Cabin Fever!

We got a massive blizzard on Tuesday!

What does this mean? It means that my 2 mile recovery (and fun) run I did Monday is not sufficient! Although I will say that I learned a whole new meaning to "recovery" run. My legs were quite sore after my 8 miler on Saturday. So to get out and do a nice even 2 mile run felt SO good!!!! And then nothing til Thursday. I have been snowed in since Monday night after that run.

Yesterday (Thursday) I was able to walk about a half mile to my friend Carrie's house and hop on her treadmill. It felt good to stretch my legs out....For about 20 minutes, then I was hot and sweaty, and down right done! I started out wanting to make the most of my treadmill work out, so I wanted to do some Yasso's. I did the 5 minute warm up at a 10 minute pace. Did my first split 800m in 4:03. Recovered for 400m, got about 2 minutes in to my 2nd round of 800s and decided that I would just jog the rest of it out! I am not sure what my mental block is with the treadmill but I get in to about 15-20 and start shutting down..... I was really hot, which seems petty, but you must realize I haven't sweat with out it sticking to my face and turning to salt in months!

Anyways I finished out the 30 minutes at a comfortable pace, just to get my heart rate going. So I'm about 5 miles total for the week! -- puhh. Pitiful. But I have no choice! Even if I had some yak tracks, I wouldn't do it, the roads here are terrible!

So looks as if this week is a "throw away" week for me. We aren't thinking we'll have a long run for Saturday. IT's still too darn slick out there.

I miss running!

I have been doing yoga every day that we've been snowed in (which I need to update), but it's just not the same!!!!

Hope you're all staying safe and warm.

"Run Happy!"  - Brooks

Brrrrr! -- Get your run on anyway.

People always think you crazy for running. Period.             Running distance- "Oh that's insane!"       Running in 100 degree weather- " Your a nut!"               Running in 20 degree weather " Your cheese has slid off your cracker"                  Running in the dark " Oh that's dangerous!" --- SO if you are waiting to run only when it's sunny and 75, you may get mmm about a whole month out of the year total to do that here in Oklahoma!

Some say I'm crazy. I just say I am addicted to the adrenaline! I am not complaining about the 20 degree weather. I just plan around it. I know not to run north. Easy enough, find an east/west trail and bundle up.

Today I ran with an old running buddy who is getting back in to it. ( I call it bridal boot camp for her!) We braved the 19 degree weather together.  Felt foolishly satisfied after, and enjoyed a HOT Caramel Brulee from starbucks as a great reward. MMMMMM...

Things I've already found to be essential in polar bear weather are :

Gloves- I like the cheapies, so they are smaller and I can put them in my pocket when my hand (and they will!) get hot.
A fleece head/ear band to cover my ears.
A zip up fitted jacket with a hood and the hand covers.  after about 10 minutes I start warming up.. I can throw off my hood and put my gloves in my pocket, and un-zip my jacket to get some air in there.
Running tights. I usually layer another pair of wind pants over my tights. But it's not really necessary.
Thicker socks. My other socks are mesh like to keep my feet cool. And so are my shoes- So maybe some thicker socks will keep my feet from getting too chilly.

I am learning that I do not need 7 layers to stay warm! Just remember, and mark my words, make it to minute 8, and you will be warm by that time! I know it's super cold when getting started or even when getting dressed... but trust yourself when getting dressed. Cover everything, and make it easy to remove or take off if you get hot. You will over-dress a time or 2 and learn your lesson!

This is my first full winter to run .. I started in February of this year, so while it was cold, it was only about a month!  I will run as long as it's not icy on the trails...Then I will just start using the treadmill- I wont back down from the cold! I will acclimate just like I did for the summer ( which I found MUCH harder!)

I'm learning to take more pics on my runs. I love to look back at them. I encourage you to do the same.

Happy running!!