Today was all about endurance with a Zone 2 run. Covered 15km, but made a crucial mistake – took my Salomon vest for hydration and gels. Great for trails, but on roads, it started to get annoying by the 7th km. Mental note: next time, just take a bottle and stash the gels in my pockets. Lesson learned!
Weather and Conditions
The weather was a mixed bag – cloudy, rainy, sunny, and windy, all within minutes. It felt like running through a weather roulette. Of course, when it was sunny, there was no wind, making me feel like an egg in a frying pan. When it rained, the wind blew like crazy, soaking me to the bone.
The Run
The Salomon vest started to bug me halfway through. Thought about handing it to a passerby just to be rid of it. For road runs, I much prefer just a handheld bottle and some gels in my pockets. Live and learn! On the bright side, I had my Hoka Mach X shoes on, and they performed brilliantly as usual.
Random Encounter
Met a friend halfway through my run. She had just finished her session but joined me for a bit. It was nice to have company, even if it was just for a few hundred meters. Thanks for the boost!
Eating Bugs
Yes, I ate a bug. No, it wasn’t tasty. But hey, fuel is fuel! 😆
Post-Run Reflection
Despite heavy legs, I pushed through. Increasing mileage always takes a few weeks for my legs and brain to adjust. Today’s run had an 81m elevation gain – not much, but noticeable over 15km. On a positive note, my Apple Watch says my VO2max is up to 45! Near the end, I decided to tempo up the last kilometer to get my heart rate higher. It’s tough running so slow sometimes, so a little push at the end felt good.
Details
- Distance: 15.11 km
- Duration: 1:41:50
- Pace: 6:44/km
- Shoes: Hoka Mach X
Final Thoughts
Despite the vest mishap and the unpredictable weather, it was a solid run. Zone 2 runs are crucial for building endurance, even if they can feel slow and sluggish. Next time, I’ll be better prepared with my gear. Keep running, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey.
Strava Activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/11473047350