Training: a gentle trackside 5K

Keen to get out today, but without a planned route, I headed towards and beyond the railway station. There aren't many bits of Newcastle (in the vicinity of the office) that I've not seen now, but I did manage to stumble upon a part of the city walls that was new to me:

Town walls behind Central Station, extending towards the Tyne Gorge behind me

After that, I headed down a road I'd never followed before — one that had a blaze on it a few years back — and then it was back to familiarity. Up to the Life Centre then past the Arena and on along towards the Newcastle Business Park. That was my furthest point, making a futile detour into a dead-end on the industrial estate, before heading back along the riverside path.

Pace-wise, I had no specific target; just getting out for a run was the key today. In fact, I was more intent on just enjoying myself, which meant a fairly gentle pace. But as it happens, it was another negative splits 5K (though only just), with each kilometre faster than the previous. None of them was under 5:00/km mind, so I wasn't motoring, even at the end.

The steps leading up to All Saints Church

I eventually finished the run in sight of the Greggs on the quayside — no coincidence — but the queue put me off. Instead I put in one final jog; as I walked onto King Street, I spotted a Rocky montage finish awaiting me. The steps leading up to All Saints Church looked too tempting to turn down. And although I didn't actually leap about like a lune at the top, the tune was so in my head. 😄

So yeah, I guess I enjoyed the run today. Mission accomplished. 😁

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