Another December Run Outside

I just might have to start believing in this global warming stuff, and I like it! Today the temperature rocketed into the mid-50s, although it felt cooler than that due to the stiff breeze. Nevertheless it was prime running weather in this season we call Winter. I ran 6 miles and saw a few others out as well. I started off with ear warmers an mittens but warmed up enough to remove both. The snow is pretty much gone and I was able to wash the winter off my truck, also a slightly cool experience due to the wind. I'm not complaining, though, since tomorrow's high is expected to be 17 degrees. Yes, that's right, that's the high temperature. At least I got in my kicks today.

Winter Run Outside

Today, the day after Christmas, the temperature soared into the mid-40s. Even though there was still residual amounts of snow on the sidewalks I went for an outside run. When I stepped out the door I almost took off down the street, but felt there was just enough chill in the air that I should grab my stocking cap. I'm glad I did since there was just the whisper of a breeze from the south that would have been on the chilly side of...well, chilly. I was sick on Monday and Tuesday, but recovered in time for Christmas. Therefore I took a mile off my usual session and only went 5 miles today. I'm hoping the forecast for Saturday comes true since it's supposed to get into the 50s.

No running gear for Christmas this year. Guess I'll have to see what I need and ask for it for my birthday.

Sleet

Nasty outside today, with sleet and as of this evening, sleet turning into snow. Ran 6 miles on the treadmill and watched three episodes of Scrubs. As with most treadmill runs, that's really all there is to say about it.

Expecting Ice

All the talk the past two days has been about the possibility of an ice storm tomorrow, and several of my employees are making plans to not come in to work. I thought it was getting cold, and since I have an office in the back of the building where we have no windows to the outdoors I was surprised when I walked outside and it was actually pleasant. My truck display read 62 degrees, which surprised me even more. I realized I would actually be able to run outside, and so I did. I took along some knit gloves but never even came close to needing them. I missed Tuesday's run due to a family birthday celebration, but today I ran 6 miles - in nice weather. It was cloudy and slightly breezy from the south, but not bad at all. My overall pace was 9:06/mile, probably a little fast, but I never felt like I was straining. I enjoy these runs outdoors in Winter - each one is like a gift.

Tripping Breakers

Back inside for today's run due to another dusting of snow last night. And wind. And temperatures below freezing. I set up the treadmill and the iPad to "enjoy" an indoor run. About three minutes into the run the circuit tripped and power disappeared. I told Daughter #1 to not run her heater and reset the breaker. Twelve minutes later it happened again. She said she'd turned off a couple of other things when the power was off and didn't realize her heater was still on. After I reset the breaker - again - I ran for the next 41 minutes without incident.

Sometimes running 6 miles outside is a lot easier.

Unexpected Outdoor Run

I wasn't expecting the temperature to get as far above freezing as it did today. But I'm glad it did. When I checked before my run it was 46 degrees, and any thoughts of running inside went right out the front door. I layered up and started running right away instead of doing my usual walk to the end of the street. I ran 6 miles and my overall pace was 9:15. I missed my run on Tuesday due to truck problems (it's now at the mechanic) and because the temperature was in the low teens. Today I went without music or podcast and just enjoyed being outside. I know this was short-lived, but any time I can run outside in winter is a treat.

Chicken

I probably could have run outside yesterday when the temperature was 9 degrees, but I chickened out. So I ran on the treadmill. It went quickly due to three episodes of Scrubs. It's supposed to be cold for a while, so no telling when I'll get back outside again.

One More Nice Day

The cold front is supposed to come through tomorrow, but in the meantime it was about 60 degrees outside when I started my run. I wore shorts and a long-sleeved technical T. And that's probably the last time I'll get to do that for a while. My pace for the 6 miles was right at 9 minutes. I saw lots of other runners out today, no doubt getting in their last run before the cold hits. I felt loose and easy and left the iPod at home. While running along the fence line on 96th Street I kept hearing scurrying in the tall grass by the sidewalk. I figure the mice were not happy with the little earthquakes caused by my footfalls. As long as they stay away from my house I won't bother them.