Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Running is Fun Again

This picture has nothing to do with running - at least lately.
It is in Burlington on the bike path I love to bike and run on.
It was taken last week during the extreme cold.

1.  Not biking can make you fall in love with running again.  I am enjoying running like I haven't for quite a long time.  I am still only running 4 times a week with just one swim thrown in for now. I thought about increasing the running to 5 but I think one less day a week has been good for my body.

2. I am officially training for a half even though I haven't signed up for it yet. I haven't trained since I sprained my ankle last winter and took forever to get over it.  I have done a couple of speed sessions and surprisingly I am not finding them too hard.  My plan also includes pace runs which I haven't done because I did a race - the mother of all pace runs, long runs  and tempo.  The long runs are easy at this point, I am running more than the plan calls for.

3. I am enjoying the gym especially because it has been soo soo soo cold!  I don't know if the gym is crowded because of New Year's resolutions or the extreme cold. But crowded it is.  My gym has plenty of treadmills though so I have had no problem getting on one.

4. The last five weeks I have done a run each week of 6 miles on the treadmill. That is HUGE for me.  It makes my typical 4 mile days seem much  easier. I don't think I have ever run farther than 6 on a treadmill.

5. I like training for a half at this time of year because it is not interfering with long bike rides.

6. I had another good outdoor run on Sunday. The temperature was mild and I got a very pleasant 7 miles in, one more mile than I had planned on doing when I left my house.

7. I saw the below on Facebook and loved it.




14 comments:

Amy @ Juice Boxes + Crayolas said...

I usually want to gouge my eyes out after 3 on a treadmill--amazing how everything feels like so much more work on them. Can't wait for spring!

(oh and I love the divergent trilogy! just finished allegient the other day!)

Ransick said...

Running on the mill is really good for mental toughness but I avoid it as much as possible.

Beautiful pic in Burlington!

Amy said...

Good for you to get your workouts in despite the cold - it sounds awful! My gym is busy, too, with new members...so it should calm down soon. Yesterday, at one point, every single treadmill was taken - I was so glad I had gotten there early!

Giorgio said...

You're doing a good weekly training. speed sessions are also useful!
Which half marathon are you going to sign up for? I look forward to reading about your half marathon training.



Teamarcia said...

That is a stunning picture! I think the extreme cold definitely give me perspective. I am very grateful for my mill. The gym has been empty. I'm thinking the cold and treacherous roads are keeping people away. At least in the wee hours...

Anonymous said...

I'm like you. I only do four runs a week and the rest is workouts and recovery. Getting old sucks sometimes.

EB said...

That picture is awesome. I've been seeing a lot more resolution people at our gym and sometimes it makes it hard to get a treadmill. I'm jealous that yours has so many!

Unknown said...

6 miles on a treadmill would be huge for me too. I haven't actually run on a treadmill for several years. I usually only make it a few miles...

Kate Geisen said...

My longest TM run was 14 miles, and it was terrible. I was out of town with Nathan for a volleyball tournament, though, and I didn't want to leave the hotel to go run.

I smiled at your "only running 4 days a week". That would be like the most days running ever for me. I've got a half marathon on Saturday and haven't run since the 28th. Sigh. Oh well, the weather will make it un-PR-able anyway.

It's so hard to balance love of more than one sport! Especially when biking is so much more fun. :) Glad your winter is making it easier for you to love running.

Char said...

I can only do four runs a week too. Any more than that and I would have to lower the intensity. I think you're amazing to do other stuff on top of the four runs. All I can manage is sporadic strength work and lots of stretching.

Jill said...

What I love most about the treadmill runs is the mental strength it takes to stay on them for an extended period. If you can run long on a treadmill, then you can run REALLY long outdoors.

4 days a week running is great in this cruddy weather. I know you like winter, but ugh - so ready for warmth! Ha.

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

That's AWESOME!! how fun to train for a half!! I've missed running/training!! I've been out with a knee injury, but I went out a few days ago and did 5 miles and ran 2 TWO of those miles!!! :) woot woot!!

Laurie said...

Good for you!!

Half Crazed Runner said...

I hate the TM, except when it's 5*F outside. Then my TM is my best friend. I try to do hills or speed work outs. Concentrating on when to slow down or up the incline keeps me occupied, and away from the brink of wanting to "gauge my eyes out!"