Running in Snow!

I can say as of today, I could get used to this whole running in winter and even 20 degree weather. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to handle it, but now I wish I would've done it sooner. Today I made it 3 miles in just around 30 minutes with no problem at all, I honestly felt I could've done more but from early experience I do not want to push it and end up injured (AGAIN). I'm am just going to slowly ease my way through my 3 mile plateau which has been keeping me down for the past 3 months, but I am confident that I will get past it with the new year and January. I am excited with the New Year, excited with new chances and possible new experiences. I will be joining Jumpstart in May (which begins at 1 mile and adds 10% each week, we meet 3 times a week) and this time with the runners group; then in July I will join Team 13 which starts with 3 miles (which will be a snap for me by then) and we will work our way to 13.1 miles for the Half Marathon next October!!!!!! I am so excited!

Running in 26 Degree Weather

I did get to go run this morning outside, in 26 degrees with the sun shining and no wind at all. I felt pretty great except for the minor chill even though I had a sock hat on and gloves. My goal was for 2.50 miles but I ended up running 2.39 miles which isn't bad for my first running in that kind of temperature. I am so happy to know that I don't have to run inside just because it's below 30 degrees. It felt great and I can't wait until my next run!

Today's Lesson

 I just can not get over the excitement I feel after this morning's run! And it looks like I will be able to run outside again Thursday morning, I can't wait! I've missed running outside, it has probably been over a month since my last outdoor run, and now I'm finally back at it and it has never felt so good. After my painful run back in November, I was really nervous about running in the cold because I thought my leg muscles would not warm up enough. But it feels even better to be back out there running again, with no pain or stiffness at all. Hopefully I will be able to do 2.50 miles Thursday, depending on whether I end up being sore from the 2.91 miles today. I haven't been getting past 2.15 or 2.25 all month so I'm worried that my going over the 10% rule might have injured me slightly. I will see though on Thursday morning, I hoping and praying that it all goes well.

My first outdoor run this winter

This morning I woke up with the intentions of going to the gym and running on the treadmill like I have for the past month and a half; but when I got to the doors I just stood there and realized that it did not feel cold at all outside, it was only around 40 and there wasn't any wind. I quickly made my mind up to head home and grab my running long sleeve and go on the Garvin Park Greenway Trail and run. It was exhilarating and freeing to be outside running again, I haven't been able to run more than 2.15 miles on the treadmill for the past month due to my "overheating" and just plain boredom, but being outside again felt so good I was able to make it to 2.91 miles with not a single problem at all. I can't even begin to describe the feeling, my fingers were a bit numb, but everything else felt all too right, and my nose wasn't even runny at all. From now on, if it isn't raining or below 35 degrees (I'm not sure if I have the gear or the stamina for anything below that yet) and isn't slippery, I will be running outside!!!!!!!

2010 Winter

I am ashamed to say that I have not kept up with my running since the beginning of November, my body does not want to get out into the cold to run. My attempts at getting up in the morning and running on the treadmill have been slow and inconsistent, but I am going to shoot for 20 miles this month (even if it is going to be on the treadmill). I don't know if I will be able to do the HM in April since I haven't even made it past 3 miles on runs yet, but Jumpstart at the YMCA will be starting in May and I plan on getting back into it, only running this time and working my way up to the HM in October of next year. I admit that this year has been a rough start, but I've had a few reality checks and have definitely learned a few things. Even with less running this month and winter, I will be doing Aerobics, working out and walking 4.15 miles a night at around 19 minutes a mile. Hopefully 2011 will be a much better year for me.

Tough Love From Winter

I will admit that I did not expect it to be this difficult of a transition into running in cold ass weather, but it has been. I have always been having some minor pains in my knee and shin, when pushing myself. I haven't been keeping up with running for 3 days a week for the past 2 weeks, I've kind of fell off the wagon, last week I ran once (made it to 2 miles with slight aggravation) and today 2.25 miles when I had to stop because my Hamstring suddenly spazzed out. This morning at 1.50 miles I started feeling tension under my knee, at the top of my shin but ignored it; I wanted to make it to 2.50 miles before stopping, well at 2.25 my right hamstring made the final decision. Not to mention I was running on a treadmill both times, I'm hoping I can run again Friday but I can't help wonder why I'm feeling these pains. Anyways, thought I'd make another post, hopefully we'll see sunny weather soon and I will try myself outside even if it 40 something degrees out there.

The Starbucks 5K Race 11/07/2010

I am very excited to say that I enjoyed the race 11/07/2010, I had finished without any problems (my shin or knee) though I could've picked up the pace, but better safe than sorry. My time was 32:22, so 10:26/mile; now that was a bit slower than my first 5K but I had injured myself that day as well. I am pretty happy because before this race I was so nervous, all I could think about was the horrific pain I had felt during my 10K race in September. I have another 5K race this Saturday 11/13/2010 and am really excited to see how I do!