Run 594
Average pace: 5:43/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Start: 12:08 pm
Distance: 5:03 km
Time: 28:51
Weather: Cloud, some sun
Temp: 19-20ºC
Humidity: 54%
Wind: light to moderate
BPM: 163
Weight: 161.7 pounds
Total distance to date: 4550 km
Devices: Apple Watch, iPhone 8
Today’s run was mostly a repeat of Saturday’s, but with a few minor differences–it was very slightly cooler, the clouds managed to obscure the sun for the entire run (it cleared up after on the walk out) and I improved my pace by another three seconds. My BPM was also up slightly to 163, but that’s to be expected as I worked a little harder.
A pleasant breeze was blowing for most of the run, providing a nice bit of refreshment along the way.
It was also kind of crowded, as it usually is on stat holidays, with many people out for a walk, as well as a larger than normal number of joggers. This wasn’t really an issue, as even the “oh, I didn’t see you!” people were able to get out of the way before an inevitable collision. Strangely, at least three male joggers were topless. I say this was strange because it’s rare to see any guy running topless, let alone a gaggle of them. The first one zipped by me before I began my run, as I was looking for a place to pee (I’ll get to that in a moment).
He had a perfectly bronzed and perfectly chiseled body, so obviously did more than run. He didn’t have any earbuds or phone with him. He was here to run, not enjoy himself. He looked very serious. And he wasn’t jogging, he was running. He zoomed by. I estimated that I would see him again somewhere on the Cottonwood Trail, once I got started.
I was delayed a few minutes because I had to pee (no surprise) and the Jiffy John® was occupied (also no surprise). But when the occupant vacated the loo, a bee buzzed me and I backed off to prevent getting stung and the like. Then I noticed more bees gathered around the Jiffy John, including some buzzing along the bottom of the door, which has a generous-sized gap (generous for a bee, anyway). I contemplated the possibility of sharing the potty with one or more bees and maybe getting stung before the run.
I decided to pee elsewhere.
There’s a big tree on the other side of the dam and in the summer the surrounding foliage provides ample cover, so I relieved myself there and headed off.
After that it was pretty much smooth sailing, with no discomfort, no issues. I started slower so there weren’t the dramatic swings in the splits like Saturday, bit overall my pace improved. This was even nicer as counter-clockwise is the “hard” way.
I also ran more aggressively post-run, putting in what I estimate as probably about three km of running after officially finishing the 5K. I’m probably ready to try a 10K. My knees are afraid.
Overall, though, another good effort. Yay me.
