Monday, January 16, 2012

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January 16 - I saw this the other day on Pinterest:

                                               Source: flawlessfitnessbook.com via Amy on Pinterest

It fit perfectly with my training run on Saturday. My running partner and I had made plans to run 8 miles on the local trail, one of our favorite routes. We had a mini-snow storm on Thursday followed by some freezing rain on Friday, but Saturday looked good. Cold temps, but no bad weather forecasted.

Before heading out, I gathered the necessary gear for my run.


This is what we saw when we got to the trail:


No problem, right? Wrong. The freezing rain had left a layer of crust on top of the snow. When we ran, we crunched our way through the four inches or so left over from Thursday. We did this for about 1.5 miles. It was like running while doing knee-ups at the same time, so we ditched the trail. After quickly discussing our options we made our way out to the main road and started an alternate route hoping we could make our 8 mile goal.

We ended up combining one of our regular routes around the lake with a loop through the village added at the end. Although we missed out on our trail run, we did get some amazing views of the frozen lake.


Lesson of the day: Anything worth having is worth fighting for. We did not give up on our run. We did not quit because it was hard. We are training for a half marathon. There are no shortcuts. 

What obstacles have you had to overcome during your training?

16 comments:

  1. I ran Sunday when it was 15 and minus 1 with the wind chill. It was the first time I had run in weather that cold (I live in RI). I am trying to toughen up weather wise this winter! :-)

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    1. This is my first time running outdoors in the winter and the temps can be super challenging. It's a great feeling when your done though, isn't it?

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  2. Found your blog through Deb M. and love it. I am a runner/triathlete living in the seacoast area. I run in all kinds of weather.. ran 30 on sunday.. you have to find the beauty and enjoy the challenges. I noticed you are running the half at hampton.. it is a great course(flat and fast). Wallis sands half in May is also nice.. so many choices. Let me know if you need a partner for a practice training run here on the seacoast. Michelle

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    1. Hi Michelle! Thanks for stopping by and commenting ;)
      I have been told by numerous people that I will love the Hampton course. I hope so! I would love to do a run in your neighborhood some day.

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  3. Wow. Great run. I am training for a half and so far my only obstacle is lack of a plan and perhaps not great running routes. But if you can get out for 8 miles in that, surely I can kick my butt out the door :)

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    1. Just read about your 9 miler and new route. We can both do it, lol!

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  4. Oh goodness. Now I DO feel guilty for complaining about 37. But, you can ask me again in August when I'm waking at 5 and it's 83 with 90% humidity. That's my brave side :)

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    1. No guilt. Haha! Just thought it was cute. I won't be envying you when you have to run in the heat, but maybe if I'm wishing I was on a beach...

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  5. did your feet get wet in those conditions? I don't mind the cold and snow, but I can't seem to keep my feet dry!

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    1. Not really. I did unfortunately step right through a frozen spot and into a pothole full of water - yuck. My socks must be really good though because I hardly noticed!

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  6. my obstacles are more time related, although ive been in desparate need of a portapoty every now and again . Is the half at the hamptons the same route as smuttynose in the fall? That was my last long race, this year I am debating if I am going to do two halfs or try to get the time to train for a full I still have some time to commit one way or another as I save my long races for the fall.

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    1. Argh! I hate when there are no restrooms around! lol. This is my first time doing the Hampton, so I'm not sure about the course. It looks like the courses are not the same but close. I've been told it is super flat & easy though. I guess it just depends on the wind and temp.

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  7. Hi - Love the blog. I've recently started running (sort of)...not training as regularly as I should. My goal is to do my first 5K this spring. I was wondering how you deal with running in the cold weather? The last time I went out, it was about 20° and my lungs hurt a bit after, I think due to the cold. I tried singing songs out loud to get the same affects as cadences due with air flow. Curious if you do anything for this.

    Also, you know, they have snowshoe runs up north...may be worth looking into. It would make that 4 inches of snow a lot easier!

    Karl

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    1. Hi Karl! Thank you! The cold air doesn't bother my lungs when I run, so I don't do anything different myself. I have heard other runners say they use a balaclava or other face protection over their mouths for that reason.
      I have snowshoed once and had a great time (if I forget that it was -5 degrees, haha). Can't wait to do it again!

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  8. GREAT JOB! I am about to be plunged into my 1st really big challenge. Next week is my Week 5 of my half trsining and I am traveling to Canada on Sunday. Calgary was like REALLY cold this week...horribly cold and I have a 3 miler on monday and 6 miler on Wednesday speed and a 10 miler on Friday (GULP). I say - I'm in for the biggest challenge yet. omg

    xoxo from Trinidad

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  9. Oh yes--the dreaded ice crust. Way to push through bad conditions! I have the pink/cocoa version of that SweatyBand. Love it!

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