Hazy but not so easy Run

I just finished a 6.960km running that lasted about 0hh:37mm:55ss !

Like mentioned in my last biking Exhaust post, I failed to run again last week end. In my defense, the weather was really hot and humid, and I just didn't want to deal with it. The past few months, when it starts like that, it usually ends up with no running for several weeks. But I didn't let this happen this time, and went for a run on Tuesday in spite of the smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires. This fog was weird looking for sure and kind of eerie, but I didn't feel that it really affected my breathing. My slowness is probably more related to the 20 extra pounds I am currently carrying...

I chose the exact same route as the previous run, but I added a small loop where I turned around and started heading home. That is why the distance is slightly longer. The average pace was almost the same, but the miles splits tell a different story. This time, I kept slowing down along the way. I didn't feel as though I started really too fast for my current form, but I guess I did. Other metrics recorded by my watch and shoes had a similar trend: my form deteriorated as I moved along. That was of course confirmed by sensations, it was harder and harder! Surprisingly heart rate data wasn't too bad. Believe it or not, staying under 180bpm for 3 full miles is pretty good for me, even though it's already above my theoretical maximum (and yes, I kind of dated myself saying that)

The second half of the run was again another test of will power, as I really contemplated stopping and walking the rest of the way. But after several 'Come on, just a little more', I was almost there, just a few hundred meters from home. So I finished the run... slow, but all the way. I guess that could kind of become a motto for my current running performances.

Well, let's just play it by ear for the next run, I never follow my plan anyways. Maybe this long 4th of July week end, although weather forecast isn't looking very promising.

Keep Exhausting!