Are You Listening?: sometimes winter can be pretty

Showing posts with label sometimes winter can be pretty. Show all posts

Thursday, February 6, 2014

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.