Running in a Winter Wonderland: December Runs

[indysteel]

My thread title is a bit ironic given that we're experiencing near record highs here in Indiana! I wonder if we're in for another nonexistent winter.

I ran roughly 4 miles yesterday and roughly 5 miles today. I'm still trying to set up my new Garmin, so my distances aren't exact.

[skhill]

Same here in KY! I celebrated the first day of December with a nice little 5 miles. Started off wearing a hat and mittens and 2 shirts, one short sleeved and the other long. By the end of the first mile the hat was off. By the end of the second, the mittens were off. By the end of the third, the long sleeved shirt was off. And I was considering stripping down to just the bra by the time I got home. It felt a lot warmer than 50F!

[Tri Girl]

Same in OK. It's crazy! Although I'm not really a fan of bitterly cold winters, these warm temps are just not right, and I don't like it one bit. :(
I actually enjoy getting bundled up in 4 layers and running with gloves and cute hats and coming home with frozen butt cheeks.
Alas, my 7.5 mile run today was in the 70's and I was wearing sleeveless. Sigh...

I just ordered some Hoka One One's because I'm really having a hard time finding a trail shoe that doesn't cause me knee issues. I have a few ultrarunner friends who wear them (and there are plenty of the top ultrarunners who wear them), so I'm willing to give them a try. Bad news is they are $170. What the what??? :eek:
I found a pair online for $120, I hope they work.

[Crankin]

I walked/ran 2.5 miles yesterday, disappointed that it was still too wet for me to ride, although it was about 48 when I finished my run. I took my headband off about half way through, but other than that, I was actually dressed correctly. I really want to run more, but my knees are a bit achy, which I think, is from the hundreds of squats and other torturous things I am doing in boot camp.

[skhill]

It was 58F and humid at 6am today!! I dressed for the weather, not the calendar, this time; shorts and short sleeves and bare head. Did about 5.5 miles at an 8:35 pace. With all this speed lately, I'd like to get in one more race this year, but it doesn't look like it'll happen. My December Saturdays are pretty full. Oh well. There's the Jan 1 5 miler to look forward to...

[GLC1968]

I did do some running during this event, so I'm counting it here.

Sunday night, I did the Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon in Las Vegas. I had to walk it since I was only cleared to run a few weeks ago, but boy...walking a half SUCKS. I was with two wonderful friends who kept me company despite my need to actually walk slower than a normal person. After the half-way point, I couldn't take the walking anymore and we started adding in run intervals. We started with run 1 min, walk 9 but the run interval was too short. So we went to 2/8 and then I felt like the walk interval was too long. So we settled on 3/3 for the remainder of the race until the last 1/3 mile or so where we just ran to the finish. Ran is a relative term of course, as my pace was closer the walk pace of my longer-legged friend!

When asked if I was glad that I did it, all I could muster was a 'I'm glad that it's done". I can say with all honesty that I'll never do that again. If I can't run a 1/2 marathon for some reason, then I'll just skip it. Walking for that long was rough!

The good news is that I feel amazingly good today (about 40 hours later) considering how awful I felt at the finish line! My legs are only pleasantly tight and my calves are a bit achy. My injured/recovered foot is sore, but not unbearably so...and I'm looking forward to getting back into run shape again. :)

[indysteel]

Good job, GLC. Frankly, given what you went through the last year, walking a HM sounds like challenge enough. Good job on your run/walk!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats GLC!!! SO proud of you for finishing even tho it sounded like a slog to the finish line! I agree- walking that far is hard. I had to walk half of the marathon I did last month and it not only took FOREVER, but it hurt worse than running that long (of course I hadn't trained for walking so maybe that was part of it). Congrats on your strong finish!!!! :)

[Crankin]

Congrats, GLC.
I walked 11.5 miles in the Walk for Hunger a few years ago; the recovery was longer than after anything else I've done, including a century...

