Running into '10

[Red Rock]

Thanks Bike Chick for your encouragement. Good luck to you on your runs. We might be some of the "new beginners" here.

Well after all of the posts that I have posted so far on running questions and trail advise, I actually went out for a run on a local trail. This is how I am starting my new year.

I used a combonation of a stopwatch and my pedometer. I figured that would cover all of the bases electronically.

So here is my report...
I went 2.64 miles in just over an hour. I was covering rolling hills in this area so it was definately difficult. So I started with 5 min runs ans 1 min walks to see how that felt. After doing it twice, I knew that was to much. Mind you, this is going uphill with rollers, doging mtn bikes too. Anyhow, I switched to running 4 minutes and walking 2. This was more doable. Thank god for stopwatches. This allowed me to go out there and run but not over extend myself which I have done in the past MANY times. So my net running times were 2 sets of 5 and 1 and then another 2 sets of 4 and 2. So that was about 18 min of running which was enough.

After my first 2 sets and going uphill, I took a long walk to get my heart rate down, relax and try and figure all of this out. After walking for a while, that was when I decided to turn around and head back. It was at this point that I switched to the 4 and 2 combonation.

Clothing was good. I dressed as if I was going skiing. I had thermals on, then a cycling jersey, running tights, wool socks and knit gloves. I had my smaller hydration pack with me too.

Depending on how I feel tomarrow, I was going to try and go for a ride. I run by "feel" and ride by "feel" to. It makes it easier to not think about time and distances so much.

I just know I need to get back into shape again. It will take work but thankfully I have not gained a whole lot so far.

Red Rock

[WindingRoad]

I am training for a half marathon in May. My goal is to drop some time from my first time doing it and hopefully drop a couple of pounds in the process. Winter fluff is annoying, grrrr.

I have been going to the gym now for a month or so. Yesterday was my 'power' workout: I did a pretty intense Pilates class, followed by a 4 mile hill run on the treadmill and chased that with a spin class. I think the spin class and running was fine but OMG the pilates is killing me today. Sneezing makes me want to pee my pants, my ribs are so sore. I am trying to do more Yoga and Pilates so I don't die everytime I do a class. The weather has been rediculous cold so it seems I am going to have to train more on the treadmill, yuk.

I really hate the treadmill which seems to be unanimous here. What do you all do to keep yourselves motivated? For some odd reason the treadmill makes me get blisters on my feet? Running hills on the treadmill helps but still getting some blisters. Do any of you have this issue too?

[Bike Chick]

Winding, I'm training for a half in May also and, like you, hate the treadmill. I did 3 miles yesterday--outdoors--in 8 degree temperature with below zero windchill. I'm a beginner so this was a true test for me. I stayed warm and had a really good run except that all I had on my legs was one layer of tights and my upper legs lost all feeling by the beginning of mile 3. I really thought I had frostbite in my thighes if that's possible. It was scary. Next time I will wear wind-blocking pants over the tights. Live and learn.

Urlea, I officially became a member of the frozen eyelash (and eyebrow) club yesterday.

[WindingRoad]

I think my limit is if my nose hairs freeze, then there's no way I'm running outside. That's just me. Kudos to those of you who are super motivated to run in the extreme cold. I have to wear layers of tights to run in the 20's and heavy tights to run in the 30s. I ran in 17 degree weather about a month ago and hated life the whole way, OMG that was the worst run ever. I just couldn't get warmed up EVER. I'd say my cutoff is about 20 degrees OR my nose hair rule of course, whichever comes first.