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.

I love a Monday run

Since I have pretty much decided I will be running only two days per week and not on consecutive days, I always try to run on Mondays. That way I have three other days during the week to get my second run in. I wish I knew if my various pains from last fall were caused by my running on consecutive days or by my running three days in one week. I am too wimpy, at least in winter, to add a third, non-consecutive day to test the theory. I don't want to mess up my groove.

I am happy to report that I ran twice last week, although my second run was for only a mile. I figure one mile is better than 0 miles! Yesterday I got a late start, so I managed about a mile and a half, maybe a little more. As pretty much always, I struggled up the hill, wondering how I would ever make it. It was made worse by knowing a guy I see and say hi to during my runs was right behind me. I could not run slowly and risk his thinking I was out of shape or something, so I was really huffing (as inconspicuously as possible, of course).

The temps were great, just above freezing, and no snow was falling. I did have to work to avoid puddles on the road; could not take the chance there was ice underneath. The only real downside of the run was avoiding getting run over by cars. Unfortunately, the road has not been completely cleared; each side is missing about a foot or more of road due to the snow. I notice drivers glaring at me as I run in the road. I would love to tell them to yell at the people who live on the street who have not shoveled the sidewalks in front of their houses. It would be dangerous and counterproductive for me to keep going back and forth between semi-cleared sidewalks and the road.

Ah, winter.