Running Somewhere

If I run in a loop I will eventually have to run uphill and that can be strenuous. If I run in a straight line then I can run downhill for at least part of the hill and then a slightly shallower gradient uphill. I mention this because although my walks are loops my runs are linear.

There are two rational reasons for linear runs. The first is that when you’re running you want to run where there are fewer people, and less traffic, because both people, and traffic slow you down. By running a linear route you don’t have this issue.

The other advantage is that by running in a linear route you can get from one place to another. I know that if I run five kilometres I can get to the lake side if I run one route, the Chateau de Prangins if I run another, and the Port D’Abériaux with yet another. The result is that I can run from A to B, do something at B and then either walk home or take a publibike home, if they have the cheap muscle bikes rather than e-bikes.

A few days ago I was thinking I would go for an easy three kilometre run and I ran from home to the Port D’Abériaux, looked at the lake and Nyon, and then walked home.

The entire loop was 5km of running, followed by six kilometres of walking. Recently, I think on that run I beat my personal best time for 5k by a minute or two. I did push hard for almost the entire run. It shows by the personal best that I achieved.

I took it gradually. I went from trying to run until I felt pain, and stopped, and then again, and again, and again. Now I’m running 5K and my time is getting better and better. I’m able to push without pain. It shows that the base work I put in is paying off.

I expect that I will go for a run this afternoon.