cold weather running

My fitness goal this year was to simply do more simply by getting out of my comfort zones. I ran my first official 10k in 80 degree weather. I did not run in September/October because I was semi repairing/rehab an injury I incurred doing hill sprints on the tread. I have never run outside past October 1^st. This year I did the 10k Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Since then, I have clocked two inclement weather runs. I am surprisingly enjoying it. It only makes sense to put this expensive cold gear to work. If I continue to press along, I'll gladly reward the effort with more gear. 

The farthest distance ran so far is just over 7 miles! Woop! Woop! 

What has helped me transition into cold weather running is to keep the heat off. As tempting as it has been to crank on the heat at home, I have simply layered up on clothes and donned socks. I do knock the chill off in the car and have pulled out my heated seat pad.

I’m taking each run as it comes. I’m trying to be very smart and conscientious of injury prevention while still keeping the air in my lungs outdoors. I love it so far. I mix up my runs and the plan is to increase my weekly mileage for the winter whether indoors or outside. I have purchased an e-book for improving my 10K race time. I’ve only glimpsed at it because I want to keep my training unofficial for Jan/Feb.

For March-May, I’ll be ready to put the e-book to some really good use. Right now, I’m simply running for enjoyment. There is no race in sight. I’m simply working on posture, breathing, endurance, and speed. 

In the meantime, I do need to work on getting head gear and under wear.

just do it...KSWISS style

Everyone who knows I run know that I supremely endorse the KSWISS Tubes Run 100 athletic shoes. I purchased three new pair after recycling over six pairs of Nike's. You'd think I'd pull out one of those new strides to hit the pavement in the Detroit Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 10k, but no...

I was thinking fashionable. I adorned my cold gear, courtesy of UnderArmour who is my go-to for cold weather running. My turtleneck was fuchsia so I could not imagine sporting anything other than my older tread-beaten bubble-gum pink accented Tubes. Thank God I had enough support to run the pavement in Downtown Detroit. The weather was beautiful. This was historical for me.

I did have a sudden case of buyers remorse. I did not get any sleep the night before. I was determined to not take a nap on Wednesday so that I could get a long eight hour sleep before awaking at 5 a.m. That did not happen. I slipped into a comfy nap and awoke around 8 p.m. I knew it was trouble ahead. I tried but could not fall asleep that night so I wound up working on my running playlist for the run and wished for the best.

It seemed to be extra dark Thursday morning. I soon discovered the reason why. There was a dense layer of fog that I feared would never end. I kept thinking that I should turn around, go home, this is crazy. I soldiered on. I was then shuttled into a line for Joe Louis Parking Garage. Oh no! I kept thinking, "I'll never make it on time."

The race was delayed. With over 22,000 racers laced and ready to go, it took me 20 minutes just to nudge my way over the starting line. My finish was about the time of my first 10k. This was my second and the temperature was very different.

The weather was wonderful for a parade. I'm happy to know that my donation will continue to support the annual event.