Wussing Out

I must start this blog entry with a confession: I didn’t run outside this weekend. The wind and cold were too biting in Philadelphia to will me to complete my four miles outside. (The Garmin is still in his box, unused.)

On the upside, I drove into work to use the gym and it was wonderfully deserted! I kept an 11:30/mile pace for all 4 miles. I know that isn’t sounding very quick, but it’s my comfortable pace. I’d have no problem running the entire half marathon at that pace either. Speaking of, I’ve got to stop putting off my registration before the price gets any higher. I think I’m going to run the race in my hometown of Pittsburgh. The downside of this is that I will have to sit in a car for 5 hours after completing the race. However, I don’t have too many qualms about taking a sick day that Monday if my legs are stiff/ready to fall off.

I may finally break out of my indoor running rut tomorrow evening. It’s going to be a balmy 37 degrees! However, we might get more snow after that. Ah, how I love living in the Northeast.

Oh, the Choices of a Runner!

Tonight I had originally planned to do a 3-mile group run. However, this morning we had a wintry mix that almost landed me on my butt the minute I stepped outside my door. It’s mostly changed over to rain, but temperature is hovering a little over freezing, which is making me more and more inclined to hit the treadmill.

But I also have realized that I haven’t run outside since sometime in December and the Garmin I got for Christmas hasn’t left his box—except to charge. 

Eek! The decisions! Run indoors where it’s hot and dry and I have to compete for a treadmill or possibly freeze outside but have company running.

Running Wardrobe Malfunction

Nothing is more irritating than too-big running tights on a run. I think I must have stretched them out in the washer or something because the Nike pair I wore on Thursday were falling down the entire time I was braving the cold and all I did was hike them up with every step. I think I need to invest in the drawstring kind. I didn’t give anyone a show, but had I not hiked up those tights, I definitely would have been showing waaayyyy too much skin!

Aside from the running tights, this run was tough! The wind was whipping and it was about 20 degrees. I just never seemed to get my breath. I ended up only staying out for a mile and going home.

Today is a treadmill run after work. I haven’t done more than 3.5 miles in all of December, so I need to bang out 4 today at more of a comfortable pace for me (11:30). I’ve been really focused on speeding up my 5k time before I start half-marathon training in January.

Speaking of the half, if anyone can point me to any training programs you liked, please do!