Conversational Pace? A Myth to Me

Today, I just knew I needed to run. Given the 5 miles yesterday, I didn't feel the need for anything long or aggressive but I'm about to have 2 weeks of pure chaos where working out and running are likely nonexistent. Anyway, I looked at my week plan and had a whole lot of thoughts debating between a 20- and 30-minute recovery. I then realized that the 20-minute was with a Coach that I don't really vibe with and the 30 was with the OG Coach Bennett. So, that made my decision easy.

However, as I was getting ready to run, one of my best friends called (as he always does at 7pm). We're also not going to be able to chat much over these next 2 weeks, so I didn't want to miss this call. I decided I'd run while talking to him and opted for the shorter run because, well, running and talking is not easy. This did mean that I didn't get to listen to Coach Bennett, but I'm going to go back to that run because it's "Giving Thanks" and I've always enjoyed the topic.

Anyway, I know recovery pace is supposed to be like a 3-4 effort and a "conversational pace." I guess I technically was conversing during this call, but it was not easy. The run did go by incredibly quick - I was shocked when the automation let me know I hit halfway. But I don't think my pace was what they mean when they say "conversational." I told my friend to let me know if it got annoying hearing me breathe (because if roles were reversed, I would not enjoy this), but he let me know he never heard me breathing. However, I think the part I notice the most is that as I'm speaking, I have to take a breath before getting my full sentence out. That would also drive me nuts if I were the person on the other side of the call, but apparently, he is less of a spaz than I am.

Overall, it was an okay run. I got it done and got some extra mileage in before a big trip, which is good. It felt absolutely nothing like yesterday's run, but every single condition was different. I was outside in 88-degree weather, on the phone, after hitting lower body at the gym. I don't know what I expected.

On a different note, I mentioned how I probably won't be working out or running over these next two weeks. People tend to have different opinions on this. It's one of those "you always have the time" and "discipline > motivation" type of topics. I'm generally all for maintaining consistency and routine and getting the workouts in no matter what, however these next two weeks are filled with 4 flights, 2 countries, a road trip, a move and a new job. As someone who maintains consistency for months to years at a time, I'm going to give myself this break. Even if I do find time, I'm not going to force myself to run or workout if I'm not in the mood. I'm not really someone who has to be motivated to workout usually, so I'm going to use this time to actually relax and just enjoy this experience.

#NRC #NikeRunClub