Not all runs are created equally.

But first, I had my 3rd official workout with my Thursday running group. We started off with a speech on night running safety.

Since we run close to sunset, we learned all about how to run and what to wear when running in the dark.

• Lots of reflective gear. Bright t-shirts, reflective vests, head lights and flashing arm/ankle bands.
• Always run towards traffic so that even if the car can’t see you, you can see them.
• Don’t run in dark colored clothing even when running on the sidewalk.
• Make sure your headlight is pointing out in front of you and not behind you.
• Dress for 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature- that is about how much your body heats up when running.

I have never really run in the dark before and I don’t see myself ever doing it in the future. However, if you run in the dark what reflective gear do you wear?

For the actual run/walk workout we went to a nearby middle school and ran in a loop at various timed intervals. We ran for 2 minutes and walked for 2 minutes or switched it up with 3 minutes of running with 3 minutes of walking.

In the beginning I was feeling great the weather was cool (65-70 degrees) and I was chatting away with some of the women in the front.

After the 2nd loop of intervals I realized that I was not having an easy time breathing  ( I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was younger, I am thankful that I don’t have asthma attacks) so I slowed down to walk.

I think it was a combination of the weather suddenly turning cooler that did not help with my breathing so I was also rocking some dry coughs as I walked to finish up the entire workout.

Again, I feel so lucky that I have a mild case of asthma that does not severely impact my life but I felt uncomfortable with the way that I was breathing and decided to just take it easy.

And sure enough once I was at home, I felt like I was breathing normally once more.

I obviously should check in with a doctor, however I know from past experience the more I exercise the easier time I have with managing the asthma.

And like I said, not all runs are created equally, it was disappointing to not finish the workout as instructed but I decided to play it safe.

Have you ever changed up a workout because you just did not feel like your normal self?