Freezing But Runnable

Inside, outside, where will I run next? Last night it snowed, and this morning when we left for the Pinewood Derby there was light coating on the ground. By the time we left the races the snow had completely melted and the sun was shining brightly. It was also one of those days where the wind wasn't howling, so a run outside seemed to be in order. I ran 8 miles, and it was nice to be out. The temperature was right at 32, but hey, I've run in worse weather. I stayed at a pretty even 9:30 pace and that worked fine for me. All in all a good day.

Still More Treadmill

I briefly considered running outside today, but the temperature was just bone-numbing cold. I went 5 miles on the treadmill instead. If I was training for a race I would have gone out, but really, there's no need for that right now.

Unexpected Run Outside

The forecast for this week was horrible, and I ran into snow flurries on my way to work this morning. So I was a bit surprised when I left work, the sun was shining, and the wind wasn't blowing very hard. I rushed home, changed quickly, and hit the streets. The temperature was in the mid-30's and a very light breeze. What an unexpected blessing! I ran 6 miles. The nice day must have pumped me up since I ran at a sub-9 minute pace and finished the run in under 53 minutes. What an awesome finish to a tumultuous day at work. Time to relax...

Back Inside

Another nasty cold, windy and cloudy day, so back to the treadmill I went. I was only going to go for 9 miles, but I cranked up the speed and ended up going 10 in the time limit I'd set. The pace was 8 minutes/mile. I don't really like our treadmill's display and how you set your speed, but I've learned to cope. I suppose I should just be glad I have one, especially on days like today.

Outside!

Didn't run on Tuesday since I actually brought work home with me - trust me, there was no other way to get it done. But today I was pumped because the temperature was in the upper 30's and even though there was a breeze from the northwest I decided that wasn't going to stop me. After not running outdoors since January 3rd, which I insisted on doing because I knew it might be awhile before I had the chance again, today was the day. I ran 6 miles along the old familiar route - up to Flintlock and then back down 96th to Shoal Creek Parkway. 99% of the snow was gone from the sidewalks, but there were a couple of places I had to tread gingerly. Work has been a beast since I got back from vacation, and I certainly needed a day like today.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I was hoping to run outside yesterday, but fog shrouded us until after noon. It had cleared by mid-afternoon, but the lack of sunlight meant the sidewalks were still covered in snow. I went ahead and ran 8 miles inside on the treadmill. It was foggy again this morning, but the sun is out and the temperature is well above freezing, so I'm hoping this is the light at the end of the tunnel. The forecast for this week isn't that great, but I'm not giving up hope yet.

Treadmill Intervals

Ran another 5 miles on the treadmill today. I mixed it up this time with three half-mile intervals at 8 mph broken up by quarter-mile respites at 6 mph, and then a final interval at 9 mph, which was a nice clip. I eyeballed the sidewalks on the drive home, but still too much snow out there for me to get outdoors. Maybe by Saturday.

Still Cold

And still running on the treadmill. Today I upped it to 5 miles, and ran half of it at a 7:30/mile pace. After a couple of weeks of easing back into it, I decided it was time to mix it up a bit and put in some time on speedwork. I felt pretty good, and since we've moved the treadmill downstairs where the temperature is naturally colder, I don't sweat as much. I suppose that's a good thing.

I Ran So Far Away

Not really, just thought a token Flock of Seagulls reference was in order for running 6 miles on the treadmill. Can't remember if I've said this already, but no idea when I'll be able to run outside again. Spent over two hours cleaning snow off the driveway and the weather will have to be a lot warmer to melt the big piles of snow all over the neighborhood and throughout the city.

4 Mo' on the Treadmill

More snow yesterday and today. Temperatures below freezing at least until next week. It's going to be a long time before I get to run outside again.

Snow and Cold

A LOT of snow left over from the holidays, and temps in the low teens, which combine to mean it was a treadmill day. Ran 4 miles on the black belt.

It's weird not having anything specific to train for at the moment. After over a year and a half of marathon training, this is the first time since early 2008 that I'm just running to maintain and exercise. I'm thinking about running a 5k Groundhog Day race at some of the caves here in KC. Other than that if my first longer race is in May I have a big long gap before the next distance run.

New Year, New Start

After four weeks off of running, I finally got back in the game the past two days. 4 miles each day here in Frisco, TX, with Alan. Today was a little cooler than yesterday, but I can't complain seeing as how the temperature in Kansas City is struggling to get into double digits. I meant to run with my brother while we were together in Longview but our laziness and finally the weather conspired against us. These two runs were nice and easy and that's the way it's going to be for a little bit as I decide what race to run next and then develop a training plan.

I also wanted to get a new pair of shoes before starting to run again since my last two pairs are pretty much spent after running a couple of marathons and all the requisite training for them. Went to Academy Sports in Longview earlier in the week and bought a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 11. Spent more than I wanted to but I didn't want to wait for something to come by mail. They're silver and feel good, which is the best part. We'll see where these shoes carry me in the next few months.