Hello Fediverse! Tried to push a bit harder today, to continue regaining strength and endurance. The best part was, as usual, the post-run refueling. 😉
While out running today I realised that I've passed my second year since I started to run. Even I, find it hard to believe that I would take up running. Hated the idea never saw anyone with a smile on their face, just miserable, that might be because I've only seen runner in towns before. Along with the knowledge that in the past if I ran for the ice cream van or the night bus, I would have had a knee moaning at me for a week afterwards.
Now I booked myself into a trail marathon and been running 3-6 times a week, anything up to 22km. The only two injuries I've had was a dream where I kicked a monster, I was protecting Doctor Who you see, and really hurt my big toe again the wall, and Paddy headbutting my knee in rough play. Other than that it's been bee stings, nettle burns and bramble cuts, which is just part of the fun ;)
And with a run like today it just couldn't get any better, brilliant trail and that view. See you out there on the trails.
Paddy the Irish mutt enjoying the view from a rocky outcrop looking down the valley we just climbed up, to the left and the right we have small mountains tops sticking up with trees growing on the sides. In the distance we can see the flat lands below and some low clouds now bye skies today. My running stats imprinted on top
Hello and a good, spectacular morning, Fediverse! The damned tummy bug is finally gone, and strength is gradually returning. I hate it when some random body malfunction disrupts my running. Guess I’m just getting too old for this “getting old” shit. 🤣🤣🤣
As much as I hate tarmac I was glad for it today. We had a spot of rain over night and Spanish soil doesn't half stick when it is just a bit moist. It's nearly to the ratio of 2 steps to 100g of mud. And trying to stomp it off only glues it more to your shoes. The choice to stay on tarmac were also "helped" by the bangs and barking dogs coming from the direction the trails would take us.
Paddy in the middle of a innocent looking gravel track but the soil is gluemud. The track leads towards the mountains in the background with olive trees and other fruits trees on both sides blue skies above. My running stats imprinted on top
Good morning, Fediverse! Working on adding a bit more running distance to build back endurance, plus regular yoga sessions for strength and flexibility. So far, so good. 🤘🏻😁👍🏻
Good morning and happy Sunday, Fediverse! First sustained 8k run to test knee and ankle recovery passed with flying colors! No discomfort at all. Now starts the road to build endurance after the forced hiatus. 😉
Woke up, took the mutts for their morning constitution in beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Put the kettle on for my breakfast looked out the window and couldn't see more that a few meters through the fog. Started to get ready for a run as the fog cleared to reveal that some hunters had rocked up with about 12 lose dogs ...
So after a small relocation I managed to run around an area where early humans have lived in caves and Paddy wasn't too sure about running through a waterfall that was flowing over the path.
Paddy the Irish mutt sitting on a path in a wood, just before a small bridge which is now halfway covered in a waterfall which gave us both wet feet as we crossed.. My running stats imprinted on top
Hmmm on the 3rd of January 2026, I might do something stupid.
I know I've said it here that I don't really like the idea of the public and organised events. Along with that I don't run for Splits, PB or Pace I run for time spent outside.
This is the first run I've seen that don't have the perceived pressure of a mass run, that I hate the idea off. Looks like a jolly fun, in a lovely location, not on dreaded road/tarmac, and it includes something I enjoy now and again.
I know I've done a HM with 200m more up, than this Full Dram, in 3h45m, with the 40+ stiles, gates and livestock to navigate. I'm sure if I didn't have to deal with that, I could probably do the run in 3 hours and if it was flatter I could probably squeeze in under 3 hours.
If I do, I got 10 months to get more time into my legs and do longer runs. Dropping about 5kg would help too. I know from my cycling days how to fuel and what my body needs/wants and can handle when doing long distances, so that's not a learning curve.
The biggest problem is that I'm not allowed to bring my running partner and I know that will feel weird.
I don't do Crimbo, though a marzipan advent calendar wouldn't hurt ;) I just saw this fella talking about doing a running advent calendar, 1km per day extra, so on day one 1km, day two 2km, day three 3km etc all the way up to day 24. (Yes, even if I don't do Crimbo, it is on the 24th not this silly 25th thing that some people do, mmm'kay)
I'm sure some of the runners on here would be crazy enough to join in ;)
A somewhat new route back from the garage, it's getting harder to find a route that does not include cows. I had managed to walk on the edge of one field to avoid them. The other herd I didn't see them until they poked their head up over the hill. It got a bit hairy as they were all curious and started to follow us. No matter what route we took they just came closer and closer. But what scared Paddy the most was the Alpaca's who came storming towards us and made the funniest sounds.
10 or so Alpaca's looking at us from the other side of the fence, Paddy wasn't sure about them and then wanted to run away. My running stats imprinted on top
Monday off work so couldn’t resist a morning run. Still problems with the cyst on my heel but the Achilles issues have definitely improved (i.e. it’s been a few hours since the run and I’m not limping). Ran with my new OMM poles and I think they definitely helped. #running#runnersofmastodon#trailrunning
A steep climb up a trail between trees towards a small circle of light at the crest
I decided I needed some help, and put on Depeche Mode, instead of trying out this fella, before the upcoming hill. It's a steep wee bugger, some would call it a wall and that's includes me. The downhill on the other side was much easier, but these plastic sheets they use to stop trail corrosion, are lethal when exposed and wet. I was glad that I had a pulling Paddy, that I could use as an anchor to hold me upright a few times. Sorry, lad for yanking you lead, but I would have dropped hard if it wasn't for you.
A mushroom with a big red/orange top like a plate standing in the grass, with a wee fella standing next to it the size/colour of a cherry tomato. Not sure if it's worth the risk to finding out if it is magic or nutritional or death! My running stats imposed on top
Slow and short run after yesterday's heat and that we don't have a working fridge, so I'm not fed at my normal levels ;)
It's good to run with dogs, as you can use them as early warning system. Today I saw a big rock that normally would help people over a wet/muddy area. Thought that would be a good step to jump over the dip in the trail. Paddy must have been thinking the same, but had to change his footing darn quickly as the rock rocked hard. I managed to re-plan my steps in time, I would have rolled an ankle and dropped like a ....
Another run through a machine forest and views of the green rolling valley that was a year so impossible to enjoy from here and again in a few years will disappear again. Paddy the Irish mutt looking out over the valley from a rocky trail with the treeline to the right. In the distance you can see Pendle Hill, just under the clouds that breaks up and the blue sky is peaking out. My running stats imposed on top
An incredibly beautiful run, even in the rain. Also a challenging one for me with all the hills (climbed 95 flights) since I’m used to running on very flat routes.
The Costa Brava is gorgeous! #costabrava#catalunya#Running#runnersofmastodon
Is max HR determined automatically by Garmin watches reliable?
I've been #running consistently for last one year (ran over 500km) and my #Garmin watch has been increasing my detected max heart rate slowly. Last week it reached 202 bpm, and that has me a little worried because I'm not exactly a young man (almost 40 now). Since my workouts are heart rate based, they have been getting harder too. Though I must say, I feel less tired than a year ago.
Has anyone else experienced this? Is it safe to follow the max HR determined by the watch? #runnersofmastodon