Back.....

Safe to say, I wasn't running for time tonight. Far from it. An easy 7 k, and the best of the lot was barely over 7 minutes. But it was meant to be easy. It's great when things finally go as planned, LOL.

A two month semi-hiatus from solid and consistent running since late summer brought me to a point where the time had come to just get out and stay at it for a few kilometers. I expected it to be painful, but in truth, it was easy. I'd have to say mildly successful, given there were no twinges of pain, or complete failure in either calf, air was good, and energy never waned. Maybe it's the regular 60 min plus biking over since mid August or the priority I gave to adequate rest. Whatever, it's a time for a fresh new look.

None of those habits were running and they  didn't offer a feeling of total relaxation, neither did they give that meditative release I had been getting from regular runs for years.

Touching base here will hopefully offer a little reminder. Time to keep going; enjoy the cool fall nights, if the weather really sucks stay with the treadmill. Whatever the case, keep moving. Stay simple, have fun and build the base. Upright and smiling all the way.

The Joy of a Successful Long Run

A couple of days ago, I set out to finish off my yearly mileage with something special.

I started with only cautious optimism. Over the past few weeks, nagging aches and pains slowed my progress - frustrating calf pain for one.

It's been a rare day lately, that I've been able to go out and run the kind of 10 k plus distances I once found far easier.

With satisfaction, I can say that a relaxing, slow and easy 17 kilometers on December 30th felt absolutely wonderful. 

Maybe it was more abundant rest or ample recovery, but  to get out on the road/trail and run a distance that  I had trouble with all through the fall was super. A gentle approach was most likely the key; no knee soreness, no stiff back, and no abrupt calf pain..all good. 

Moving into 2016, the lesson is simple - take it easy, be consistent and enjoy it one run at a time. The time will come for more focused, purposeful running.

For now...here's to a successful running year in 2016, however you choose to define it.