I decided earlier in the week that I need to start extending my running time if I’m going to regain my former fitness. I refused to listen to the gremlins today, got dressed into my running gear, light breakfast, coffee, stretches and and headed out. No faffing allowed!
I had planned out my route. It incorporated a hill (The Demon Hill) that I turned back from during my 5K run last week. I’d worry about that when I got to it!
My warm up walk is uphill. I walk briskly and reach the point where I usually stop and turn round ready to start my run. I decide to carry on even further up the hill on my walk (I don’t even know why, but I did 😬)
I start my playlist, suggested by Amazon Music, called Hard Rock. Hit the button to start the run and walk briskly for the first 90 seconds. I really need to start easy if I’m going to run for 60 minutes and this will make sure I do. I’m not focussing on split times this morning (I’ve got the Demon Hill to contend with) but I do want to finish strong. And I want to Keep Going, even if the going gets tough! No walking breaks or stopping to cross the road and grab a rest 😂.
The first 2 kilometres are just steady running and enjoying the music. My heart rate is a little high in Zone 4 and I wonder if it’s possible to ease off even more and get it back into Zone 3? Well yes, it is!
I reach the Demon Hill. I shorten my stride and keep going. I look ahead and I can see traffic lights, then I’m pretty sure it’s downhill, but there is a bend in the road and I can’t be sure. I plod on! I crest the hill and then it’s downhill. I lengthen my stride again and keep steady as I recover from the hill. Now I’m into new territory. I have the map in my head. As I near the main roundabout which leads into town, I spot a small park to my left. I deviate from my plan and run round the park. I’m enjoying this run! I’m not taking any notice of my pace, just glad I’m out running - that I can run!
I cone out of the park and go back towards the roundabout again. I have to go down into an underpass (this part of the town is full of them) and I’m not sure where I need to go, but I find the road I want. There a number of runners here and we exchange greetings. One runner returned my ‘Hi’ by moving his eyebrows which sent me into a fit of giggles for some reason! 😂
Starting the 6th km I take the brakes off a bit. I don’t want to run flat out as I can see that 6K will not take me to 60 minutes and I don’t want to run out of steam before then. I reach 6K and carry on at a similar pace until I’ve got to that 60 minutes.
My longest run for many months! And my body knows it - I’m tired. A real sense of achievement today. I kept running as I had wanted to do and finished strong. I head back home for stretches and a long hot shower, followed by coffee and breakfast no. 2! 👍🏃♀️☕️😊
