Saturday, January 30, 2010

-9.6 degrees



(This is before the run as I am contemplating our sanity.)

And the thermometer keeps dropping on the weekend. Today my friend T and I ran in our coldest temperature yet. It was -9.6 but at least there was very little wind. The plan was to run 11 but we had discussed making it shorter and saving the longer run for Sunday if we needed to. She ran yesterday with a bitter cold wind and was a little tentative about today. Her husband shook his head in amazement when she left home to meet me (I don't think it was in admiration as he told her "No heroics.") T ususally wears much less than I do but today she was still reacting to her run on Friday. She began the run with 5 - yes 5 layers on top. She did remove a coat not too far into our run. I wore my usual 3 layers for colder temps. We both wore two layers on the bottom. I got out the hand and feet warmers that I can count on one hand the times I have resorted to. I also got out my face mask (see the pics, lovely isn't it, quite the fashion statement!) for the first time this year.
We headed out and decided it was bearable with very little wind and would do the whole route! The best part of my 11 mile route is there is a loop in the middle. If I am running less than 10 at home it is an out and back and while it is a pretty route I do enjoy a loop. The bad part about this loop is it is very hilly. I need to do hills though so I guess that was a plus. As we were headed up the biggest hill we met another runner. I was thinking we weren't the only crazy ones out for a run which is exactly what she said as she ran by!

I felt like I weighed a great deal more than I do. My muscles were stiff and I felt very sluggish. It is a bit demoralizing to run when you feel that stiff. Both T and I began to feel tired around the 7th mile. I tried not to think about it and to keep my spirits up. I know so much of this is mental.

When we finally got back to my house we found that we had not gone the ENTIRE 11 miles! So we headed down the road to complete the 11! I am sure that as ESH at Sweat Once a Day reads this she will groan, roll her eyes and think, "Oh, Mom, you are so anal!" Yes, I am. I know it. I admit it! A plan is a plan and needs to be followed. Yes, I know listen to your body, use common sense.............! I will get there some day.
But we completed it and felt good about our fortitude. It was a quick walk to the bathroom and a long rewarding HOT shower! Let's hope tomorrow is warmer as well as next weekend. The thermometer needs to move in the other direction on Saturdays!


We made it!

16 comments:

Teamarcia said...

You both rock! Way to show the cold who's boss! I have yet to lay eyes on a cooler face mask than that one!

Molly said...

first of all, you rock because you got out in these temps (it was -4 when I got up today, so I skipped run club and went on the treadmill), second, how you made sure you compelted 11, and third, I found out you are ESH's mom!

Suzy said...

Wow, you are amazing. And to think that 5F scared me off from running outside this morning. I hope it is warmer for you this weekend.

Velma said...

I don't know how you do it! I guess it is also good to be there with a friend.

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

You are tough!

Anne said...

OMG I am so impressed! 11 miles in that kind of weather...unbelievable. I love blogging, I am learning so much about "womaning up" and just doing it!

Jocelyn said...

You guy are two tough cookies! great job on your run! cold runs are tough

HappyTrails said...

WOW! Great job on one cold run! Yikes!

Pining for Pinterest said...

WOW! You are tough! I can't seem to make myself go out the door in anything less than 40 degrees. I am such a baby! I hope you have a great rest of the weekend. Great job on the run!

Unknown said...

Hey, I just read your daughter's post and had tears in my eyes and now I see you getting out there in the freezing cold and rocking it big time. No wonder she's such a great person, you're her mom! You actually beat her in a marathon too? Tough lady!!

newrunner said...

Wow!!! I admire your determination!!!!

Johann said...

I enjoy running in the cold, but this I can only admire. You are a true inspiration.

Anonymous said...

-9.6 degrees? You are mad. Now I have to follow you and add you to my blog list. I'm impressed.

Darlene said...

WOW You are tough - It's warmer here & I went to the gym 0- maybe I'll be inspired from you. I plan to keep reading your blog!!

I Run for Fun said...

Wow! You are hardcore runners! You are so inspiring.

Keri said...

Way to go! You are amazing!