Mile 6 and snow

I expected challenges with this whole running outside in winter idea.  I expected cold and some snow.
But I didn't expect dangerously cold and ridiculous snow and ice - the past few winters haven't been bad in terms of temperature and accumulation.

It is only natural that the first time I decide to do anything outside in the winter voluntarily the weather would be horrendous.

I had to put off my 6 mile run by almost a week and I still haven't gotten in the 7 miles from this past weekend yet because of the weather and you know, a certain ONE YEAR OLD CELEBRATION!

I digress -

Six miles last week was actually very enjoyable and pretty. I had taken off work so that we could do some party prep, so I ran during A's nap (I love running in the morning the most).  I actually had on one too many layers and had to gladly ditch my ear warmers after just two miles - it was a nice day for a run.  There was some snow and slush along the way but I just slowed down a little and didn't fall!

I ran fast (for me) on purpose because I need to be pushing myself.  I already knew that I could run the distance so that was nice - I ended up beating my last 6 mile time by more than 40 seconds/mile and to me, that is awesome.  I am hoovering around an 11:30 min/mile right now.  If I can that closer to 11 min/mile by race day, I will be THRILLED and if not I really don't care.

The only issue I had was some jerk trying to literally run me off the road when I was almost home.  I was seriously SO ANGRY.  And now I am a little more motivated to find somewhere to do long distances that doesn't involve oncoming traffic.

We had another huge snow storm this week so I hope that doesn't screw up my plans for the weekend.   I have been doing my shorter runs at the gym and each time I dislike the treadmill more and more - I don't ever feel like I can find my stride and it is just torture getting in those 3 or 4 miles.  Necessary torture though, I guess.

Now that I am running longer though I need some advice.  I never have water while I run - I drink some before and chug a ton after - is this something I should get used to carrying with me as my distance increases?  What about all of those energy things I hear about (Gu or something?) - how necessary is that? So far I am still feeling good during and after my runs but I realize I have only run about 1/2 the distance so far.  If you have any tips, I'll gladly take them.  And your favorite running songs - I'll take those too as I revamp my playlist.

Miles 4 and 5

Mike is an awesomely supportive husband - he is (eventually) encouraging of my crazy goals and dreams.

As one of my Christmas gifts, he registered me for a 4 mile prediction run. Seems like kind of a strange gift, but I was really excited about it - it would be a great challenge and perfectly timed with the distance I was planning for that weekend.

On January 11th, it was 40 degrees and windy. Just days after a really big snow/ice storm and a little spell of cold weather known as the Polar Vortex.  The prediction race was 4 miles, I predicted that I could finish the race in 48 minutes.  The course was a muddy and wet loop (modified from the original course due to the ice issue), but it was also still decently flat and fast.  5 loops = 4ish miles.

I don't particularly enjoy being muddy.  But it was fine. My feet were cold and I bargained with myself every time I stepped into an ice cold puddle of mud or ran up a very muddy hill.  It was all fine, it felt good and I was surprised at the results.

before

after

And I ended up running in the course in 47 minutes, better than I planned for.  I was a lot muddier than I had planned for, but that was fine too.

I have to do my longer runs on the weekends, and I aim for the morning before the day gets crazy. This past weekend, 5 miles was on my schedule.  It was 10 degrees on Saturday morning and Gianna just wanted to snuggle up on the couch together. So we did for a little bit but I knew I had to get the distance in or else it would just haunt me the rest of the weekend.  I promised her more snuggles when I got back, which she was okay with!

It was colder than I planned for and it was a little more icy than I thought it was going to be, but I ran anyway.  I wasn't cold until about mile 2.5, when the wind kicked up (and apparently the "real feel" was something like -7 degrees at one point) but at that point I was half way done and I had to run back home! I bargained with myself every 1/2 mile - okay, only "x" more to go until you can take a hot shower! 

My biggest lesson learned was to for sure wear another layer when it's below 15 degrees.

I ran a little slower than I know I can to account for the ice (I am super clumsy, I still can't believe I didn't fall!) and still completed 5 miles more than 5 minutes faster than the last time I ran that same path in October - I was pretty happy with that outcome!  It's nice to see the difference and the improvement as well, I don't usually feel like I am doing a whole lot but the numbers don't lie, right?

Another way that Mike is super supportive - he always has a good breakfast waiting for me when I get back from a run, no matter how long or short it was.  Gianna is pretty sweet as well - she always wants to know how my running was - she sat across from me and ate her breakfast (of grilled cheese...) and then chatted with me the whole time I was in the shower.  She cracks me up and motivates me all at the same time!

Just the beginning

I have always enjoyed running.   I always had a goal of completing a half marathon some time in the future. We have a really great race locally in September each year and I just never seemed to be able to get myself together in time to prepare for it, ever.  Busy life, blah blah blah.

I had a goal to run a 5k after I had Gianna, and I did that. It wasn't pretty, but who cares.  And then, graduate school/work/life got in the way (and winter came) and I stopped.  Graduate school/work/life continued and I just never picked it back up until this past summer. 

I was still feeling frumpy after having Aleesia and I had a beach vacation on the horizon - I didn't want to feel horrible about how I looked.  I decided to do the couch to 5k program again and literally would do loops around our very very small "neighborhood" to complete each workout.  Sometimes I had to repeat a work out (or a week of workouts) but I finished the whole program. It wasn't always easy, but it was enjoyable for me. I wasn't fast AT ALL and that was fine with me (even if it's hard to not be intimidated by people who run much faster than I do!)- my goal was to simply finish each workout without walking when I was supposed to be running.  I ran the 5k distance on my own and was really proud of myself when I did that.

A good friend challenged me to run a 10k in October - so I signed up and worked hard to accomplish that goal.  The actual 10k was postponed due to the government shutdown but we ran 6.2 miles anyway and it felt good to accomplish that goal.  Again, not fast but I finished it without walking which is all I care about.

I continued to run anywhere from 2-4 miles regularly and felt pretty good.  But not challenged.  I decided to add in some cross training and work a little on speed as well for an additional challenge. I did run a turkey trot in 16 degree weather, and did not in fact freeze to death, thanks to some encouragement and guidance from a good friend.  That was a challenge of a different kind!

Then a twitter friend mentioned entering the random draw for the Nike Run Women 1/2 Marathon in DC.  So I entered.  I never thought I would be chosen, but knew if I was there was no turning back on that goal.

I was selected.  And I promptly freaked out because it is winter. And I don't like the cold. And I have to run outside.  And And And THIRTEEN MILES IS A LONG WAY!

Then I got excited, or just determined, maybe.  I AM going to run 13.1 miles. At one time. With 15,000 people.  And it's going to be just fine. 

This isn't going to be easy for a lot of reasons (life is nuts, as usual!) but I know it's going to be worth it.