Running with the reindeer...December runs!

[Crankin]

I'm definitely done, or at least giving it a rest until spring. It's been so warm on the weekends, I haven't done much hiking, as I am still cycling outside. And, I do not want this to interfere with my x country skiing or snow shoeing. The way it feels today, my heavy hiking boots and snow shoes would definitely not feel so good. But riding was fine. I am wondering if using SPD cleats in spin class is making it worse. It seems to flare up a bit after spin. I have Speedplay Xs and Frogs on my bikes, and those don't bother it at all.
I don't mind running in cold weather at all. But once the roads get icy, I don't do much of it outside, as there are very few sidewalks here. Hence, most of the running I do is in the late fall and early spring.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, bummer Crankin. Enjoy your hiking and heal quick.

Happy birthday kat!

I took one look at the thermometer this morning and blew it off, even though I probably won't get another chance to run until Monday. Seventeen degrees is just too cold for me, especially since my warm gloves are already in transit. I've had frostbite four times and that's plenty for me. Wish I could've got some kind of a workout in, though.

[Bike Chick]

Happy late birthday, Katluvr!

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling so, Crankin. That sucks so bad.

Oak, I can't blame you. It was 28 here yesterday when I got out and ran my 7 miles. It was brisk but the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. I have to think twice about anything below 20 degrees.

[indysteel]

It was 21 degrees for my run yesterday. Minus the first few minutes, I felt okay. The winds were light though and the sun was out. My left glute and hamstring have been bugging me for several weeks now. At first I thought it was the return of the sciatic nerve issues I have had off and on for some time, but now I'm not so sure. I suppose a trip to the doc is in order as it's becoming chronic.

Crankin, I'm sorry you're hurting. I had a stress fracture in my foot during my sophomore year of cross country. I ran most of the season with it and ended up on crutches for six weeks.

[Crankin]

I need to stop reading this thread! This is what makes me want to "try" running again.

[Selkie]

Happy Belated B'day, Kat.

Sorry about your foot, Crankin. Hope it heals quickly and doesn't impact your winter sports.

ChiRunning workshop was yesterday---it was great. I got to meet 7, which was a treat (I'm would love to have her swimmer's feet!!!). By the way, she's got great running form and was moving pretty swiftly when we were outside.

Today was our Jingle All The Way 8k race in DC. Unfortunately, my cold pretty much has me operating on 75% of my "jets," so I didn't feel that great. It was the first morning of the season that went below freezing at Reagan Nat'l, so it was cold. Insult to injury, the race started 20+ minutes late---everyone was freezing. Once we got moving, it was fine. I had five jingle bells on, several pinned to my fleece and one on my shoe. Lots of folks in the spirit, wearing reindeer headgear, santa hats, green sequin skirts, striped socks, etc. As usual, I overdressed and once we got in the sun, I was too warm.

Luckily, things opened up a little after the first mile in terms of being crowded, so I had room to work on the chirunning techniques I learned yesterday. Was in the groove of it for a bit, but my cold symptoms definitely impacted how I felt overall. I wrapped a buff around my forearm to help clean up my nose drainage, which was good planning. The last quarter mile or so, the accumulated junk in my throat/bronchial tubes made me gasping for a breath and sounding like as asthmatic. I was relieved to cross that finish line (they called out everyone's name over the loudspeaker as you finished).

My husband was about 3 or 4 minutes behind me, so I had time to stretch my calves and get cold before we schlepped it off to the car. Got to see the Nat'l Christmas tree on the way, plus the White House all decked out.

I'll check my time/finish results later. This is my longest run to date and because of my cold, I was just happy to run the entire thing and cross the finish line.

[7rider]

ChiRunning workshop was yesterday---it was great. I got to meet 7, which was a treat (I'm would love to have her swimmer's feet!!!). By the way, she's got great running form and was moving pretty swiftly when we were outside.

Ha! If you had to buy shoes for my "swimmer's feet" you wouldn't want them so much! Was great to meet you - even tho' we didn't have much time for socializing.

I took my ChiRunning and tried to incorporate some of it into today's Jingle Bell Jog 8k. Spent a lot of time working on my two "L's" of what our instructor referred to as "ALLT" for "Align, Level (your pelvis), Lift (the crown of your head), and Tilt". Happy with negative splits -- first time I've done that...ever and an 11:14 pace for 4.97 miles total. I also ran my whole thing. Happy with that, too. So, overall, a really good morning run. Glad you had one, too, Selkie.