Perfection is an often overused word. In fact, is it possible to achieve perfection? Should we not aim for perfection and hope to catch excellence? Anyway, the long Sunday run – what can make that perfect?
Today’s run really was pretty much perfect.
Firstly, there was not a sniff of any rain at all. The blue skies from yesterday continued but with some broken high-level cloud. A sunny day in July is kind of expected, but this is January and this is fantastic weather.
There was absolutely no wind. A headwind can be so demoralising when running, but that was not a concern today.
The roads were quiet(ish). Most of my run was on country lanes that see very little traffic. So quiet that I was able to let Duke run off-lead for long periods. There was a section along the A170 where there was no footpath that was a little risque, but otherwise, it was nice and quiet.
As mentioned above, Duke was with me. It’s always better to run with my running partner. It’s rare I don’t run with him, to be honest, but having him with me adds to the perfection.
It was longer than 10 miles. Somewhere in my mind, I have this ridiculous milestone that a long Sunday run should be 10 or more miles. Crazy really as a long run for some people might be 3 miles, or 5, or 50. But I did 12.2 miles today (don’t forget the point two) and it felt awesome.
My recovery food today was a roast chicken Sunday dinner. I spatchcocked the chicken, basted it with melted butter and sprinkled with pepper, herbs and spices then bunged it in the over before I left. While I was out H and G made the rest. G’s Yorkshire puddings were awesome! Now that’s a recovery meal!
I suppose the best thing about the run was coming back feeling like I’d put a shift in. It hurt a bit and that means progression. 12.2 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes is about where I need to be right now.
Thanks for reading
D
