Winter Wonderland

When I first got up this morning, I was thinking that I would try to go running around 10 am.  I would let myself get up, have my coffee, breakfast, and just relax for awhile....I am on vacation, ya know ;)  But then I looked at the weather app on my phone.  It was 16 degrees outside....brrrrr.

I looked a little deeper into the details of today's weather.  The high was predicted for 26 degrees.  Hmmmm....it's going to be a cold run today.  I ended up going out around 2:45 pm.  It was actually 23 degrees when I stepped out the door.  I think that was as warm as it was going to get.

I again strapped on my Yaktrax and GPS watch, along with my warm running gear.  I completed 3 miles today and felt good about completing another run.  So far, I'm doing well on my 9 week plan.  I've completed my 3 mile runs for the week and plan to run another longer run on January 1st.  Cool....literally and figuratively :)

As I was running today, I started to think about how I'm learning more as I go along in the midst of this running thing.  I've started to collect the appropriate running gear and know what my body needs depending on the weather.  So today I'd like to share with you a little of what I've learned about my winter wardrobe.  Here is what I wore today, from head to toe:


1.  Windshield Headband - I like to wear my hair in a ponytail.  So a warm winter hat will not work for me.  I like this simple headband that I purchased for about $5.00.  It fits really well, keeps my ears warm, and stays in place as I run along.

2.  Under Armour Dry Fit Long Sleeve Shirt - I like this shirt because it helps keep the sweat away from my body while adding an extra layer of warmth at the same time.  It also works well on a nice fall day too.

 

3.  Brooks Utopia Thermal Jacket - I absolutely LOVE this zip-up hoodie.  It keeps me warm.  It has reflectors.  It has pockets.  It has a place for my ipod.  It even has a little hole in the hood where my ponytail can fit through when I put the hood up.  It's going to be good for Fall, Winter, and Spring running.

4.  Nike Thermal Pants - I also really love these pants.  They are a loose fit in the legs which works well for the braces I wear on each knee.  They are cozy inside and keep my legs really warm....but not too warm!

 

5.  Under Armour No Show socks - So far, I have been wearing socks that sit around my ankle, but I might start wearing taller socks if it gets even colder.  The one thing I've learned about socks is that they need to be snug on my feet.  I have tiny feet, so this can be hard to find.  Snug fit is better though because if the socks are too big, they can move around in your shoe as you are running.  I had this happen once and my socks rubbed on my foot throughout my entire run....not good!  Anyway...these socks work well, for me.

6.  Brooks Pureflow Running Shoes - I purchased these shoes last April and it was one of the best things I did for my running.  I went to a store that knows about shoes and worked with the sales guy.  He was able to look at my gate and my stride and then give me advice as to which shoe to try on.  I picked these ones because they felt best on my feet.  I'm pretty sure that shoes are going to be different for each person, but just so you know...I LOVE MINE!

As of today....47.4 of 500 done!!  Keep moving our feet! :)

 

 

Determination is My Middle Name

A few days ago I was talking to my Mother-in-Law.  She used the word "determined" to describe me.  I think that is a fair description.  Today I was determined to start my half marathon training.  The weather was not going to stop me!  So I dressed in my warm running gear, strapped on my new Yaktrax, and headed out the door.

The view outside.....8" of snow on the ground, 31 degrees, snow falling from the sky....it was nice :)


Our deck, December 24, 2012

This was my first run in 2 weeks.  I was excited to try out my new GPS running watch (thanks to my hubby) and Yaktrax.  My watch has this cool feature where I can set a goal pace and it will let me know if I'm on pace, ahead of pace, or behind pace.  Sweet! 

The route I chose, included neighborhood streets, city trails, and a busy main road.  Getting out of the neighborhood was interesting.  The roads were plowed, but not all the sidewalks were shoveled.  I ran mostly on the street until I got down to the main road.  When I got to the entrance of the city trail, I felt like I was hopping through the snow piles, like a child trying to walk in an adult's footprints.  I was getting a new type of workout, for sure!

My Yaktrax were fun to run in.  They didn't change my stride or gate or anything.  I felt more confident with my steps, knowing that I had extra traction over the snow and ice.  I heart Yaktrax!!

My goal for today was only 3 miles (Done!).  I wanted to have a good run, but not push myself too hard.  I set my new watch to keep me on a 12 minute mile pace.  I ended up being a little bit behind that pace with an average of 12:35 min miles.  It's ok though.  I think I should take into account that I was running in the snow for the first time, this was my first run after 2 weeks, I was trying out my new Yaktrax, and snow was falling on my head.  I'd say that today was a success....step 1 in implementing my 9 week training plan.....check!

Random thoughts that went through my head while running today:
1.  Do drivers care that I'm running along side the road? 
2.  Do you think they feel bad for spraying me with ice, snow, water, and rocks?
3.  What if one of those rocks hits me in the eyeball?

**Shout-out to the woman who noticed I was getting close to the crosswalk and graciously waited for me to run across....Thank you!

I feel good this evening.  I might go again tomorrow, but if not, I will for sure go for another run on Saturday.  44.4 of 500 done!

