Yesterday I ran in sub-freezing weather. I was debating if I could handle the temps, but I really wanted to get in one run in this week, and since the sun was shining, I figured that would help.
On my way to school (where I run from), I saw a girl running in shorts. It was about 28 degrees! I just don't get it. She appeared to be thin, so I can't imagine there was too much fat keeping her legs warm. I, on the other hand, ran with a long-sleeved athletic shirt, a workout jacket, and a thick hoodie, along with lined workout pants. On the way up, that was the right amount of clothing, though I was sorely missing gloves. But, as before, I was a little warm running back. Not so warm that I was ready to shed any clothes, however.
I definitely ran slower this time; I had forgotten how cold slows me down. But, once again, I made it. And, just as when I ran last week, I am happy to say, I felt no pain until I was more than halfway into my run. Even then, I had a slight ankle annoyance, but nothing that stopped me.
I have pretty much decided that unless the sun is shining, below 32 degrees is too cold for my body (lungs, specifically) to handle. Here's hoping the Burgh sees some sunshine over the next couple months!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Layers. It's about layers.
When I was hanging out at my favorite local coffee joint a few weeks ago, the owner was talking about his friend who wears layers when he runs in cold weather and then peels them off as he gets warm. I have enough trouble running with my keys, my cell phone, and now my mp3 player. How in world can I remove and somehow carry clothes when I get warm?!
Yesterday, I had my first run as a 38 year old. I am happy to say I ached less than I usually do, but I was so cold to start my run, I might as well have been in pain. It was in the upper 30s, and I ran wearing my lined workout pants and a long-sleeve shirt and thin hoodie. I kept my hands in my sleeves, and my hood up. My upper body, save for my head and hands, was too cold. But by the time I reached my halfway point (at almost a mile), my body warmed up just fine.
I ran in the Great Race or the Race for the Cure one year when the starting temps were probably in the lower 40s. I recall one guy discarding his long-sleeve shirt by the time the race started, and I wondered if he came back for it later, or if it was something he left, never to see again. I can't imagine doing either. But at least he did not have to worry about lugging extra attire.
If I am going to keep running in the cold (and for western PA, that is pretty much the next four months), I need to figure out how to dress better. Eliminating a few keys and/or my cell phone probably would not hurt either.
Yesterday, I had my first run as a 38 year old. I am happy to say I ached less than I usually do, but I was so cold to start my run, I might as well have been in pain. It was in the upper 30s, and I ran wearing my lined workout pants and a long-sleeve shirt and thin hoodie. I kept my hands in my sleeves, and my hood up. My upper body, save for my head and hands, was too cold. But by the time I reached my halfway point (at almost a mile), my body warmed up just fine.
I ran in the Great Race or the Race for the Cure one year when the starting temps were probably in the lower 40s. I recall one guy discarding his long-sleeve shirt by the time the race started, and I wondered if he came back for it later, or if it was something he left, never to see again. I can't imagine doing either. But at least he did not have to worry about lugging extra attire.
If I am going to keep running in the cold (and for western PA, that is pretty much the next four months), I need to figure out how to dress better. Eliminating a few keys and/or my cell phone probably would not hurt either.
Friday, December 4, 2009
The last run of 37
I managed to get in two runs this week, better than last week's one and done. Glad I ran today, my last run as a 37-year old. My birthday is tomorrow, and my husband gifted me with an mp3 player, as I continue my occasional foray into the 21st century.
I have not run with music since 2006 (the last time I ran). So far, even though it is a sport mp3 player (some Philips thing), I am having some trouble keeping the ear buds in my ears. But, more importantly, I don't have the right music. And that is key.
In college, when I ran down Curtain (or was it Bigler) Avenue, I started my run with Janet Jackson's "Escapade" and ended with her "Love Will Never Do Without You." In between there was "Rhythm Nation" and "Black Cat" and that was pretty much my run. The times I ran in the IM building, I was more into Nine Inch Nails and Ministry (different year). Honestly, when I ran in the early part of this century, I don't think I had any go-to music.
But I want and need some! The NIN, Depeche Mode, and Arrested Developed songs I managed to get on my mp3 player (not without struggle) are just not cutting it. I think if I can get the right tunes, I might be able to get to an under 10-minute mile consistently. For the record, I did my just over two miles in about 21 minutes today. I am happy with that, considering this is the first time I ran in sub-40 degree weather since late 2001 or early 2002.
If my 38-year old body holds up, I think I am going to try to keep up with the running, at least once a week. Go me!
I have not run with music since 2006 (the last time I ran). So far, even though it is a sport mp3 player (some Philips thing), I am having some trouble keeping the ear buds in my ears. But, more importantly, I don't have the right music. And that is key.
In college, when I ran down Curtain (or was it Bigler) Avenue, I started my run with Janet Jackson's "Escapade" and ended with her "Love Will Never Do Without You." In between there was "Rhythm Nation" and "Black Cat" and that was pretty much my run. The times I ran in the IM building, I was more into Nine Inch Nails and Ministry (different year). Honestly, when I ran in the early part of this century, I don't think I had any go-to music.
But I want and need some! The NIN, Depeche Mode, and Arrested Developed songs I managed to get on my mp3 player (not without struggle) are just not cutting it. I think if I can get the right tunes, I might be able to get to an under 10-minute mile consistently. For the record, I did my just over two miles in about 21 minutes today. I am happy with that, considering this is the first time I ran in sub-40 degree weather since late 2001 or early 2002.
If my 38-year old body holds up, I think I am going to try to keep up with the running, at least once a week. Go me!
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