Run 644 Average pace: 5:45/km Location: Brunette River trail Start: 2:58 pm Distance: 5.02 km Time: 28:52 Weather: Partly sunny Temp: 7ºC Humidity: 76% Wind: light BPM: 170 Weight: 1706. pounds Total distance to date: 4830 km Devices: Apple Watch Series 5, iPhone 8 Shoes: Saucony Switchback ISO (190 km)
After messing around on the treadmill for a few weeks, I could not deny that today the weather was perfectly fine for running outside. I did deny it, a little, and as a result got a late start, not beginning until almost 3 p.m. Because of this, I opted to run at the river, rather than the lake, but compensated a little by walking to the far end of the trail before starting.
Conditions were actually pretty similar to the last run back in November, with little wind and partly sunny skies. I made no plans to push, I just wanted to complete 5K without any embarrassing pratfalls. Or falls.
And I did! Perhaps the workouts on the treadmill have made a difference (though the river vs. lake is generally a faster, easier run), but I lopped an entire 17 minutes from my previous pace, coming in at an average of 5:45/km. I experienced no cramps or other issues, just a general sense of still not being in great shape. But it was okay.
Being outside reminded me of how different it is than the treadmill. It’s cold. You have wind resistance. Did I mention it’s cold? You never know what that giant unleashed dog is going to do. The river trail kind of stinks a little. But when it isn’t stinky, it’s nice to run on a course that actually has turns, to feel that breeze, even if it freezes your cheeks, to see other people, even if they have giant unleashed dogs.
And I was pleasantly surprised by the pace, though the BPM is right on the edge of what I’m comfortable with.
In all, though, a nice return to the great urban outdoors.
