Change in the wind

It was time for another run this morning. This one was another longish one. I have run about 80km or so since Sunday, so the legs are pretty tired about now.

The run went okay. It was another mixed surface affair with some hills thrown in. I always find these sorts of run hard to judge, because the mixed surfaces throw the pacing out compared to the speeds I would usually run. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. When I run I always find myself comparing my pace to previous runs and pushing to match previous times or improve on them. That sounds like a good thing, and on the whole I think it is, however it can sometimes lead to sessions being done at inappropriately high intensities, which can be counter-productive. It can also become stressful if you are heading out and chasing a PB every time. The mixed surfaces removes some of the pressure of comparing the run to previous runs, since no two runs are going to be exactly the same. It does mean however, that I am unsure whether my time for the run means I am going well, or going slow. I do know how it felt though and based on that I think it was a solid run.

The elevation readings from my Garmin have left me a bit baffled though. This run was supposed to include some hills and so I specifically planned a route that would have some. However, the elevation gains recorded by my Garmin don't seem that big. When compared to the elevation gains I have recorded on runs over a similar course, the ones from today are significantly smaller. It may be that the course is a bit deceptive and it isn't actually as hilly as it felt. But I am a not too sure. The numbers just don't feel right. Adding to that my heart rate monitor was having issues as well, although that may just be the battery. All together it is something I will have to keep an eye on I think.

As predicted the ride last night was a tough one, mostly just because of the heat. It wasn't too bad by the time I was on the bike, around 35 degrees or so, but just enough to make it uncomfortable. I am on the bike again tonight for a bit of a spin, but it should be a bit cooler today. The weather in Perth is finally starting to cool down, and that change is happening about now. The cooler weather does mean that most of tonight's ride will be into a headwind, but at least it will be a coolish headwind. Today that is something that I am willing to live with.

I did get to try out my new saddle last night and after one ride the reports are positive. It is a bit narrower than my old one, which I was a little unsure about, but so far it has been really comfortable. I will see if my impressions stay positive with more use, but it is a good start.