DINO Trail Run #1

We were told it was the coldest and snowiest DINO Trail Run in their history... I believe it, though the snow wasn't terrible and it wasn't that cold (just a mere 22 degrees with a nice breeze to keep it comfortable). I did find the race to feel longer than 15k, though I did not see anything that said it was long. My pace was the incredibly slow pace of 11:18/mile. That is the slowest I have ever run a race in all races I have ever run... an new PR!!!

While I said the snow was not bad, it did make for a tough run and to add to it there was mud that was the whole width of the trail and then some - and not just in one place, but many. And as the race progressed (it was a 5k loop that we ran 3 times) the conditions seemed to get worse - muddier because of all the people, but also because the sun came out and started to melt the snow.

After the first loop I was ready to call it quits, but I was running with my friend John and he kept me honest and moving. So we continued on. The cold never bothered me, in fact I got just a little warm towards the end, but never uncomfortable. I have never felt like I worked more for a race than I did after finishing this one - only my marathons made me feel worse.

I am taking tomorrow off, then it is back to the gym for some lunch time runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I'll need to review my training schedule to see what next weekend will bring - I am hoping for a step back week...

My wear test for the shoes New Balance sent me ended today. Seemed like a fine pair of shoes. I ran in them on the treadmill, outside even casually a few times (they instructed me to wear them in all aspects including casual if possible). I guess I'll see if they send any more goodies my way...

That is all for now. Hope everyone's weekend runs weren't too cold or snowy... spring is just around the corner...

Opting out

I am actually sitting in traffic as I type this. The weather turned to crap just in time for the trip home and the roads are icy and slushy. It has taken me an hour to get where I am now and I have had to turn around (and away from home) twice now. Hopfully third time is the charm.

I had it scheduled to run at lunch time, but because I was feeling tired from getting poor sleep, I chose to just relax.

I am a little stressed with all of the stuff piling up at work.

What a difference a week makes

Last week it was cold and snow was on the ground. Today it was sunny and in the 50's - simply gorgeous. I got in 8 miles today at a 9:00/mile pace - felt pretty good too - nice and relaxed. Not much more to report on that - just a beautiful day and a good run.

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

Lillian 227
Originally uploaded by daveontherun

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