[SadieKate]

Excellent, Wilma! :D

[OakLeaf]

Wow GLC, nicely done. It's been a Very Long Time since I've walked anything close to that distance, but I know how my muscles feel when I walk a much shorter unaccustomed distance, now. Heck, I still remember when I was 17 and coming back from a knee injury, got home from college and walked yeah probably 10 miles for transportation, and then could hardly get out of bed for three days... :rolleyes:

+1 on the unseasonable weather. Hard to complain when you're in it, but it's scary and not right. :( At least I was fully covered for my 12.5 today (no hat though), which is more than I can say for the 11 I did on Monday in shorts and short sleeves...

18 weeks out from Boston. The tough part of the training is right around the corner and I'm just praying my body holds together for it.

[GLC1968]

Thanks all! It was way harder than I had anticipated. Who knew that walking was so tough?!

Today my PT saw my foot for the first time since last week and she declared me 'good to go'. She said everything looks really good! I'm pleased. I'll be running again this weekend. :)

[indysteel]

I ran 3.5 miles after work last night. I had on tights, but I simply could not get my legs to warm up. It was otherwise a nice run. I'musing a Black Diamond Sprinter headlamp and a reflective harness from Nathan (I think), so I could see really well and am pretty sure I could be easily soon, too.

[indigoiis]

I am in week 6 of marathon training. After not having ridden for a couple of weeks, I rode 28 on Monday. I think it affected the rest of my week, because my Tues., Wed. and today runs were all three kind of "mehh." I am hoping it is just a phase. Other than that, I am so joyful to be out running in the winter. It's a good way to see holiday lights and other sights.

[Tri Girl]

Ran 2.5 miles to work this morning, then took the long way home and ran 5 miles coming home. I wore my new Hoka One Ones. It was like running on a cloud while my feet were being kissed by angels the whole time. They are the trail version, but I wanted to test them out on the pavement. Pavement hasn't EVER felt that good. I've had a knee twinge for about 3 weeks now every time I run. It didn't bother me at all today. They are the bulkiest craziest shoes I've ever seen (remind me of moon boots from the 80's), but all the big ultrarunners wear them and swear by them. I had to give them a try since I'm really ramping up my trail running in distance for next year.
Love at first run...

Plus, they are the NBA OKC Thunder colors so that's a bonus (I live in OKC and am a huge Thunder fan). ;)

[Crankin]

Love the look of those shoes!
I ran 3 miles yesterday, and I ran almost the whole way. Did some 1:1 walk run intervals for about half a mile at the beginning and half a mile at the end. I felt good, probably because my legs aren't tired from riding!

[indysteel]

I ran four miles this morning on the treadmill. I should have run outside, as warm as it is, but my usual route was still full of puddles from overnight rain (we have flooding and drainage issues in my town), so I opted for the treadmill. I saw a lot of runners out though on my way back home. I wish I knew how to hook up with them. Short of just approaching them mid-run, I don't know how to introduce myself. As far as I know, there's no formal running group in town. It would just be nice to have some running companions.

[skhill]

My legs felt absolutely dead this morning, just dragging through the puddles. Then I turned to start for home, and realized it wasn't dead legs but a headwind. The homeward miles were much easier! 5 miles all told, and I managed to avoid the rain showers. It stopped shortly before I started out, and started again shortly after I got home.

The cool running-related thing of the day: the USATF club cross country championships are in town today. I thought they'd be done by mid-day, but no. Took my dog out to the dog park in the same park where the meet is being held, and got to see a lot of very fast runners slogging through the mud. The race course ran along the dog park fence for a while around the 4 mile marker, just after they'd crossed a creek and come up a steep but short hill. Great fun to watch, and my dog kept running along the fence with the racers!

[Veronica]

Four miles this morning in the foggy darkness. I had dew on my eyelashes and Christmas lights on my shoes. Sadly no pictures, maybe next weekend.

Veronica

[jobob]

I had dew on my eyelashes and Christmas lights on my shoes.


Neat-o! I'd love to see that. :cool:

[Veronica]

I put these through my laces, red on one side, green on the other.

15822

Veronica

[jobob]

What fun!

[Tri Girl]

Neat-o! I'd love to see that. :cool:

Me too!!! :)

[Tri Girl]

I put these through my laces, red on one side, green on the other.

15822

Veronica

What are those and where did you get them??? Love it! I run to work a few times a week in the dark and I would love to have those.

