Saturday, 25 July 2026
Today there were two of us heading out for the run. My son is visiting for the weekend and is currently training for a marathon himself. So, the evening before, we had already agreed to start together at 8 a.m.
Right on time, we set off along my usual route. The plan was to run a relaxed 10 kilometres. The weather could hardly have been better: bright sunshine, clear air and a pleasant 13 degrees. Exactly the kind of conditions that make running really enjoyable.
Although I was not completely awake at the beginning, it turned into a very good run. I deliberately did not want to run fast today. I simply wanted to enjoy the route and the time together. My son normally runs much faster, so he had to adjust his pace to mine. That was no problem for him.
We were able to talk throughout the run. After just over ten kilometres, we arrived back home feeling satisfied. A relaxed run that is definitely worth repeating.
Wednesday 22 July 2026
Interval training really isn’t one of my favorite training sessions. But when it’s on the plan, you simply have to get it done. Luckily, the weather was on my side today. At a pleasant 20 degrees with some clouds around, it was much easier than running in the heat we’ve had over the last few days.<
For the faster sections, I once again chose a route that was as flat as possible. The first kilometers and the first intervals went surprisingly well. The pace felt controlled and I got through the session without too much trouble.
The final fast interval was a different story. I had to work much harder and it felt properly tough. But that’s probably exactly what these sessions are for. Keep going, hold the pace and don’t give up early.
>As always, one run is finished and the next one is already waiting. For today, though, I can happily put another check mark on the training plan.
Monday, 20 July 2026
Today the weather was just right, and the training session was supposed to be relaxed as well. So everything lined up perfectly to change into my running gear after work and head outside for another run.
At a pleasant 19 degrees with a light, fresh breeze, I started on my usual running route. From time to time the sun appeared between the clouds, but never strongly enough to make the run uncomfortable. After the hot days recently, these conditions felt almost perfect.
Today was not about setting any records or pushing myself to the limit. The goal was simply to run easily, find a steady rhythm and enjoy being out there.
After just over 50 minutes, I was done. An easy route at a relaxed pace was exactly what I needed today. No battle with the heat, no heavy legs and no other problems.
Runs like this are always welcome. Just get outside, run and finish the evening feeling completely satisfied.
Saturday, 18 July 2026
It was originally supposed to be my Friday evening running session. But intervals in the heat and bright sunshine simply were not for me. So I postponed the workout until Saturday morning and spent Friday relaxing on the terrace instead – naturally with a cold Aperol Spritz in my hand. Sometimes a spontaneous change of plans is exactly what you need.
This morning, perfect running weather was waiting for me: 18 degrees, a fresh breeze and a few clouds that offered protection from the blazing sun. The conditions could hardly have been better.
For the intervals, I headed to a flat route, and surprisingly, everything went much better than expected. My legs felt light, the pace was right and even the fast sections were great fun. On the way back, I stopped at the bakery and picked up some bread rolls for breakfast. That is exactly how a weekend should begin.
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Today was supposed to be an easy run of just over 30 minutes. With this weather, anything longer probably would not have made sense. Twenty-seven degrees and bright sunshine are not my best friends when I am running.
Still, I put on my running clothes and headed outside. At the beginning, everything felt comfortable. I quickly found my rhythm and kept the pace relaxed. But with every minute, the heat became more noticeable. Especially toward the end, I could feel how much energy the sun was taking away, and the easy run slowly turned into a tough effort. Even so, I kept going and finished the route as planned.
I would rather run early in the morning when the air is fresh. But because I want to be at work early, evenings are my only option. It is not perfect, but today’s session is done, and that was the goal.
Monday, 13 July 2026
Today’s training plan called for 50 minutes of easy running. Normally, that would be a manageable session, but the weather had other ideas. Going for a run after work in almost 30 degrees and sunshine is not one of the enjoyable parts of training.
Still, I beat my inner resistance, changed into my running clothes and headed outside. This time, however, I was better prepared: I carried water and chose the flattest route I could find. As flat as possible in this area, at least.
The run felt hard from the beginning. I deliberately slowed down and stopped chasing a pace. Several times, I took walking breaks to drink some water and give my body time to recover.
After 50 minutes, I was exhausted. Even so, the feeling of pride was stronger. Despite the heat, the sun and heavy legs, I completed the planned session without pushing myself beyond reason.
Sunday, 12 July 2026
Today I had an easy interval workout on my training plan. I decided to head out early because it was going to be a very hot day. The temperatures were still comfortable in the morning, but the sun was already making its presence felt. That made me even happier that I wasn’t running this session in the afternoon heat.
I chose a mostly flat route so I wouldn’t have to combine the intervals with long climbs. The workout started with ten minutes of easy running at a relaxed pace. After that, I moved into the intervals, which actually felt better than I had expected. I quickly found a good rhythm and managed to complete each effort without any major problems.
The only difficult part was staying within the planned pace range. My pace changed by almost a full minute within just a few seconds. Maybe it was me, or maybe my six-year-old Apple Watch was struggling. In the end, I relied more on how the effort felt than on the numbers and finished the session as planned. Overall, I was happy with today’s workout.
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Today, only a short run was on the schedule. The plan was to run for 35 minutes at an easy pace. It was exactly the right session to get back into a regular running routine step by step without trying to do too much too soon.
The weather was also much better today. It was 25 degrees, with plenty of sunshine, a few clouds and a pleasant light breeze. These were almost perfect conditions for an easy run. It was warm but not oppressive, and the breeze made the temperature feel much more comfortable.
Once again, I chose my usual route. The advantage is that I do not have to think about where to go. I can simply start running. The run felt calm and steady. No pressure and no focus on speed, just running and finding my rhythm again.
The 35 minutes passed quickly. Nothing spectacular, but exactly the right kind of run.
Monday, 6 July 2026
To increase the pressure a little, I created a training plan to prepare for my half marathon. Today marked the beginning of week one and the first training session. The plan called for a very easy 30-minute run. After several weeks without much consistency, I first need to rebuild a proper running routine. This short run was never supposed to be a performance test. It was simply meant to be the beginning.
The route took me through the fields close to my home. The surroundings were ideal, but even the slow pace felt surprisingly demanding. The temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and the humid, oppressive weather probably played a significant part. The effort was noticeable, but still well under control. In the end, only one thing really matters today: I went out and completed the first session. It was not spectacular and certainly not fast, but it was a solid start. Now I need to stay consistent and rebuild my fitness step by step.
