Run 846: Spring in January, now with light showers

View from Cariboo Dam, pre-run. Gloomy but once again very mild.

Conditions were nearly identical to Monday, with temperatures still well above normal. I wore my long-sleeved shirt because light rain was in the forecast. For the run itself, it was unnecessary, but it helped on the walk to the lake and back.

I originally planned to do a short loop clockwise, but once I started I abandoned the plan and just kept running. Why?

  • I generally don’t like doubling back the same way I’ve come. The lake trail works great for this because it’s over 10 km long.
  • I was curious to see the damage on the rest of the trail.
  • I felt I need to keep pushing to get myself back into shape (but not too hard–still sticking to 5K runs for now. I remember The Knees of 2023).

The run went well. I managed my goal, which was to be under 6:00/km, coming in at 5:55/km. It was close on the fourth km, where my time edged up to 5:59/km, but I tapped my inner reserve of magic running whatsit and got through. No issues to report, either, other than being a bit tired because I’m still getting used to my regular run routine again.

Most of the run was dry and when it did rain, it was more an intermittent drizzle, which was perfectly tolerable. The trail is mostly in good shape, but several sections were washed out, and I noticed a few more ex-trees that had been cleared away. The last few winters have been merciless on this place.

Still, it was good to be out again, and I’m looking forward to it feeling a little easier. I know the mild weather won’t last, but here’s hoping, even if it means horrible climate change or something.

Post-run, I noticed a lot of buds trail-side. I would not have expected this in January!

Stats:

Run 846
Average pace: 5:55/km
Training status: Productive
Location: Burnaby Lake (CW)
Start: 11:09 a.m.
Distance: 5:03 km
Time: 29:45
Weather: Cloudy with intermittent drizzle and light rain
Temp: 12-13ºC
Humidity: 83%
Wind: light
BPM: 154
Weight: 174.9
Total distance to date: 6120 km
Devices: Garmin Forerunner 255 Music, iPhone 12, AirPods (3rd generation)
Shoes: HOKA Speedgoat 5 (255/475/730 km)

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