[Veronica]

Amazon - they're called LED Fingerlights. They have a little elastic that you can attach to various things besides your fingers. I stick them on my shoes and sometimes through my Garmin strap. Thom puts them on his fingers and on his arm strap for his phone. They are really a light for being seen, not for seeing. :D You get 40 for about 7 dollars. Some of ours were duds. I haven't had one burn out yet, but I doubt they will last a super long time.

Veronica

[Tri Girl]

Ordered some LED fingerlights- thanks, V!!! :)

I ran 10 this morning. I was supposed to run 13. I made a million rookie mistakes- like I've never run before in my life. Shaking my head...
I ran out of water, left the house without any gels or nutrition of any kind, was overdressed when running south and was dripping in sweat, then was freezing and shivering when running north into the frigid wind, etc. etc. Bonked hard about mile 8 and crawled 2 miles back to the car and called it quits. Some days you have it. Some days you don't. This was clearly a don't.
Although I'm still REALLY glad to be able to run- even when it's not pretty. ;)

[Anelia]

I don't run too often and my only run in December was this: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/248899678. The weather was super windy and I was scared by a tree falling near me because it was broken by the wind.

[skhill]

It was back to the treadmill this morning. Not because of cold or snow or ice, like it should be in December, but due to rain. Might be snowing in the morning, though. Just 3.5 miles; my left hamstring started out really tight, loosed up over the first mile, then started tightening up again. Blaming it on a rainy Monday morning...

One of the runners in town for the USATF club cross country championships was hit and killed by a firetruck while walking across the street downtown Saturday evening. Sad.

[skhill]

It was back to the treadmill this morning. Not because of cold or snow or ice, like it should be in December, but due to rain. Might be snowing in the morning, though. Just 3.5 miles; my left hamstring started out really tight, loosed up over the first mile, then started tightening up again. Blaming it on a rainy Monday morning...

One of the runners in town for the USATF club cross country championships was hit and killed by a firetruck while walking across the street downtown Saturday evening. Sad.

[GLC1968]

I had hoped to get in another run this weekend, but my foot was too sore. We did run in our crossfit class on Saturday though (probably why my foot was sore!). We did 800m followed by some strength and then 400m, more strength and then 200m and more strength. This is only noteable for me because I was wearing my new NB Minimus road shoes instead of my cushioned Altras. It was the first running I've done, off treadmill, in a minimal shoe since my injury/surgery. It felt fine when I was doing it, but my foot has been abnormally sore for two days since then. I hope it's just muscle pain (I think it is) but we'll find out tomorrow when I have PT again. I hope that I didn't survive a half marathon only to injure myself doing stupid short run intervals. Ugh!

Oh, and my left big toe is still sore from the half and now it's finally turning blue. Lovely.

[Crankin]

Ran another 3 today. Not quite as much running as last time. My feet hurt!
A bit overdressed, too.

[skhill]

Back outside today at last! The past 2 days' runs were on the treadmill due to the cold. Today was a lot warmer-- 30F-- so I piled on too many layers and hit the sidewalks. I was planning on going 8 miles but cut it short at 6.5 as my hamstring was feeling a bit cranky. The weekend's supposed to be warmer, but I'm going to be quite busy so may not get out again until Monday. Oh well. It's Advent and life gets crazy...

[Tri Girl]

Did a crazy hard trail half marathon today in Tulsa. Now, you mountain dwellers would laugh, but it was HARD for this flatlander. It was on Turkey Mtn. in Tulsa, and it schooled me. Crazy hard ascents and descents (well, crazy for someone who uses overpasses for hill training). ;) I wore my new Hokas and I FLEW down the very rocky, technical descents like they were flat as a pancake. Those shoes are AMAZING!! I wish they would pull me uphill a little faster, but I'll take running downhill like a runaway truck over what I used to do downhill. I stepped on some of the pointiest rocks and never felt a thing. Is that what being fast feels like?
Now my time is nothing to write home about, but time doesn't matter to me anymore. What matters is being out there and experiencing nature. That's all I care about anymore. :)

[indysteel]

Great job, Tri Girl. It sounds like a lot of fun, and I love your attitude.

