Hi all!
Been away from the computer (meaning I was NOT at work).
So instead of posting in last week's and this week, I'll summarize what I have (or have not) done.

So I was supposed to run 7 miles w/ hills on New Years Day. Well, even though I celebrated REALLY early on New Years Eve...seems I over did the bubbly (w/ no food in the tummy) and was not feeling the best on New Years Day. So I decided to move that run to this week and do my long run on Sat. instead of the usual Sunday.
So as you are all freezing your butts off (including other body parts) we down here in Florida are experience a bit more winter that we like!
Anyway Sat. was better that Sunday, so good thing I headed out for my 20 miler that day.
It was 40- 50's but sunny. (Alright to some of you that is downright balmy!) I quickly shed my outer layer. I knew I was feeling a bit "overwhelmed" by the 20. I knew I did 18 the previous week, but something about 20. So I kept my pace down. I knew I was slower, but kept plugging along. It was that darn mile 14 that bogged me down. So I started to "scheduled" run/walk. (4:30 run/30 sec walk). Problem is that never has worked for me. I struggled to mile 16 and then took a long stretch (off the watch). I was determined to finish. My calves were cramping (I think I never really had that before). But then I did my run a mile then walk ratio. That is what works. So I got into a grove (slow as it was) and finished. Finished in 3:48 (so about a 11:30 min mile.) Goal was to do it in under 4 hours. So I did that. I have this weekend of lower mileage (1/2 marathon w/ a friend at a much slower pace), then I'll tackle my 22 miler the following weekend. Oh and I have decided I need to add my endolytes (sp?)and maybe even some accelerade. I do that when I bike and I think at these distances I need more "stuff". Oh the other thing that kept me going is I ran the 20 mile loop I normally bike. So the distance that many of my friends can't imagine biking is the distance I ran! So I did pretty darn good.
Yesterday I did my hill run. ONly 6.5 miles and repeated the bridge 6 times. I was slow, but it was a challenge. It also got colder as I ran. I mean it is downright cold here. (Yeah, I know).
I am scheduled for 5 miles tomorrow. But just started the new job and hours a bit different and less flexible. So it is either a dark and very cold AM run, or a dark and very cold PM run. Wish I had that gym membership now! I may even "pay for a day" at my old gym just for a chance at the treadmill!

Urlea...I thought of you this weekend, I think it was Friday or Saturday that the Today Show reported NEG 34 degree in Fargo! I don't own enough clothes to handle that!

Keep warm everyone!

K