Did not have much energy when I started my run, so I decided it would be fun to jog around the paths at Busey Woods. By the time I arrived I was feeling better, so I decided to do one of my favorite speed workouts - 800-900m hard on the trails, then a 400m boardwalk jog. I had not done this workout since last summer, so I was happy to be trying it again. Last year I would give 75-85% effort, and it would leave me feeling spent and exhausted. Today I decided to continue with what I had been doing at the track, which is to give 60-70% effort. My normal pace for medium/long runs is 30-50% effort. I did 5 loops, I could have completed a couple more, but in keeping with a more moderate approach, I preferred to stop too soon, rather than too late. As I sit here writing this I have a sense of strength and well-being that I probably would not be feeling had I gone harder and expended more effort. I have been making an effort to listen to my body, and to heed its abilities and preferences. No use forcing things, and my body is liking me for it.
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