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!