I have to run today

I am out for a trail run. Not because I want to, but because I have to run today. I entered a new running phase, I'm afraid.

I am out for a run. Not because I want to run today, but because I have to run today. I entered a new phase in my running career. I’m not sure if I like it.

I run for fun. I run when the weather is nice, when I feel like running. Today is grey, and this morning I don’t feel like running. Yet, I went out, and here I am, on the Plateaux – Hageven, running. It’s nice, I admit. The Plateaux is beautiful. I don’t come here often, so it’s nice to run around here.

 

On the sofa with Sara

At the same time, it would have been nice to be home. Cozy on the sofa with Sara. Making lasagna together. Reading a book. So why am I running now? Because I have to run. I have an ultra run coming up next month, and an ultra means making lots and lots of kilometers to get my legs in shape. That’s why I’m running today.

RELATED: I signed up for my first ultra trail run

Last weekend I ran the Ommerland Trail; 44,5 kilometers. I finished it, but I wasn’t happy with how it went. The first 20 kilometers were okay, the next 5 kilometers my legs were heavy, and after that they were painful. That was too soon during the race. The ultra will be 52 kilometers, and we have to climb 1.600 meters. So I need more training. I need more running time.

That’s why I’m out here this morning, on this grey day. Luckily the cows are here. I’m not sure if they are Scottish Highlanders, but they are fluffy. Sara would have loved to see them. The sheep are here as well. Also fluffy.

 

Tomorrow is run day

Tomorrow I’ll be running again. I am looking forward to that, because I’m going to run and walk with Sara. The idea is to go to Amerongen. Sara is all up for it, but I think that’s because there is a Dunkin’ Donuts on the way where we generally charge the car.

I could use a Dunkin’ Donuts right now. A nice tea wouldn’t be bad, or a Chai Latte. Okay, my thoughts are drifting. Let’s get back to running. Five more kilometers and I’m home. Five more kilometers and I can make lasagna. That thought will keep me going.

Today's training

Morning
Easy Trail Run
15,67 kilometers in 1 hour, 46 minutes and 20 seconds

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John Kraijenbrink

The Running Dutchman

I run. Trails mostly. I am Dutch. That makes me The Running Dutchman.

I am also a massage therapist, yogi, sports science nerd, and journalist/writer. Everything I learn and research about trail running, I share here, on this website, with you.

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