I am so happy to write the title of this post. I knew this week would be a bit of a challenge, particularly with the 9 mile long run.
I pretty much stalk the weather forecast now and all week it seemed like Saturday was going to be pretty cold. As in a high of 20 and a low of 7. Those temperatures scared the bejesus out of me, but I knew that doing 9 miles on the treadmill was doing to be really tough and I knew deep down I needed to get outside and start braving the cold.
All day Friday I was psyching myself up for the run. Nathan was helping and convincing me that it really wouldn't be THAT bad and he would be experiencing it right there with me. Remember in a previous post I mentioned that Nathan was doing a training activity? Well, Nathan decided to take up cycling. When he told me that he was thinking about it I was overjoyed. We have a few friends that love cycling, so I figured that would be one good motivation to continue. The only downside, bikes are EXPENSIVE. My frugal self died a little inside when Nathan went with one of our friends to look at bikes and the one he loved was $500. Of course, I couldn't in good conscience I couldn't object to him getting it. Not only have I easily spent that much on my running habit, but Nathan is working as a DJ so he was been contributing more to our finances lately.
Anyway, after a quick stop to get some cold weather accessories, we set out to put in our mileage. I was running 9 and Nathan planned on biking 25. As I started I was cold, but not miserable. The only part of me that was really freezing was my lips and nose. After a couple of miles I was cold, but managed to stay comfortable. The only really tough part is that for the entire run my legs felt heavy due to the cold. I did my full 9 miles, and Nathan made it 15 (25 was a little ambitious IMO).
Yesterday was definitely a challenge, but I feel really good about the run overall. My average pace was 12:48, which is great because I try to keep my long runs at about 13 minutes per mile. And I ran 19 miles this week, which is exciting in itself.
Week 5 is two 3 mile runs, a 5 mile run, a 10 mile run, and cross training. Like Week 4 I am a bit scared (and sore!) going into it, but I am ready. BRING IT ON WEEK 5!!!
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5 comments:
9 MILES?!? Damn, girl! That is so awesome. I am so proud of you that you are running in these freezing weather. I am wanting to get out there so bad but I just can't bring myself to do it! Keep up the good work!
That is awesome, Teresa! Now that Matt and I have committed to another race, we're itching to get to training--but I can't convince myself to start when the weather is so cold. You're going to knock out week five like it's nothing. :)
way to go, that's awesome!!
One of my FAVORITE articles of cold weather running clothes is my mask. It looks like a big cowl neck turtleneck thing, and you put it over your head and over your neck, then pull it up over your nose. If you wear a wind blocker running hat and this only your eyes show and I swear to you it's the best thing ever. I think I posted pics of my scary self wearing this baby last January when I ran during 18 degree weather. I've decided that is my lower, limit, though, even with the face mask.
Bottom line: good for you, AND invest in a face mask. It keeps your mouth and nose warm and toasty (until your snot freezes, but that is another story)
Keep up the good work, T!
Great job Teresa! I am very impressed. You'll kick week 5 in the butt!
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