Run 415
Average pace: 5:52/km
Location: Burnaby Lake CCW
Distance: 7.02 km
Time: 41:13
Weather: Sun and cloud mix
Temp: 11ºC
Wind: low
BPM: 166
Stride: n/a
Weight: 167.7 pounds
Total distance to date: 3362
Device used: Apple Watch and iPhone 6
The nicest thing about today’s run was the weather. There was some actual sun! When it wasn’t sunny it was still mild with little wind, so my choice to wear a short-sleeved shirt proved wise.
I bought a pair of Brooks Cascadia 11s and tried them out today. Unlike the Hoka’s they have a neutral stance, similar to the other trail runners I’ve had. At first they seemed fine, if a tiny bit snug, but more in that new shoe way than anything. After awhile my left foot started to hurt but it was in a way that felt different than the Hoka’s. The foot actually felt like it was going numb, the side effect of which was that it did not seem to hurt as much.
Unfortunately the numbness subsided and then it hurt more than the Hoka’s. Not enough to affect my pace, but enough to be noticeable. Worse, they failed the shoe lace test, with the right shoe coming untied with about 500 or so meters left in the run. If I really want to I can solve this with better laces or superglue or something.
The walk home the left foot felt initially worse but then, almost paradoxically, felt better as I continued to walk. As expected, there was no color bleeding on the shoes.
In the end I was a bit disappointed by the Brooks. I’ll try them again, but I’m thinking they may end up relegated to becoming street shoes like my last pair (which actually turned out to be very comfortable in a role they were not designed for).
The run itself found me feeling a bit tired, especially toward the end. My pace was a bit slower but only a touch, but I really wanted this run to end. I kept looking at my watch and you know what happens when you do that.
Heart rate was down slightly, though.
Overall this run was decent to middling. I didn’t feel like I made progress but neither did I feel like I back slid, either.
Oh, and the bug? Around a kilometer in I suddenly had this huge need to hack. Fortunately it didn’t persist but I’m pretty sure it was caused by the intake of a big, juicy bug. The sun has no doubt awakened a bunch from the numerous ponds dotting the edge of the trail. Also, the skunk cabbage was super-stinky today. It definitely motivates you to pick up the pace.
