On Monday I had a great run with my friend Jon. Below I outline my latest run in numbers. For now, let me say it was great. It was also in Hertfordshire, very Hertfordshire, if you know what I mean.
Run in numbers
Distance – 7.4 miles
Pace – 9:16 mins/mile
Time – 1hr 8mins
Calories – 1,042
Elevation gain – 292 feet
So what was the run like?
This run was on Jon’s territory. To be honest, I didn’t know where we were going and Jon confessed he didn’t know either. He said something about having walked the route before and had a vague idea which way to go. Just as well I trust him!
These days Jon is a lot fitter than me, although a few years ago we were more evenly matched. Having said that I’m “training” him to run a little slower these days and this meant I didn’t need to ask him to slow down. When I say “ask” this would normally be a spluttered plea rather than a coherent suggestion.
We ran from Harpenden, a frightfully posh corner of Hertfordshire over towards Redbourn. On our way we passed by a beautiful Rothamstead manor house and a stretch of the Nicky Line (a disused railway line, now a lovely trail with a gentle gradient). So that was all down hill, all good.
We then found our way into the field in the above photo. You see this is made for maintaining a social distance as we ran side-by-side through those crops. Other times we did our best to keep a reasonable distance but I did worry we were getting too close at times.
Did you notice our pace? Yep 9:16 minutes per mile. That is faster than my normal pace when I run alone; I knew Jon was pulling me on. So I was pretty chuffed with that. Same applies to burning over 1,000 calories and we often fantasise about how we can stuff ourselves in replacing those calories.
A pleasant surprise was finding the hills fairly manageable this time. They were gentle and running uphill I was able to carry on with a bit of a conversation without passing out or needing an oxygen mask. Jon on the other hand carries on as normal but at least he held back from asking too many open questions requiring long, detailed answers.
Having fallen over a couple of times when running with Jon, I was keeping a good look out for tree roots, stones and anything else which might send me flying through the air and crash landing. I have only just got over my broken rib from a month ago. Just as well I’m not superstitious or there would be a health warning slapped on this sporting endeavour.
We talked about the Runners High. We both connect with this and readily admit it’s one of the drivers in making us run. That incredible feeling you only get after a longish, hard run. Your brain buzzes and you feel on top of the world; problems melt away and you feel strong, unbeatable and ultra confident. As with illicit drugs, you get withdrawal symptoms and you miss it. You keep thinking of where, when and how the next run will take place.
I guess this means I’m hooked again!
Related: My running journey Run with a tumble