Why can’t I run in the Winter?

I’ve always wondered why I can’t/don’t run in the winter. It seems like it would be so much easier than the blistering hot, busy summers. Yet… Even when I was in my prime (ahem.. High School) I rarely kept it up through the winter.

So Here I am…I ran a Marathon in October and swore up and down I would keep running through the winter and now it’s March and I’m right back where I was last March. Completely out of shape and can’t run more than two miles.

I ask myself over and over what the problem is and nothing seems all that glaringly obvious. I like running even in the snow as long as I’m wearing some gloves and an ear warmer.

I wonder if it’s just the bear in me that refuses to do anything but eat and sleep in the winter. A little bit might have to do with the fact that it’s dark before I can even get dinner made. Maybe it’s the huge piles of snow on the side of the road that have me and my double wide stroller running dangerously close to traffic. Maybe it’s my distaste for the treadmill. Maybe it’s all the bulky clothes that willingly hide the extra layer that develops when I don’t run. Maybe it’s the burnt lungs from the bitter cold…  I just can’t pin it down

Needless to say, if I could just make it through winter, starting up again the the spring (where I am now) wouldn’t be such a difficult task. It might even be non existent.

I know winter is over and by the time it’s cold again I will have conveniently forgotten any tips as I grab a box of grasshopper cookies and crawl under a blanket, but do you have any tips? Any ideas for running the winter through?

On track

I am just 5 weeks from my race. I am on track with my running. That is not to say that I haven’t missed  a few days here and there, because I have, but overall I feel like I am getting stronger and the running is  getting easier. I did five miles yesterday. I’ll do five tomorrow, three on Friday and eight on Saturday. I have been able to get myself up to an eight-minute pace, but only for 1+ of my miles. The others are still in the 9:00 range. I am happy with that for now.

I need to be more conscientious of when and what I eat before I run. Last week I almost died having eaten only a short time before and the food of choice being spicy. What was I thinking?! Seriously the worst run in a long time – very difficult.  After that episode I was very thoughtful about what/when I put in my mouth and the run was thoroughly enjoyable and I was FAST! I felt strong. I pushed myself without wanting to die. It was amazing. Yesterday, I didn’t eat quite early enough and felt it.

What do you all eat before you workout, specifically with running? How much time to you give yourself? I’ve been running in the late afternoon M&W, late morning F and long-runs on Saturday mornings. Do you have a schedule that works best? Please share tips, insight, etc. I need to fine-tune things a bit here to really get more out of my runs.

I’m registered

Just a progress report to let you all know that I signed up for  a half in April. The money’s paid. The date is set. No backing out now. Here’s the skinny:

Lead Strong Half

Sat., April 30th

Only 200 runners on the NCR Trail

Training should have started last week,  but didn’t. It’s on now and I am excited. Anyone wishing to parallel train, let me know. I haven’t done a half in too many years, five maybe. I need this though. I am going to stay on top of my training and push myself to really do my best. What’s on your calendar this Spring?

 

Today is the first day of the rest of your life…

For FHE last night, we watched a Mormon Message on YouTube. It was all about looking forward and not dwelling on the past. One of the people in it said “everyday is the beginning of a new year, and it’s literally the first day of the rest of your life”. While driving in the car this morning, there was a song on the radio that had the same message – “today is the first day of the rest of your life”.

It’s a phrase we hear often enough. It’s even become somewhat cliche. But I tell you as I heard it yesterday and again this morning I was struck by the truth of the statement. It is amazing that today is a new day with no mistakes, no slip-ups. If I didn’t do great at my goals yesterday I can still do them today. Totally fresh start – every day. That, my friends, is motivation. Knowing and understanding that simple concept is going to help me stay focused, refocus when needed and planning for bigger and better things as I reach my goals. Have a great first day of the rest of your life.

Structure is Good

Today was my first day back at the gym in three weeks. I felt totally out of sync. I forgot my lock, bobby pins, gum, lotion, etc. I still ran. It was good.

There’s no excuse for my laziness. I’ve been on Winter break from school for the month of January. I’ve been productive, doing things around the house – just not exercising.

I started a new semester today. Its a big one – 17 credits. Even though this will add stress to my life, I am also grateful for the structure it will add. When I was filling out my daily schedule I made sure to add gym time every day. I know from experience that scheduling time to exercise, not just saying “I am going to exercise today” but really setting aside a certain time spells greater success for me.

So what are your tricks for success? How do you get yourself moving everyday?

Some help with Resolutions

The Truth About Resolutions

I hope this link shows up right.  It’s not about perfection, right?  It’s about communication and motivation.  I love this blog post.  The author has a lot of good ideas that can translate over to our success with running, exercise, eating well, being healthy, etc.  It’s worth the read!

What’d ya have for breakfast?

Whole oats, apples, cranberries, roasted Saigon cinnamon, milled flax seed, sweetened with agave, surrounded by a moat of milk.

How did you start your day?