Did about five miles outside today and three on Friday. It was 51 degrees at 9 a.m. Weird and troubling, but perfect for a run.

[Crankin]

Icy this morning, so I did 30 min on the treadmill. Did run walk intervals, with some hill walking intervals thrown in for fun.
I missed going to boot camp but I am glad I have the TM at home for days like this.

[skhill]

2nd day in a row on the treadmill for me. Yesterday was raining, today extremely windy, so off to the gym. They are in the midst of replacing all the cardio equipment, so right now there are just some treadmills and elipticals set up in the multi-purpose room. I've been doing my treadmill time staring at a concrete block wall... But tomorrow the new stuff is supposed to be up and running. Hopefully I'll be running outside, though! Don't much like the look of the new treadmills; they are very hi-tech looking, and you're supposed to be able to surf the web and watch your very own video screen. But all I want is a simple display with accurate distance and time and pace (both current and average), and easy to use controls... Oh well. I'm withholding final judgement until I use one a few times. Problem is that at the gym they think everyone is there to work out or exercise; I'm just there to run. That's fun/ sport/ spiritual discipline, not exercise, as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway, today's 4 miles were in 32:36, an 8:09 pace! My current treadmill goal is to get to 4 miles averaging a sub-8 minute pace, should be entirely doable...

[indysteel]

Great pace, skhill!

I have a question for those that run on treadmills: I recently read a few articles on the differences between treadmill and outdoor running that suggest running on a treadmill at a 1% incline to better replicate outdoor running (assuming a flat course). Do any of you do that?

[Tri Girl]

Great pace, skhill!

I have a question for those that run on treadmills: I recently read a few articles on the differences between treadmill and outdoor running that suggest running on a treadmill at a 1% incline to better replicate outdoor running (assuming a flat course). Do any of you do that?

Our treadmill stays at 1% when we run. Sometimes I put it at 2%. I have read the same things and believe it's probably true.

[skhill]

I've found that varying the incline helps keep my mechanics together. If I do a couple treadmill runs on the flat, the first time I'm back outside my stride is kinda goofy...

With the nasty storm engulfing much of the middle of the US, it was treadmill time again today. I'm not crazy about the new machines, but I'm giving them a chance. The deck feels good at least, even if there's a lot to go through to get the data I want up on the screen. Not talking anything fancy, but it took some doing to get pace up on the screen. It was my (treadmill) standard 4 miles, today in 33:15. The weather's looking to be every bit as bad tomorrow morning...

[indysteel]

Thanks for the suggestions re: incline, ladies. I think I'll mix it up on tomorrow's treadmill run.

[skhill]

First thing this morning I packed up my bag and headed off to the gym to use the treadmill. When I opened it up in the locker room, I found that I had packed 2 right shoes. (Hey it was early and both pair of VFFs were right there together!). A buddy of mine was working the desk, and he didn't have a problem with me going barefoot despite the rules. So I hopped up on the treadmill and started on my first ever truly barefoot run. Went just one mile. Turns out that my stride is fine with no shoes, but I do not have tough enough soles for the treadmill's belt...

[indysteel]

Darn, skhill! I hate when I forget to put something in my gym back. A few weeks ago, I forgot my yoga pants and last week it was my sports bra.

Just finished 4.5 treadmill miles. I did them at a 1% incline. It felt good!

[Veronica]

I hate it when I forget my underwear! I generally just go to the gym to swim and just wear my suit and then change after. The one time I forgot my underwear, I was glad it was cold because I had brought sweat pants for after instead of my usual wrap skirt. :rolleyes:

Veronica

[Crankin]

I ran 3 miles today, outside. Today I did a different route, which involves more uphill, but I was able to run a lot more of it than when I ran outside last week. I am keeping my speed down (I'd estimate I'm doing 11:30-12 mm), which seems to make the whole thing a lot more enjoyable. The thing is, I can run faster, but my whole body seems to hate me when I do.
It was very windy, about 36 degrees. I was slightly overdressed, could have worn a thinner jacket or jersey, but not enough to make me really horribly overheated.

