Decided a different approach for this run. Have already done a couple of 5k runs and tried the Stepping Stones podcast so decided to do a longer 6k run but keep my heart rate within the yellow aerobic training zone on my smart watch. For me the top end of the aerobic zone is just over 130 beats per minute.
Set an Oasis album going on the smart watch for company and off we go. After a 5 minute brisk warm up walk I set off down the disused railway track and got my heart rate up to 130bpm with a steady jog. Tried to concentrate on my running form so head up, look ahead, drop shoulders and use arms to help propel me along.
Finding it very comfortable after the rigour of the Stepping Stones podcast and just settle into an easy rhythm. Not worried at all about times or cadence or pace just content jogging along with my heart rate hovering around 130bpm.
Decided to run 3.5 k and then turned around for the home stretch. The track is now on a very, very slight incline uphill. My heart rate increases slightly and flickers briefly into the next zone, the anaerobic orange zone. So I back off the pace ever so slightly and it drops back into the yellow zone once more.
Pass 5k and feel fine and confident I can make the 6k. Reach the 6k point and have another 1k walk back to the starting point. Briefly consider carrying on running but no, 6k is enough today. Stop my watch and realise that I'm hardly out of breath!!
Get back to the car and watch tells me I have completed my 10000 steps for the day.
What would we do without all this technology ??๐๐๐
6.06k / 51:58 / 8'35"