Today’s run was different for a few reasons. First, I didn’t run on Wednesday, because air quality was bad, then I didn’t run on Friday because I wanted to let the mail carrier in (long, weird story) and so today, a Saturday, I headed out, somewhat wary because of the four days off and the potential for Saturday crowds, especially with perfectly fine late summer weather.
But it turned out the four days off may have been a benefit and not a hindrance and the crowds were not really much different than most days and everyone was pleasant and all dogs were good boys or girls.
In the end, my BPM was up a bit at 151, which is still fine, but my overall pace was 6:09/km, a full 11 seconds better than the previous run and my best 5K performance (or even 2.5K) since I resumed running post-surgery on June 29. It was also the first time since surgery that I had a km come in under the six-minute mark. The last km, to be exact, where I posted a pace of 5:53/km, proving I can still boogie a bit.
I also saw the Spitfire near the start of my run on the Spruce Loop (I think she runs every day because she is hardcore. I am mediumcore, at best.) She then looped back and passed me post-run when I was doing an unusual bit of wool-gathering on the trail and not really paying attention. I almost got in her way and felt bad. I paid full attention after that.
There were also three topless runners in varying states of glistening. The last was rather hirsute, which is not my thing, but the first had a perfectly flat stomach. No killer abs or anything, just nicely flat. That will be my goal, to match Flat Stomach Guy. Someday.
But for today, I am glad to get a run in and see signs of progress (and better running temperatures, too).
Stats:
Run 1,058
Average pace: 6:09/km
Training status: Productive
Performance Condition: +0
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Start: 10:34 a.m.
Distance: 5.03 km
Time: 30:57
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 17–19°C
Humidity: 70–63%
Wind: light
BPM: 151
Weight: 169.8 pounds
Total distance to date: 7,095 km
Devices: Garmin Forerunner 265, Samsung Galaxy S26, AirPods (3rd generation)
Shoes: Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 (75/173/248)
Music: Out of the Blue, ELO