Weekday Training Runs

For the past year, maybe more, I've been awful at getting in my weekday training runs. I scheduled them for Monday and Wednesday for 30 minutes. Then on the weekend would be my long run. But, I would only get one run in during the week...if I was lucky.

This year I switched up when I do my weekday training runs; I scheduled them for Monday and Tuesday. These are my days off during the week from work. My reasoning being I'm off all day, I can run in daylight, and not worry about running behind schedule for getting ready for work.

I went out Monday around 4:00 p.m. for a 2 mile run. I decided that right now I'm running about 2 miles in 30:00. I like the idea of just going out for a certain number of miles and seeing if I can get it faster.

I have a 2 mile run perfectly mapped out with 1 mile out and 1 mile back. It wasn't as cold as it's been around here, but I was all geared up.

I picked up this jacket over the weekend at T.J.Maxx for $24.99. This run was my first time taking it for a spin. Let me tell you, it's awesome! I'm debating going back for a second one. LOL! It's Avalanche, if you're interested and I'm getting nothing from either T.J. Maxx or Avalanche for saying that.

The last time I ran 2 miles only, it took me 29:30. On my long run Saturday, it took me about 32:--. I really hoped I could break 29:30 honestly. It's been so long since I've been consistent in my training that I know I'm in for a long way back.

Woot! Hello! I'll take it! That made me exceedingly happy. LOL! I know my 2 mile time isn't as fast as most people's, but right now that time is thrilling! I admit, I knew I could beat 29:30 at 1.5 miles and I booked it as much as I could. Who knew I would beat it by that much?

I apparently overdressed because by the end of my run I was hot! So, I had to strip a bit... {get your mind out of the gutter! I run near a middle and high school!}.

Then I actually went out for my run on Tuesday! Went back out at the same time {4:00 p.m.}, but this day the sun was shining bright! Needed the sunglasses for this run.

Yes, I'm wearing the same jacket. It's so comfy and warm! I believe it is my new go-to running jacket. I'm totally in love with it!

The run on Tuesday was 10 degrees colder than Monday's run. Though I remembered gloves Tuesday, I should have had something around my neck and should have doubled up on pants. Those were the two parts of me that were sooo...cold....

I decided I wasn't going to push this run like I did on Monday. Just 2 simple miles. Nothing fancy. Same course, same me. Nothing too crazy. Plus, the sidewalks were much better than they had been Saturday and Monday.

In the end, I was really consistent with Monday's run. Kinda surprised because I know I didn't push as hard in the last half mile Tuesday as I did Monday.

Fourteen seconds slower than Monday. I'd say that's pretty consistent, especially since I busted my butt Monday for that time and felt Tuesday I was just running normal. This is a mental boost. Good to see I can hit these times consistently. Maybe by next month I can hit the 27:00s?

Since it was 10 degrees colder Tuesday, the hood did not come down!

Plus, look at that sky! So pretty! The color is great. So nice compared to the fogginess from Monday!

How has your training been going so far? Is it cold where you are? Have you found gear that lets you run in sub-freezing temperatures?

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Learn something new

I love running in cold weather. It always makes me laugh a bit when people talk in the fall about slowing down for the winter and what other things you can work on until you start running again in the spring. For me, I go out and run in the cold. I like it. I prefer it to running hot in the summer, where I sweat constantly and just get overheated.

Yesterday I went out for a run, which has not been happening lately. I decided since we were expecting a snow storm to layer more than usual. I put on a pair of lycra pants under my running pants, then did my normal top - cold weather long sleeve, running jacket, then added my heavy jacket because it just seemed COLD. LOL! I finished it off with a headband and gloves.

What did I learn? I learned that those lycra pants were amazing! Normally, no matter how far I run in the winter, my thighs freeze and do not warm up. The rest of me will warm up - that heavy jacket would have been removed had I not been going for such a short run and the gloves helped my hands warm and may have come off too. But, wow. That extra layer of clothing on the legs made such a difference! At the end of my run, I told hubby I need to buy a few more pairs so I can layer up this winter. I'll need it for when training starts for The Love Run in January.

Have you learned something new about running lately? What do you wear when you run in these colder temps? Or, if you're in a warmer clime, what do you wear to keep yourself from overheating?


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Cold Weather Runner

This photo is from Jan. 2011. There is currently no snow here.

 

The temperatures in my neck of the woods are getting colder by the day. We had a really hot summer and I was not a happy camper. I've never really liked the hot temps of the summer, I've always been a winter kinda gal. When I started running I realized my love of the cold weather transferred to liking running in cold temps better than warmer ones. 

I have noticed though that running in the cold weather and enjoying it has made being outside in the cold easier. I still get chilled easy, but when I'm out and about I notice I don't bother with a jacket during the day at times. Which results in funny looks from people in coats, gloves, scarves, and hats. LOL! Apparently, running in temperatures in the 20s and 30s makes me more resistant to them.

So, how about you? Are you hanging up your running shoes for winter? I've heard that the cold months are resting months for many runners. My resting months are July and August. :-)