I started running again during this past summer, after years of sporadic lifting. I ran for a year or two many years ago, but after moving to Sweden got more into strength training.

Now, having been inspired by a way more talented runner than I, I figured I’d give running another go… this time with an actual training program, unlike my prior “dabbling”.

I decided to try TrainAsOne as my coaching app - powered by AI data analysis rather than traditional run coaching wisdom, I was mostly just curious to see what it would come up with. I left it as flexible as possible, so the training calendar is recalibrated after each workout is logged to optimize training efficiency, and while it can be daunting (and tiring) to see a long run pop up the next day all of a sudden, I’ve found the surprises also keep the training from feeling monotonous.

I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it very long (and am still not sure how long it’ll last, really), but today I ran my first race! It was a trail race billed as a 6km. I later learned it was actually more like 6.3-ish. Despite only about 300 meters of difference, this was a mistake on my part - TAO’s scheduled run for the race ended up being off, and mentally I’d prepared for a target pace for 6km exactly. With the pace already being so intense for me, I just really crashed when I realized it would be longer. I even had to walk up a hill a bit in the last kilometer… shameful (not walking in general, but for me specificaclly).

In the end I finished the race in 31:37, whereas my target had been under 30 minutes. If I trim the “extra” few hundred meters, I could pretend to have gotten closer to what my goal was… at 30:05. But still not there. Next time!

Now it’s back to training. TAO has me doing an economy run tomorrow, another one on Monday, a perceived effort assessment Tuesday… The app has a reputation for being very conservative with its load to minimize injury, but it’s really hammering me these weeks. I guess it might be preparation for the next race I’m registered for: The Uppsala Half Marathon!