winter running

snow love

January 27, 2013 by Kristy 13 Comments

Yes, snow love.

As much as I whine about running in the winter (and whine even more about running in the snow), Saturday’s long run changed my perspective a bit.

This week was abnormally cold. Bitter, biting, down-to-your-bones cold. Thankfully this isn’t the norm in Philly or I would have to relocate to San Francisco.

On Monday I took advantage of the “warm” weather and day off and knocked out 10 miles with Abby.

Tuesday through Thursday, I stayed indoors. I took 2 barre classes, did a quick run on the treadmill, and took a rest day. All strategically planned around the weather.

On Friday I braved the cold for 9 miles. It wasn’t so bad.

We got a few inches of snow on Friday night and I thought I may have to treadmill my way through 16 miles on Saturday. I can’t even fathom being on the treadmill that long (I don’t know how some of you do it…it’s impressive).

I hit the trails, Yaktrax in tow, and figured if the cold/snow/ice was really bad I could always finish the run on the treadmill (or call it day).

I was pleasantly surprised!! It was wonderful…definitely one of my top 10 long runs ever. I didn’t want it to end.

My version of playing in the snow.

It may not be the Marin Headlands, but I’ll take it.

Did you brave the cold this week and run outside? How did you stay warm? I wore my ski gloves with a pair of those cheap stretchy gloves underneath. As long as my hands are warm, I stay warm.

go with the flow

January 21, 2013 by Kristy 13 Comments

I didn’t feel like doing a long run on Saturday.

I stood in my kitchen and seriously considered going back to bed or lounging in front of the TV. The “feels like” temp was 23 degrees. I’m quasi-training. It doesn’t matter if I skip a long run. Especially since I ran 15-milers the past 2 weekends.

But then regret sets in. You know the feeling. That nagging you-should-have-run feeling that will eat at you all day long. Knowing that I would never regret getting my ass out the door, I got dressed and decided on 10 miles (impromptu drop back week).

I started out slowly.

M1 – 9:12
M2 – 8:52
M3 – 10:21 (I felt dizzy for whatever reason and walked for a bit)
M4 – 9:04
M5 – 9:00

I was doing an out-and-back on a trail. After I turned around an older man (50s?) started running beside me and asked me what I was training for.

I knew this guy. We used to work together (not together 1:1 but together on a much larger team setting). He was higher up the totem pole than me so I knew he didn’t recognize me. The funny thing is I see him on this trail almost every weekend. To discourage you from thinking I’m a total stalker I have to add that there are a few distinct places to run here in Philly. Run in any particular spot long enough and you will definitely recognize people.

We start running together. I explain my quasi-training. He tells me about his upcoming marathon. We start picking up the pace. This is so not what I had in mind for my 10-miler (remember…I wanted to stay in bed). I wanted an easy run. But there was no way in hell I was backing off or even glancing at my Garmin (a sure sign of weakness). I just went with the flow.

After a mile or 2 of conversation, I finally introduce myself and explain that we used to work together way back when. This leads to work talk which quickly (very quickly) goes back to running talk.

The final 5 miles.

M6 – 8:35
M7 – 8:03
M8 – 8:01
M9 – 8:17
M10 – 8:35

It felt good to pick it up a bit and force myself to go faster.

And to think I wanted to skip this run?!

Does regret work for you? What motivates you to run in the winter?

Friday Favorites

January 18, 2013 by Kristy 8 Comments

Three running-related things I’m loving right now…

1. Reebok’s Performance Slim Motion Fit Capri
I picked these up at Dick’s Sporting Goods after Christmas (for $28 – score!). I love capris – I never wear full length running tights – but I only have 3 pairs from lululemon. I love my lulus but didn’t feel like spending an exorbitant amount of money on what I’d consider an “extra” pair. I was totally shocked that the Reebok capris fit better than Nike. They have a nice wide (but tight) waistband so they don’t fall down. They are not baggy in the calves like pictured below – they fit just like running tights would.

2. Headlamp
Another Dick’s purchase after Christmas – I think the brand was Princeton Tec? This is a definite must for the next 2 months. I was using Knuckle Lights but they started to dim and I could only use 1 at a time since I also carry a water bottle. When paired with a hat, I feel less like a coal miner.

3. Amphipod Handheld In-Touch
I love Amphipod’s handheld water bottles. I’ve been waiting and waiting for them to come out with a handheld that also holds your iPhone. Finally! This is just as comfortable as their other handhelds and I barely notice the slight increase in weight. Another must for dark mornings!

What are you loving right now?

running and such

January 7, 2013 by Kristy 10 Comments

running
The Rehoboth Beach Marathon was 4 weeks ago. Recovery time is over and it’s back to quasi-training. Quasi since I’m not training for anything specific, just maintaining my base (in the event that I do decide to train for something specific).

I really dislike training in the winter and the past 3 years I trained for a Spring marathon. Some years (2012) were mild while others (2011) were awful. I hate planning my training around Mother Nature, resorting to the treadmill, bundling up, and freezing fingers despite 2 layers of gloves.

But…I worked hard in 2012 and I want to maintain all that base building. So I’m putting in the mileage but not worrying about my long run if Mother Nature decides to dump a foot of snow on a Saturday. That’s the perk of quasi-training!

I realize I kinda stopped recapping my weekly mileage after Boston so here’s what I’ve been up to post-RBM:

Week 1 post – no miles (mandatory recovery week)

Week 2 post – 23 miles + barre

Week 3 post – 34 miles (including a run with Abby!) + barre

Week 4 post – 45 miles + barre

My goal is to maintain my base mileage in the 40s with appropriate drop back weeks built in. And keep up with barre class once per week.

and such
This weekend in pictures…

I love Philly.

Are you quasi-training or training for real this winter?