Due to a busier weekend than I had expected, I didn't manage to get out for a run until 3pm this afternoon. I had hoped to go out this morning, when it was nice and sunny, and not windy. Instead, we took our son to the local country park to feed the ducks. We've not been for a while, and it's something he loves doing. Although he does need to learn how to tear up the bread before chucking it at the swans!
Following my mid-week evening run with Hannah, I know I need to start pushing the distance I run as well as the pace I run at. So I didn't go for a run around the country park whilst we were there as it's only 2.25 miles and I'd need at least 3 circuits to push things on a bit, but that was also then a bit further than I wanted to go. Instead I went round the reservoir when I was able.
So off I set as usual, but today felt like hard going. When I head out there always seems to be fog or cold wind to greet me. This is part of why I had hoped to go out this morning; it was bright and sunny, and with what seemed like little wind. Unfortunately, there was a cold (when is it not?) wind blowing by the time I got out. It turns out though, that the muff I had on to keep my neck warm also does a good job of keeping my mouth and ears warm. I do suspect it makes me look a bit weird/weirder than usual, but being all hot and sweaty has a way of taking your mind off these things!
The first part of the run went well, with the first mile taking roughly 9 minutes. This is a bit quick, but it does include the downhill section so not a problem. As before, my timings are vague as I can only glance at the time on my phone as I go. At this point, my feet were already starting to feel heavy, and I wasn't sure how today would do. I didn't expect to be at the same pace I was during the week. However, by the time I had dodged all the fisherman and made it round the reservoir, my lap time was roughly 18 minutes. Not bad for a 1.7 mile loop on my own, including stopping for a wee. That is something I really need to sort out, as despite going before I started, I still feel the need to go when out running.
At the end of the first loop, I was considering if I should try for a second lap. It looked like it was starting to get dark, but my breathing was under control and I was feeling all right. So a second lap was started! I felt quite good with myself at not having turned back for home, and my legs seemed up to the task.
Roughly 1/4 mile in, I was back out of the trees and into the wind again. Somehow, just thinking it wasn't an issue stopped the cold feeling that had begun to creep across my chest and I made it up to the dam. It now also seemed to be the end of the fishing match, as I was dodging pole bags and trolleys all along the edge of the reservoir. This slowed me down a little, but not enough to actually make any real difference.
By the time I had completed the loop, I wasn't looking forward to the hill. But I made it to the first gate in one hit, and then on to the second at the top. OK, it's hardly Everest but I hate hills. Not quite as much as Hannah does though, so I do get to take a little pleasure at beating her up them for now!
With the second lap, today's distance was a touch over 5.5 miles, or 8.9Km. If I was running at the target speed of 6mins/Km, this would take roughly 54 mins. My time wasn't too bad, as I finished in 58 mins. This gives a pace of 6:30 mins/Km. If I was with someone, I would expect to go faster, but I'm happy with that for running on my own for now.
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