Heatwave!

32 degrees may as well have been 70 this morning and despite some discouragement I've had lately, it gave me enough of a boost to get through my 4 miles.
I actually exceeded my scheduled run, but not on purpose. On the lakefront are mile markers, some of which are missing. One in particular happened to be at my turn-around point. I shot past it and ran an extra half-mile, turned around and re-traced the extra half-mile as well as the rest of the way back to my starting point.
It didn't feel too bad. Now that I think about it, the extra mile earned me my champagne tonight. Happy New Year!

Oops.

Last weekend there was much merriment because it was announced that there was no group training scheduled for December 24. I was particulalrly happy because we were hosting a small Chirstmas Eve dinner for a few family members and and a few "orphaned" friends. We got up early and pulled the house together and started cooking before the guests arrived.
I looked at my schedule today to see whats in store for the next few weeks and noticed that I was supposed to have run 45 mintues on my own that morning.

Rats.

The Upside of Frozen

I ran out to my car this morning in my running gear and my long coat on top so I wouldn't be too cold on the short drive to the lakefront. It was near zero this morning, but the sun was shining as we gathered on the path near Wilson. The good news is that it was so cold that I couldn't wait to get moving so I could warm up.
For the first half-mile, I ran slowly with my gloves covering my face, but I warmed up pretty quickly and was able to fly through the rest of the 4 that were on the menu today. Today was the first day I had a real thought of, "I can do this thing!" When I finished, there were boxes of munchkins and hot chocolate waiting for us. Yummm!

I Think I Cheated

Well, maybe not.
I had no choice but to skip the run outdoors this Saturday and opt for the tropical warmth of the gym and the hum of a treadmill. It wasn't bad, though I felt like I was made of lead.
Is it cheating? I was fundraising all day from the wee hours of the morning until late afternoon. I had a good excuse.
Let the debate begin.

Week 3

12 Degrees. Wind. Gray skies. Lakefront.
Running just over 4 miles.
I simply say, "Oh my ghaaaaaaaad!!!!"

The Awful Truth

I went to my miracle-worker chiropractor yesterday to deal with my lower back and some aches in my knees. I'm know I'm a bit rusty, but I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things.
After a few range of motion checks and ligament inspections, and back cracking, I was pronounced in good health. I've been stretching & junk. What gives? Why the annoying pain?
Doc, putting it gently, stated, "It has to do with the amount of weight your back and joints have to bear. The impact when running is 4 times your body weight." In other words, drop a few pounds, fatty!
Okay, I'm not very large, but I don't have that stringy runner physique. Most people take up running to lose weight. In a weird twist of logic, I must lose weight to continue running.
Where's a chicken and an egg when you need one?!?