Slogging Through the Snow

It was more weird weather this week, with snow and sleet during the week, it was a refreshing change for sunny, warm (relatively) weather. I think it may have gotten into the low 40's on Saturday, but I did not get a chance to run, instead I put it off until Sunday, when the weather was "supposed" to be better. Well, it was cooler and overcast. Not really that big of a deal, but I had thoughts of running in shorts and a long sleeve shirt. Instead it was the full gear - right down to my snow spikes. The paths were still very snow covered and actually very difficult to run on with all the foot ruts - so I did not bother with a trail run today. Instead it was a straight out-and-back.

As I mentioned, it was difficult running because of the snow, but it was great to be outside as always. I was thinking during my run today that this was the most I have ever run outside during winter ever since I have been running, and I actually love it - prefer it to running indoors any day. In fact I am always hoping for snow when I run because I find it so relaxing.

Not an amazing run though, but it was the farthest I have run in many months. 9 miles. Almost double digits. With half marathon training starting tomorrow, I feel pretty good about where I am at. Still will be an uphill climb, but should be okay. That is all for now. A very busy week again for me (traveling out of town two days this week). So I'll be trying to squeeze in my runs during the week and get ready for my first long run this weekend.

No More Paparazzi

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Originally uploaded by daveontherun

Lillian grew tired of all the photos, so she put on her sunglasses to be less conspicuous...

I'm So-o-o-o Cute!

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Originally uploaded by daveontherun

Here's Lillian looking cute in her sweater. She's showing great range in emotions... could an Academy Award be in her future?

Big Surprise

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Originally uploaded by daveontherun

Steph was playing with Lillian today and got some great photos... here's Lilli acting surprised.

Another Mid-week Update

It has been a better week than last week so far. Last week had me doing a lot of traveling and in a lot of meetings, so I only squeezed in two runs. This week I have run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I had planned to run today at lunch time, but I wasn't feeling it. I was feeling tired and I thought it best to take a rest day, so that is what I am doing. I have moved my run to tomorrow. I had a great run yesterday - my speed is slowly coming back to me. I paced my 3.5 mile run at 8:13/mile... not too shabby.

My upcoming trail run is just a mere 16 days away. Could be interesting... if the trails are snow covered like they were last weekend, it will be a workout for sure. I am still not sure if I will do just a 5k or go for the 15k... I am leaning towards the 15k though - especially since the first trail run is a (relatively) easy course.

The good news is that for a 12 week half marathon training program, I do not have to start official training until Monday the 25th... so I am getting a good base to start from. I still haven't made up my mind 100% about the Half Marathon, but it is on my race calendar for now.

Enjoying the weather

I was actually able to get out for a run today. It was beautifully sunny, temps right around 42 degrees and a slight breeze. I began my run just like last weeks - starting with paved surface and then changing shoes and switching to the trails. I did find myself overdressed about 2 miles into my run, luckily it was only my hat and gloves that needed to be removed. I kept a good pace for the first part (8:50/mile) but found myself very slow on the trails (closer to 9:50/mile). I think the fact that they were snow covered still and there were a lot of hidden wash-outs from the previous weeks rains made for my slower pace... but I was sure feeling drained by then end, so maybe it was my overdoing it during the week. Overall mileage for the run: 7.5. I am not even sure where I am supposed to be for training for the half marathon in May. I don't think I am as close as I should be, so I may need to re-evaluate.

That is all for now. Happy running...

How cute is she?

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Originally uploaded by daveontherun

Could Lilli BE any more cute?!

Happy Valentine's Day

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Originally uploaded by daveontherun

A Belated Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

Three Weeks and Counting...

Only three weeks until my first planned Trail Run Race of the year. I have lots of training to do between now and then, but I am doing better than I would have expected. I am undecided if I'll attempt the 15k or just go for the 5k in my first run.

This week I got two lunchtime runs in, which was all I was able to squeeze in. I spent all day Wednesday up in Michigan and then all day today in Batesville, Indiana, so that left me Tuesday and Thursday. One of my runs should have been an easy run, but for both I decided to run as hard and fast as I could since I really only have 30 minutes on a treadmill. I am looking forward to a run this weekend. I am hoping for 7 - 8 miles, half on roads and the other half on trails - just like last weekend.

My weartesting is going well. I am not sure I am putting on as many miles as I had hoped (or as many as they would like), but I guess we'll see.

Oh... I forgot to give my review on the two movies I had mentioned I was getting from the library (Saint Ralph and Prefontaine). Both very good movies - I highly recommend them both.

Cold as a Witch's...

Uh yeah... It was a cold one out there today. I missed a run in great weather yesterday because I had an eye doctor appointment and my doctor dialates my pupils... And for whatever reason, every time I have an appointment it is perfectly sunny. Sunglasses weren't helpful enough, so by the time my pupils were back to normal it was time to for our night out. Lilli spent a few hours with Papa and Nana while Steph and I had a nice dinner and got some shopping done. Getting back to today's run - I was able to get 6 miles in. Three on paved surface, then I switched shoes and hit the trails. The cold didn't bother me except as I finished up and was running right into the wind. I felt pretty good when I was done - a little tired, but otherwise refreshed.

A New Title

I am no longer just a husband, father, architect or runner. Add "Wear Tester" to the list.

A while back I signed up to be a wear tester for New Balance. I thought it would be cool to try out new shoes and apparel - especially for items that might be more specific to my size and my running style. Out of the blue I received a pair of shoes this evening with some different inserts in them to try out for 4 weeks. I have to give the shoes back when I am done, but it will still be cool to try out some new shoes and see how they work.

Unfortunately they are not trail running shoes, but I'll still get some good use out of them in the 4 weeks...

"Back" by popular demand?

My back is feeling ever-so-much better today. I plan on giving it another day or two and then give running a try, or maybe an elliptical trainer instead. Probably smart to ease back into everything.

The need to get back to running is at an all-time high. I feel sluggish. I feel uninspired. I have a couple of running movies on hold at the library that I am going to pick up to give me some inspiration. One is Prefontaine and the other is Saint Ralph. I am also hoping to get out to see Spirit of the Marathon on February 21st since I missed it on January 24th... but in the mean time, I have got to run...

Confessions from the Sidelines

Unfortunately my back is still a problem. It is better than it was but it is still sore and therefore keeping me from running - actually any exercise. This puts me in an endless cycle of depression - for lack of a better term. Training for a half marathon in May is slowly going out the window... no chance of PR'ing for it at this point. I'd like to not embarass myself though.

Had a good weekend otherwise. I spent time with Lilli last night while Stpeh went out for a "girls night out" - dinner and shopping. Lilli and I stayed home and watch some movies and relaxed.

That is all for now. SuperBowl tonight... go Giants!