Yesterday I ran a local 10 mile race that I have been participating in every fall since 2018 (except 2020). 5 years ago I was running at about 90 minutes, but I’ve been getting quicker every year. This time I managed to beat 70 minutes with a 6:58/mile pace. I had hoped to keep every mile under 7:00, but I couldn’t do it. No complaints, though. At my age (upper forties), I’m thrilled to be able to get out and continue to improve at all. Having now finished my last considerable race of the season, now is the time of year where I try to review, slow down, add some easy miles, and let my body heal from a ton of spring and summer training.

Third week of running 6 times per week a 5K. I lowered my total time from 38 to 32 minutes, and start to be able to keep my heart rate in Zone 4, making it possible to do the run without stopping. It feels really good and each day that passes feels better. The real challenge that comes will be the colder and wet weather!

I’ve just come back to running after getting COVID for the first time. 3.5 years was a pretty good run, and I was actually thinking I might be immune… I’m not.

First few runs after recovery were difficult and I felt like someone was sitting on my chest most of the time.

This morning though, I managed 6.79km in 39m14s with the doggo, and felt pretty good. Needed a few rest stops, but I’m getting it back, which is satisfying.

After a couple of months of running most days, I reached that amazing fitness level where I’m beginning run with relative ease again. I celebrated by buying myself a pair of fancy sport headphones. Hopefully I’ll be able to tackle a 10k again by the end of the year. Also, it’s fucking cold outside all of a sudden. What the hell.