After receiving a message this morning that our Pirate Campaign gaming session was canceled due to the other players being sick, I was left with a choice. I could still go to the gym in Waterville or go for a run from home. Considering the decent weather (it wasn’t raining then) and my needing to run outside more often, I opted for the latter.

The decision led me to decide to run down to the old dump on Tiffany. Which in turn made me reminisce about my last run on Tiffany Road back in 2022 and made me wonder what changes down there I would see, that you don’t see when riding by in a vehicle.

Running Down on Tiffany

As I set off on my run, my left knee still acts a bit wonky (technical term) when I start most runs, but once I get going does fine. While it didn’t completely disappear today like it does on a treadmill, the discomfort was minimal and I quickly was able to ignore it.

Tiffany Road seemed almost frozen in time since the last time I ran there. Most everything seemed about the same, though there was a for sale sign that I hadn’t noticed before, some of the yards and homes looked a bit worse for wear. A good thing was that none of the dogs that used to charge at me were out. When I looked closer there didn’t seem to be dogs in those yards anymore – there weren’t any of the toys, or other things you tend to see in yards with dogs. Even the new one at the last house on the left seemed more friendly than most of them down there. The one dog that acted like he wanted a piece of me, was safely confined within a truck. So, that was good.

Steady Progress

On the way out and back to where the tar ends I maintained a steady pace, I felt confident as I approached the Tiffany Bump and thought about going up it for the first time since I’ve returned to running. However, since I’m still easing back into shape, once I got going up that little hill, I made the decision to walk up it. A strategy I’m employing more frequently in the early stages of this base training cycle.

As I walked up the bump, my thoughts turned to making it to the bottom of Stevens Hill and how good it feels to be able to run again. Once I got to the top I figured that making it to the big hemlock tree on the left that has always served as a landmark for me wouldn’t be a problem – I was feeling good at that point..

That big hemlock is my decision point where I typically decide whether I’m going to attempt to run up the hill or not.

Without any other hills along the way, I reached the base of the hill without any issues, feeling a sense of accomplishment. That is also the 3.1 mile mark for this course and today it seemed like the perfect spot to stop running.

A Satisfying Run

3.11/32:07 seconds for an outside 5K at this point in my return to running was about what I expected, so I was content with my performance. Yes, I could’ve pushed through and made it to the top of the bump. I also have figured out the importance of maintaining a reasonable heart rate. Though different zones may suggest otherwise, I rely more on how I feel during my runs. If I feel comfortable, I continue running; if not, I slow down or walk. Strava segments and redlining the heart rate bests aren’t my primary objectives; instead, I’m out to enjoy the experience and minimize the risk of injuries.

The Beauty of Going Slow and Easy

By dialing back the speed and amount of effort I put into going up hills at this point, I’m reducing the risk of injuries that can come from pushing too hard, too fast. Not that I’ve ever done that kind of thing in the past!!! Get real Harold, that’s how too many of your running injuries did occur😎. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way, but one that is transforming my relationship with running.

Going slower doesn’t just mean fewer injuries, it also means more enjoyment. I can take in the sights and sounds during a run, feel the rhythm of my breath, and lose myself in the meditative cadence of my footsteps.

At this stage in my life, I’m not in a hurry like I used to be. I’ve come to appreciate the value of taking my time, of savoring the moments as they come more and more. Running has become less of a race or training session for some race, and more of a celebration of what my body can still do and take in the world around me. So, I’ll continue my slow and steady runs with an occasional dash along the way.