive than the toxic 10- I'm going to use that phrase and see if it helps me get through that part of the run!!! Well done on the run too😁

[Hidden in reply to Kirst13]

Thanks! I kinda came up with it after remembering something coach Bennett said in a NRC guided run. He said you have to start slow because your legs need to adapt and get used to the feeling of running. And yesterday I kinda imagined my legs were still a bit sleepy and needed to wake up and get in the mood 😁

[StringsandKeys Graduate10]

Nice one. Love it when a run feels that good and great distance 13k. Good luck with your target of 10 miles!

[Hidden in reply to StringsandKeys]

Thanks ☺