Long Easy Run – Sunday January 15, 2023 – Running Diary

Ever have an Easy Run that did not feel so easy? Well, today was one of those days. It happens to all of us. It is very normal. My long easy run was long, but not easy. I remind myself that going for a run itself is a victory, regardless of how it turns out.

ANY RUN is better than NO RUN at all

I was headed out alone this cold Sunday morning since my sister was not feeling well. I checked the weather, and it was 30 degrees and Sunny with a feel-like of 20 degrees with all the wind (18mph).

I got dressed in what I thought was appropriate gear, but turns out I way over dressed.

Before I headed out I did some glute and hip activation with a band (Banded walks, Wall Clams, Single leg squat with band/hip openers).

I use these resistance bands.

Following my Garmin Coach, the goal for today was between 85 and 105 minutes. I decided to go to the flat trail nearby, even though I knew I would have to turn back around to get in some extra mileage/time.

There is a boardwalk and path through the park from the parking lot before I reach the trail. Even before I reached the trail, I noticed that my Heart rate was jumping pretty high without even going so fast. I was not having a good start. I slowed down and bit, and tried not to focus on my pace. My heart was racing with minimal effort this morning, so I just focused on going slow, and keeping heart rate down. I walked when my heart rate reached 180bpm until it came down. I kept telling myself that the fact that I was out there was great, and my pace did not matter. I was getting the time in, and that is what matters.

When I reached the end of the trial, I was sweating. I stopped to remove my running vest, so I can take off my Down Vest, and stuff it in my Running Vest. I was about to put my Goretex Jacket back on, but realized I was still warm without it, so I tied it around my waste. I was now more comfortable to continue back on my run. I was able to feel a difference immediately. Later on I also removed my ear warmers, and gloves. By that time, the temperature out was closer to 40 degrees. I hit the start of the trial, and turned back around since I still had more time to cover. By this time, everything felt easier than when I started. I felt better about the run, and my mood was better. As I always tell myself, everything gets better with running, and once again that was true. I always need to remind myself that I always feel better after the run.