[indysteel]

Crankin, I've slowed my pace down a fraction, too, and it's made a world of difference in my enjoyment level. I'd like to go faster, but I'd also like to continue to run without my hamstring bothering me too much, so slower it is. Glad it's working for you.

[katluvr]

I really have not run much at all this month. (UGH!). I'm up in CT which is very cold for me! Yesterday I did go out for a chilly, hilly 3 miler with some snow flurries--it was fun. Today just a walk (brrrrr!). I did find a trail close by to go for a longer run tomorrow. At least I brought plenty of running stuff to layer!

K

[Tri Girl]

Today I put on another free running event for a bunch of friends. The Winter Solstice Half Marathon. I was going to run 13, but ran out of time and only got 10 in. The "entry fee" to this race was 4 canned goods to be given to the Regional Food Bank. We received almost 300 cans. Love my running community!!! :)

Next Sunday I'm putting on another free event. It's the "Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013.1" in honor of the new year. Another half marathon. Everyone will make their own bibs (as usual) and everyone's bib must have a resolution on it, or something they want to accomplish in the new year. The "entry fee" will be a healthy snack to share with others. I'm also having a best dressed contest. Whoever shows up in the fanciest New Year's attire will win a prize.
I love these free events. Races are so dang expensive anymore that it's just nice to get together 30-50 people and have fun. The last two have benefitted our community in some way. This one won't, but the next one will. :)

[skhill]

Well, I knew at the time that the third glass of bourbon was a bad idea last night, but after 2 glasses I didn't much care. Doing a tempo run this morning after all that bourbon was also a bad idea... Went only 3 miles, at an 8:10 pace, and it was not fun at all. But I'm feeling much better now!

[indysteel]

Glad you're feeling better now, skhill!

Just did 5 miles outside. It's kind of a gloomy day, but it was still nice to be outside. I usually overseers at 32 degrees, but I got it nearly right today!

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it. I hope you have a happy and safe holiday. I look forward to running with you, so to speak, next year!

[surgtech1956]

Between the crappy weather and getting home from work in the dark, I haven't been running outside. I joined Planet Fitness and have been running on the Treadmill and using the Elliptical Trainer, plus working on the weight machines. I've been doing some speedwork on the Treadmill and hope this helps along with the strength training.

[skhill]

(Off topic) How do you like planet fitness? There's one opening just a mile or so from my house, and it's so cheap I'm thinking of switching over. These days I mostly just use the gym for the treadmill; strenght training remains mainly a good intention...

[Crankin]

We went on a group AMC hike today; w've done this one once before, as the leader does it every XMas.
It's close to home and beautiful, but they were really walking, not hiking and I was freezing, although I was dressed in my normal hiking clothes for a temperature of 30. Finally, when we had about 2 miles to go, DH and I, plus another woman went ahead of the group and I finally warmed up. However, it took me almost an hour to feel really warm again once I got home.
6.5 miles is not short, even at a walking pace, but I realized how much I am used to running pace now, or faster hiking. But, it's in the GPS now and I look forward to maybe a trail run here in the future.

[surgtech1956]

skhill, I really like Planet Fitness. Its about 5 mins from my house and can't beat $10 a month(the other membership is $19.99 and includes massage and tanning). They have a ton of Treadmills(30), Ellipticals, Arc Climber, Recumbents, Stationary Bikes, machines for every muscle group, free weights, 30 min workout room.

[bluejellybean]

That's great Tri Girl! I'd be at those with you if I lived near you! I love putting on little "food-raiser" runs in my community too and it brings out the runners for something fun and everyone gets to "give"! :) I've met new running buddies this way too!


Today I put on another free running event for a bunch of friends. The Winter Solstice Half Marathon. I was going to run 13, but ran out of time and only got 10 in. The "entry fee" to this race was 4 canned goods to be given to the Regional Food Bank. We received almost 300 cans. Love my running community!!! :)

Next Sunday I'm putting on another free event. It's the "Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013.1" in honor of the new year. Another half marathon. Everyone will make their own bibs (as usual) and everyone's bib must have a resolution on it, or something they want to accomplish in the new year. The "entry fee" will be a healthy snack to share with others. I'm also having a best dressed contest. Whoever shows up in the fanciest New Year's attire will win a prize.
I love these free events. Races are so dang expensive anymore that it's just nice to get together 30-50 people and have fun. The last two have benefitted our community in some way. This one won't, but the next one will. :)

[Crankin]

Well, I guess my walk/hike was a little more intense than I thought. I woke up this morning really feeling it!
Won't make fun of that again.

