First Pace

I have been neglecting posting, but I have been running!

Today we did a 6 mile pace workout. It was a struggle, but I ran it at a 8:40 pace so that is why it was so hard. We enjoyed the clear roads one last time before the snow comes again.

Yesterday I couldn't get myself out of bed. Too many nights of not getting to sleep on time and a howling wind kept me in bed. You have to do that once in a while - give yourself a break. I did do a speed work out on the treadmill though - so I didn't completely wimp out!

A nice change!

" It can't be 30 degrees!" Was my first thought this morning. What a nice change! A big group and Sandy joined us after a long hiatus indoors! It was a good fast run with Julianne. I have to consider it either my tempo or speed work out for the week.

I ran yesterday, but didn't post. Too busy.

Saturday Run

Not a bad run, but the new gu I tried didn't sit well in my stomach. So since Amy still had Bryan to run with, I cut it 10 minutes short. 8.5 miles total. Fine considering I haven't even started 1/2 marathon training yet. We are all looking forward to next week - warmer temperatures. Maybe some of the dreadmill runners will venture outside!

Frozen eyeballs

Even though yesterday was colder and I have run in colder, I think I froze my eyeballs this morning! Maybe I wasn't blinking enough the last 1/2 mile, but when I got in my car my eye HURT and I couldn't look at the headlights of cars (makes it kinda hard to drive!). By the time I got home they were fine, but it was weird!

Frosty Eye Lashes Part II

Yes, it was one of those mornings! Luckily the wind wasn't blowing, but it was still -10. BRRRRR. I really appreciated Jill coming to join me. We did the original morning Walgreens route and just the piles of crusty snow at street/sidewalk crossings made me remember how I hate to run on sidewalks in the winter.

Had dental work done today. Got to have a rubber tongue and cheek for awhile. The good part was that I couldn't feel how cold it was!

Back at it

It was finally warm enough for me to run this morning. Not bad - 14 degrees. It was hard getting up, but it felt great afterward!

I've got a plan

I finally sat down and put my training plan on a calendar. I am using a modified version of Hal Higdon's Advanced 1/2 Marathon. I am going to run 5 days a week instead of 6 and will run my usual 5-6 instead of the listed 3. My goal is to get some quality speed work in to improve my pace. My marathon training really slowed my pace.

Today I did a speed workout on the treadmill. It wasn't bad. A 10 minute warm up, 7 x 400 at about an 8 min pace (7.77 mph) with 400 recovery between each. I found a useful treadmill conversion chart. It converts MPH to Mile/minute (pace) based on the % incline.

It has gotten me excited about training, although my training plan doesn't kick in until the end of February. So, I still have a few weeks of relaxation.

Finally!

I finally got outside and ran today - 9.3 miles with Jill and Christy. Of course I got much grief from Mike who I abandoned this morning in lieu of running in slightly warmer conditions! I did get up at 5:00 and run when I was at a meeting this week. So, get this, got up at a HOTEL, at 5:00 to run on a TREADMILL! What kind of dedication is that! Actually it was guilt since I saw Christy and Mike had run on a morning that I said was too cold and I hadn't run all week!

Unfortunately, it looks like this cold snap is turning in to a cold MONTH! It is scary when the dreadmill doesn't seem to bad. Oh Oh Wendy and Sandy - I might be coming over to your side!

Not a wimp

Yes, I know I haven't been posting, but cold weather and traveling has kept me from my normal routine. I was looking forward to running tomorrow morning, but the forecast said real feel of -21. Still too cold. Keeping my fingers crossed for Friday.

I am chalking it up to a good rest week before training for my half begins. I am beginning to feel lonely though, sounds like everyone is doing the full, except Mike and I. And I am expecting him to break the news that he is crossing over to the dark side also! I need to get in sync with everyone's marathons!

Shoe Salesman

Yes, this running related.

Jim and I were in Madison today and made a stop at a New Balance store so Jim could get a new pair of running shoes. He was fairly good about the "certified fit specialist" that assisted him until when he was handing back Jim's credit card he asked "How long is that marathon you are running?". Jim responded with "What?" because he was so astounded that the guy asked the question in the first place. So, needless to say Jim's confidence in the guys knowledge about a runner's needs plummeted after he had paid for the shoes!

Dreadmill

6 miles in 55:55. I did it. It was very tempting not too, but I did. I found it much more enjoyable when I put the incline down to zero half way through! According to the LAX weather, it feels like -25 right now. I good day to stay inside and make chili and chicken dumpling soup!

2 degrees and -13 windchill

But we still ran! But I am NOT running tomorrow. If Ironman Larry says he it is too cold for him to run then I think I have a good excuse not to also! Maybe I should look at is as a rest before my half marathon training starts!

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch

Pretty cold this morning. Walgreens sign said 0 degrees. The weather station said -11 wind chill, but both Mike and I thought it wasn't too bad. I added extra layers to my legs, but it didn't seem to help much. The rest of me was warm though!

I checked out a site I saw on another blog that is suppose to help you figure out to wear based on the weather. I check it out - I think it needs some work! It had me wearing the same thing for 30 degrees and -10!

Boys have a bad cough, so I am keeping them home today to try and help speed the recovery. Flu and strep are starting to go around. So far we have been illness free this winter (where is that wood to knock on?). I hope it continues!

Fixed Dreadmill video link

I realized the link to the dreadmill video didn't work. I fixed it in that post and here it is again.