9 Weeks for 13.1 Miles

I've been thinking today about my next half marathon.  It's on March 2, 2013 and will be here before I know it.  Looking at the calendar, I have about 9 weeks (excluding some holiday time) to get myself ready for 13.1 miles.  I need to make a plan and stick with it.  I trained for my first half in about 6 weeks, so I know I can do it.

Step 1:  Get back to running at least 3 times each week.  Since the cold weather and holiday time has arrived, it's been much more difficult for me to run regularly.  I recently bought a punch pass to the Rec Center.  So between using that, weekend runs, and my treadmill (if I have to), I should easily be able to get in the miles I need.

Step 2:  Plan how far I'm going to run each week.  I will probably start out with about 3 miles twice a week and then a longer run of 6 or 7 miles on my weekend run.  Then increase to 5 miles twice a week and a longer run of 8 or 9 miles on my weekend run.

Step 3:   Get back on track with a healthy eating plan.  I'm not a nutritionist, but I do know that I could definitely eat less junk/fast food.  Start eating more lean protein, fruits, and veggies.

Step 4:  Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of water daily.  I plan to drink water before and after my runs, at every meal, and several bottles throughout each day.  While training for my first half, I also decided to stop drinking alcohol during my training period.  I'm going to do this again.  So, after New Year's eve, no more wine for this gal until the evening of March 2nd.

Step 5:  Surround myself with amazing friends and family for extra support.  These people will help me implement my plan :)

Getting started....I've had a sore throat and stuffy nose lately.  So I have not done any running since December 12th.  I'm going to continue to rest and get healthy.  I plan to run on December 27th and 29th (maybe sooner, if I feel better).  Then a fun New Year's Day run with my buddy Chris O.  Can you think of a better way to start the new year off right?

By the way...I have still not tried out my new Yak Tracks. 

I think a little snow would be fun :)

Snug as a Slug

I have been a little bit too friendly with my couch this past week.....I feel like a slug :(

If you remember the end of my last post, my goal was to run a full 10 miles last week.  That didn't happen...sigh.  I had a great run on December 1st, but didn't run again until last night, December 11th.  That is 10 days of NO running, not 10 miles.

Hence the reason I feel like a slug :(

Last night I got on our treadmill with the intention of running 3 miles.  I made it through 1.5 miles and then decided I was done.

So to redeem myself, tonight I went to the Rec Center.  My friend Kerri met me...a little motivation from a running buddy is never a bad thing.  Thanks for running with me tonight Kerri!!

The run tonight was hard.  I felt "sluggish", winded, and just plain tired.....sigh.

The good news....I completed a 3 mile run.  I also walked at least another mile (I lost count of the laps).  I purchased a pass for the Rec Center so that I can go more often now that the weather is not so good.  Although, I am still excited to try out my new Yaktracks soon.  I want to write a blog all about my great Yaktrack run! :) To be continued......

So here is where I stand:

• 10 mile goal for last week.....didn't happen :(
• Miles so far this week....4.5, with 3 more days to go :)
• 41.4 of 500 done!

Keep Moving My Feet!!!

Jingle Bells, Reindeer, and Santa

Ho! Ho! Ho!....I know it is only the 1st of December, but today I ran in a 3 mile race called the Santa Run.  This race sounded like fun since we were promised jingle bells, candy canes, and hot cocoa :)  Costumes were also encouraged!

Many people were dressed up like Santa, elves, snowmen, but I think the most original was a Christmas stocking.  Can you imagine running in that??

I saw a few people I knew.  I'm starting to recognize more faces at the races (hey, that ryhmed!).  Dennis was there again, my buddy from the Turkey Trot.  I encouraged him to run the entire 3 miles today without stopping.  Today is the day...you can do it!

When the race started, I was surrounded by reindeer....a group of teenage girls who were loud, giggling, and singing.  I do appreciate their enthusiasm, but to be honest, they were a little distracting.  I was hoping they would either run ahead of me or run out of steam enough to be way behind me...is that bad?

I had a good run in terms of how I felt and my pace.  I was running just a bit over 11 minute miles, which is good for me.  I ditched the reindeer at the turn around point since the heard decided to pull off to the side.  Yay for me!  Dennis did run the entire way, so I wasn't able to catch him this time.  He was in my sights though.

I finished with a time of 34:18.  Merry early Christmas to me!!

With my run earlier this week, my total miles are 9.3.  I have 36.9 of 500 done!! 

I'm making my way through my goal list :)

• Run the Turkey Trot....check!
• Sign up for the Snake River Half....check!
• Find a 5K to run in December...check!

I'm 4 weeks into my 500 mile goal.  On average I've been running 9.225 miles per week.  I'm close to being on track, but I need to step it up just a bit.  My goal will be a full 10 miles this week.

Today I have 3 shout-outs:
1.  Dan, thanks for driving me down to the run today.  I really appreciate you being patient and cheering me on when I run....AND the quick trip to Petco was fun too! ;)
2.  Laura G, thanks for joining my cheer squad.  It always helps to have extra support!!
3.  Kerri, I know you couldn't join me today, but you were there in spirit...jingle, jingle, jingle!