Running to the year's end 12/16 - 12/31

[Susan Otcenas]

Once I got all my dinner prep work completed, I managed to find time for a 6.6 mile run on Christmas Day around 1pm. Streets were deserted. Saw a few other runners and walkers, a couple cyclists, and few cars. I felt kinda sad for the folks in cars waiting on the drive-thru line at the Jack-in-the-Box. Felt very grateful to have a house full of delicious food just waiting on a house full of friends to arrive to share it with me. I don't personally celebrate any religion, but I love using the holidays that occur at this time of year to share meals and togetherness with my friends and family.

Having the chance to get our for a run on such a special day allowed me to reflect on how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful holiday weekend.

Susan

[Veronica]

We got in a Christmas day run too. 3 miles in Maine - 27 degrees. I now cannot use, "It's too cold," as an excuse at home.

Veronica

[7rider]

3 miles in Maine - 27 degrees. I now cannot use, "It's too cold," as an excuse at home.

Is that 27 degrees, or MINUS 27???
Cuz if it's the latter (even wind chill), I bow down....

I've been sick since the Celtic Solstice and today was the FIRST time I broke into a run since. And it was only 30 minutes on the treadmill.
I have been a total load all week. Blech.

[skhill]

I finally asked for a mp3 player for Christmas, so I've joined the ranks of the ear-budded! Sure makes these runs on the treadmill less dreadful... Monday was 6 miles, today 5, and I almost enjoyed it, thanks to the tunes. But I'm not planning on running outside with it; walking the dog while wearing it yesterday was disconcerting enough.

And oh how I'm looking forward to a morning that's as warm as 27 again! Assuming there's not too much ice or too much wind, that's fantastic running conditions!

[Veronica]

Regular old 27 degrees.

Did 5 miles on the treadmill today after we checked in at the Hilton in Boston. We were suppose to fly home on Monday, but had to reschedule for Wednesday.

The Hilton has fantastic gym facilities. All sorts of cardio machines, a full range of weight machines, a room full of free weights and a Bosu ball!

The lap pool is 40 feet long, so a bit short, especially if you're doing flip turns. But far better than many pools at hotels.

Veronica

[Crankin]

Hey, I would have come into town to visit...
Hope your visit to Maine was fun.

[OakLeaf]

First attempt at a run since my crash ...

I just did about 2-1/4 today and it felt pretty good. My chest/abdominal wall is still a little sore to the touch but it didn't bother me running at all, so that's good. My sprained hand hurt a little bit. It was chilly so I wore gloves, but it's supposed to warm up later in the week, and when it does, I think I'll tape my fingers together for running until they're healed up a bit more.

I've had a raging headache for the last two days. It's obviously coming from my neck, but I don't know why it didn't start until yesterday. I was hoping a little run would help, but it didn't. I've got an appointment for a massage tomorrow, so hopefully that will work it out.

[GLC1968]

I did two runs while in FL but failed to 'report' on them here.

The first 5 mile run was just down the roads/sidewalk near my parents house. It was nice to be running in the sunshine and 70F weather, but there was no shade and it was a VERY boring route. I did enjoy the different smells of the place though (FL smells VERY different from the PNW).

My second 5 miler was on the Pinellas Trail. We drove around the corner, parked behind a Subway (on Christmas day - so it was closed) and hit the trail. It's a rail-trail (paved) that runs most of the length of Pinellas County (many miles). This worked out well since I wanted to run 5 miles and my H only 3. He just stopped and walked at 1.5 miles while I kept going. When I got to 2.6 miles, I turned around and eventually met up with him again. It was hotter (maybe 75F?) but there was plenty of shade and things to look at (including a primate rescue!) so I really enjoyed it. There were LOTS of people out on the trail as well which surprised me for Christmas Day.

I now have a bikers tan on my legs from just two 5 mile runs in FL!! My pasty white PNW skin just couldn't handle the measly 2 hours of winter Florida sun. Pathetic.

[Veronica]

Hey, I would have come into town to visit...
Hope your visit to Maine was fun.

The Boston portion was not part of our regular plan. We were suppose to fly home on Dec. 27. Sunday we decided the blizzard was a for sure thing and we rescheduled our flight to today. It's a mid morning flight and we decided we'd rather drive to Boston in the afternoon the day before - less stress.

Veronica

[indigoiis]

I ran four in the neighborhood yesterday on slippery back roads, so it really slowed us down. Today we went up to this big cemetery with plowed roads through it and ran the big loop, .8 miles, 5 times. It was gusty and weird, but at least there were no cars and no slick roads.

This is week 1 of marathon training if I run the Cox marathon in May. I am definitely running Hyannis half in February.

[OakLeaf]

I set out for four and a half, but wound up with only 3.8 before I gave up and walked most of the rest of the way back.

Taping my fingers together worked just fine, but the HR strap was really irritating the spot between my ribs, and my neck and back are still a little bit tweaked (although the massage yesterday did me a world of good and the headache is gone). Between that, my general lack of conditioning and running in much higher temperatures and crazy humidity, I was just a little too ambitious today. I'll have to go without HR for a while and just rely on perceived exertion - unfortunately, since my HR was just through the roof today.

Slowly but surely. May have to give up on the idea of a 5K PR at the end of January...

[limewave]

2 miles with three accerlation strides.

[skhill]

First run of marathon training today! Only 8 miles, but my mileage has been way down in Dec., thanks to the crappy weather, so I'm starting where I am. It was so warm that I was bareheaded and in shorts!

Next step in marathon prep: decide which one, and register. It's either Louisville or Cincinnati, and they're the same weekend, Apr 30/ May 1.

Happy 2011, everyone!

[HillSlugger]

I finished the year with a run this morning. I ended the year with 233 miles, far less than I would have liked, but since I started the year rehabbing from an Achilles heel problem and I finished the year healthy, feeling strong, and without any further injuries, I have to consider it a good running year.

[Veronica]

Last run of the year for me too. Third month in a row that I have attained my mileage goal.

Veronica