I ran a 10.4k long slow run with the group. I took every walk break, and I kept my pace comfortable. The group was small and I started off in the back of the pack, feeling pretty good and enjoying the conversation. But after the first walk break (when the group reconnects), I found myself with the faster group. I wasn't too worried; I would drop back if/when the pace became uncomfortable.
I never dropped back.
By the end I was surprised to look at my watch and see my pace was sub-6 minutes...varying between 5:30-5:50. I know a lot of runners are going to shake their heads at me and say,"but Laura, that's not a long SLOW run! That's a long, FAST run for you!"
However, I will respond to my unvoiced critics that I was talking in complete sentences the entire way as I carried on a conversation. And I never felt short of breath...okay, that's a lie. I felt short of breath when I went up some of the short, spicy hills that peppered our route, but I recovered quickly.
This year has been a long road back to fitness for me, which I suppose makes sense since I'd taken about 18 months off running before restarting in May. But it's so exciting that I'm seeing consistent improvement from my frustrating, injury-riddled runs over the summer.
Now it's going to be about keeping up my motivation throughout the cold, dark of winter...
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Hidden Gems
We ran an "8-9k" for a long, slow run. The group was large, the day was brisk, and the trail was...stunning.
Winding along a pathway bursting with red, yellow, and green leaves, we came through the thick bush into a wetlands reserve. There, we ran along the boardwalks for a bit before turning back. I felt fit and fast, which is a nice way to feel! I kept with the front group, which consisted of 5 runners including myself.
Total distance: 9.4km
Total time: 59.47min
Average pace: 6:22min/km
It was a bit fast, considering that the pace accounted for our 1min walk breaks. The faster group always runs a bit longer, as during our walk breaks we turn to walk backwards with the goal to reconnect (as much as possible) with slower runners. The entire run I felt fit and strong, which is always a great way to feel.
I hadn't run in that area before, but it was definitely a gem of a running route, especially at this time of year, with the leaves changing colours and many species of birds gathering to fly south. One of the most scenic runs I've done in a while! One of the joys in running is finding those little hidden gems in the neighbourhood.
Winding along a pathway bursting with red, yellow, and green leaves, we came through the thick bush into a wetlands reserve. There, we ran along the boardwalks for a bit before turning back. I felt fit and fast, which is a nice way to feel! I kept with the front group, which consisted of 5 runners including myself.
Total distance: 9.4km
Total time: 59.47min
Average pace: 6:22min/km
It was a bit fast, considering that the pace accounted for our 1min walk breaks. The faster group always runs a bit longer, as during our walk breaks we turn to walk backwards with the goal to reconnect (as much as possible) with slower runners. The entire run I felt fit and strong, which is always a great way to feel.
I hadn't run in that area before, but it was definitely a gem of a running route, especially at this time of year, with the leaves changing colours and many species of birds gathering to fly south. One of the most scenic runs I've done in a while! One of the joys in running is finding those little hidden gems in the neighbourhood.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Comfortably Uncomfortable
A 4-ish k with the group (we ran a total of 4.4k).
There are a lot more people in this round of clinic: enough to split into a fast/medium/slow group. I joined up with the medium paced group. The way out was difficult: I was tired and felt unfit. I ran with a group that - fortunately - also felt the same way. We ran single file in such a way that we were close enough to be considered "running together" but far enough apart not to bother with talking. After the first km we even took turns naturally surging ahead and leading the pace. It was companionable in its silence.
The second half of the run was where I really hit my stride. I was uncomfortable as I pushed myself - a small stitch in my side and heavy breathing kept my thoughts from wandering. But I found my rhythm in that gentle push, and in that rhythm, peace filled me. It's hard to explain that feeling when you find inner peace from a challenging exercise - I can't say I get there all that often - but I was so settled and comfortable in my discomfort that I decided to ignore the second walk break and run on to the finish. I didn't have my fancy Garmin watch, but apparently I was at a sub-6min pace. After so many weeks off running, I'm pretty satisfied with that time. But more than the time, it was a wonderful feeling to find that centre of peace during a challenging run.
There are a lot more people in this round of clinic: enough to split into a fast/medium/slow group. I joined up with the medium paced group. The way out was difficult: I was tired and felt unfit. I ran with a group that - fortunately - also felt the same way. We ran single file in such a way that we were close enough to be considered "running together" but far enough apart not to bother with talking. After the first km we even took turns naturally surging ahead and leading the pace. It was companionable in its silence.
The second half of the run was where I really hit my stride. I was uncomfortable as I pushed myself - a small stitch in my side and heavy breathing kept my thoughts from wandering. But I found my rhythm in that gentle push, and in that rhythm, peace filled me. It's hard to explain that feeling when you find inner peace from a challenging exercise - I can't say I get there all that often - but I was so settled and comfortable in my discomfort that I decided to ignore the second walk break and run on to the finish. I didn't have my fancy Garmin watch, but apparently I was at a sub-6min pace. After so many weeks off running, I'm pretty satisfied with that time. But more than the time, it was a wonderful feeling to find that centre of peace during a challenging run.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Aaaah! Relief!
I returned from my multiple week hiatus and rest period (due to bursitis in my knee) and joined in with a group doing “4k”. I debated to go that far, but decided to give it a try! We went on a new, exciting route which took us up a big long hill and through the community. Well, new for me, but a typical route for the rest of the group. I took the pace nice and easy. But – huzzah! – no injuries the entire length of the route. Time to step it back up a little bit! After running so many weeks battling a minor injury, it certainly felt lovely running injury-free!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)