Finally two runs in a week

I finally got my butt in gear and ran on Monday and again today. Monday's run was another short one, just over two miles at a decent pace overall. I did manage to pick it up a bit while running through a nearby park on my way back. I appreciated the change of scenery, and my knees and feet appreciated the softer ground. I ended the run by doing three laps around the outside of the school gym, which included running up a bunch of steps (20? 30?), down and around the sidewalk, and along the driveway. It was nice to end the run with that.

Today I had more time, so I ran for over 40 minutes, which was about four miles. I took this run about 25 minutes after eating a not-so-small lunch, so it was a bit more leisurely, at least in the beginning. I felt good overall, though kind of chilly for at least the first mile. The temps were probably in the lower 50s, but sunny, so I ran in a long-sleeved t-shirt. After the first mile, I was glad I did not have another layer. At the end of my run, I decided to walk to the local coffee shop, which is about 15 to 20 minutes round trip.

I most likely will not get a third run in this week; I am happy to have accomplished what I did. But I am going to try to swim and get a 15 to 20 minute walk in.

Running in a winter wonderland

Today I did what I was not sure I would or could do--I ran in the snow. The temps were better than previous days (around 27 or 28 degrees), and the roads seemed fairly clear, so I decided to brave the lightly falling snow and just go for it.

Overall, it went well. There were a couple of slick spots on the road, but thankfully nothing did me in. I had, for once, the right amount of clothes on--a long-sleeved t-shirt, a thin sweatshirt, a running jacket and a windbreaker, plus some gloves. Once I tied my scarf around my head (which was quite a sight, I am sure), I felt fine.

I did not run my usual just over 2-mile jaunt. I am guessing I instead ran just over 1.5 miles. But that seemed enough considering I last ran almost three weeks ago. Fortunately, no aches or pains, so I call it a success. I cannot say, however, when I will try a snowy run again. I am just not the most coordinated person, so I can see me taking a tumble at some point. But I will at least continue to walk in the snow a few days a week, as I did for 20 minutes this morning as well as yesterday.

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.