[Tri Girl]

Well, I guess my walk/hike was a little more intense than I thought. I woke up this morning really feeling it!
Won't make fun of that again.

This made me giggle. ;) You were probably moving so fast to warm up, your little legs had to work double-time to keep up with you.

[indysteel]

I worked from home today and squeezed in 3.5 miles at the gym during my lunch hour. It was ridiculously warm in the cardio room though and it felt like torture to me. I find it fascinating that the handful of women whom I see there on a regular basis almost always run wearing thick sweatshirts and long pants, while I'm stripped down to a halter top and my thinnest knickers (I hate wearing running shorts). How do they bear it? Surely it's not comfortable running in a 70+ degree room with a sweatshirt on, but maybe I just "run" warm.

[surgtech1956]

Indysteel, I'm with you. I see women all bundled up working out. I'm sweating so much my shirt is wet and I'm in tshirt and shorts(I don't like running shorts either, so I wear mens shorter basketball shorts)

[Crankin]

I'm the same way. I either wear knickers or shorts that look like bike shorts, but without the chamois, or a running skirt. I always wear a sleeveless top when running indoors. I have gotten in serious heat trouble running at home on my treadmill and not putting on the room AC or opening the window in the loft where my home gym is. Even in the winter, or in the summer if it's raining out and the central AC is on, I need to do this. After I had to sit down on the floor and put my head between my legs from almost fainting, I realized this had happened a few times either at the gym or at home and it was heat related. Somehow, I built up to riding in heat, but I can't do the same with running.

[Kernyl]

I am always amazed at the amount of clothing that many women wear when working out in a gym. For an inside workout I am stripped down to shorts and tank. If I wasn't embarrassed to I'd be in just a sports bra. And I am always dripping, even when the gym has the AC on.

I did go for couple nice REAL winter runs this week. I was up in Quebec where they had snow and below freezing weather. My husband and I went for a run and saw several deer. Very pretty.

[skhill]

Me too. When I'm on the treadmill I'm in shorts and tank top and end up soaked in sweat, and I'm amazed at the folks in long pants and long sleeves. Of course I'm also actually running on that treadmill, not strolling...

But today at last I ran outside! It wasn't raining or snowing or blowing (much) and at 28F it wasn't too cold either. Went almost 6 miles, and enjoyed it tremendously. Looks like it'll be my last outdoor run of 2012; there's another cold front on the way. Thinking of donating blood today then not even trying to run for a couple days, the weather's looking so icky.

[Tri Girl]

It's snowing again today. It "snowed" a little on Christmas day, but that was mostly sleet and ice. I haven't run since Sunday. Been dealing with some high blood pressure and female issues that I'm trying to resolve. :(
Hopefully I can get out tomorrow and run some before our big New Years half marathon run on Sunday morning.

[skhill]

Back to the treadmill again. It's not all that cold, but so many folks can't be bothered to clear their sidewalks of the snow and ice. Footing is treacherous out there! Did my standard 4 miles at an 8:30ish pace.

Looking at the log for the year: 1300.4 miles, 8 days 3 hours (on the dot). 1299.4 miles in various VFFs, 1 mile truly barefoot. Only 1 PR, but it was a good one, more than a minute off my previous best in the 10k. Going into 2013, I'm leaning toward doing my first marathon (Columbus, probably), and I really really want a new pr in the 3k. I've raced the 3k 3 times, all of them within 5 seconds. know I can do it faster (weather permitting), and not just by a couple seconds...

[indysteel]

That's a lotta miles, skhill. Congrats and good luck with next year's goals.

I did 4.7 treadmill miles on Saturday and another 4.5 miles today. I wished I'd ran outdoors, but parts of my usual route (our local MUT plus the cemetery paths) are still icy. But the gym was really hot today. It was miserable.