Frosty

Current temperature is 21 degrees. When I went for my run it was near 27, not too much of a difference. However, that 27 felt like 10 with the bitter wind coming out of the West. I probably should have checked the wind direction before I stepped out the door.

I had a great run. The only bad thing about today's run was the wind. My first couple of miles were with the wind so that made the run slightly more enjoyable. Once I started running into the wind I sure wanted to get home quickly. I felt like I was running fast but it was probably fairly slow. I did get some glances from people driving by thinking I was crazy for running outside. I'm pretty surprised I didn't trip over anything since I could hardly keep my head up while I was running into the wind. Let's just say it wasn't the prettiest running form today...

When I got home from my run I had a pleasurable surprise that Chelsea was waiting for me so she could get her first run in of 2013. We only ran a half mile together, approximately about 6 minutes, but it is a good start! I'm not too sure why she picked a miserable weather condition day to go for her first run of the year but I'm sure glad she did!

It's currently a few hours after my run and I'm still a bit cold. I really could use a good shot of whiskey just to warm up. That probably won't happen tonight.

Merp

There are few things I hate more than the treadmill. Every time I step on the treadmill I get some cold chill that runs up my spin. I despise it. I always feel disgusting after I'm done with my run and it seems that I can never run as far or as long as I would have liked. Even a simple easy pace seems difficult on the treadmill. This is why some of us have appropriately named the treadmill the dreadmill.

I would have liked to run outside today but after letting my dogs outside I decided it was way too cold (16 degrees) to even think about going out for a run. I then decided it was a good idea to eat pizza and get fat. It's probably a good thing that I gathered enough courage to step onto the dreadmill. At this point, I would like to give a big shout out to my boy John E. for showing me the website/app www.songza.com. If you haven't heard of it go check it out - it'll be worth your time. I typically don't listen to music while running, or working out for that matter. However, when I run on the dreadmill it's nice to listen to anything rather than the humming motor of the dreadmill.

I now know why a lot of runners like to drink too much. It is because of the treadmill. I couldn't help but think how awful I felt after I finished my run. It honestly felt like I ran 10 miles even though it was only 3. And 3 miles is as far as I want to run on the treadmill.

TGIF?

This has not been quite the week of training that I expected. In fact, it is the complete opposite of what I really wanted to do. Let's chalk this week's mileage, or lack thereof, up to bad weather (so far)... However, it was nice to get out for a quick little run before this evenings activities.

For the first day this week the weather was cooperative! Tonight's run was great, mid-30s and a slight breeze out of the West. Of course I didn't check the wind direction before running so I started the run going into the wind (I'd rather start going that way than finishing into the wind!). I told myself before going out that tonight was going to be a short "easy" run since tomorrow I am planning on running quite a bit further than usual with a few people. Around the mile marker I took a glance at my watch and I realized that I was running much faster than planned. This is a good thing, especially because it didn't seem difficult. Whoever said that you loose a lot of muscle memory after taking a day off is completely wrong! I was thoroughly impressed with the time.

A little bit more about what happened on the run. You know those jack asses that think they're cool when they yell at you? Some douche bags thought it would be funny to yell at me on the run. Lucky for them they're fat and will most likely die of diabetes at the age of 25. Good for them, those fat fucks. If you couldn't tell I really despise people that think they're cool and I hate fat people. Not a good combo for those guys.

Really, tonight's run was pretty uneventful. It was beautiful conditions and it's nice that it is staying a bit lighter out longer. Hopefully the temperature starts going up soon! Now it's time to stay warm with some good alcohol! Beers up!

Sunday Funday

Nothing really beats a beautiful Sunday run, especially after a boring 4 hour work day. Typically, Sunday's mean long runs - I chose to run a bit short today (I kind of bitched out). But that's fine, I took it slow too and I felt pretty good. My legs are still a bit sore and tired from yesterday's snow shoe run but it's nice to feel good after runs.

I never say that I prefer running on the sidewalks over the roads but today is a different day. The sidewalks were much nicer to run on than the roads today. The one problem with running on the sidewalks today was that the snow is slightly melting therefore, some of the snow on the tree branches is falling off. Needless to say, there was several times on today's run that I got slapped in the face by Mother Nature and it was a bit awkward. There was also a few time where I almost got snow thrown at me by people shoveling their driveways. Thankfully, the few people shoveling saw me and stopped as a I passed.

It's always nice to see people outside when the sun is shinning. I would like it better if it was about 30 degrees warmer! In fact, today was one of the first days that I felt like I dressed comfortably on the run. Lately I have been wearing too many layers and getting too hot (and smelly according to some). The worst part about running on sunny days is when you get inside and your eyes haven't adjusted. I'm pretty sure I might have knocked something off the kitchen counter! I am also quite impressed that I am able to see the computer screen right now.

Found Nemo

A little break from the norm is a good thing. After a pretty rough run earlier in the week I decided to jump on the opportunity to run with my friend, Ben. We went snow shoe running for the second time this winter at a local country club. Luckily there was no one there to yell at us!

Snow shoeing is quite different that actual running - if you've never tried it, I highly recommend it! It's more of a trot and you pick your legs up a little more than usual. The one downside to show shoe running is you get soaked and cold. It makes it easier with a friend.

There was a few times on the run I thought I was going to bite it. There were random spots that were deeper than other spots. I'm sure if I did fall it would have been funny.

I really like Nemo better as a clown fish and not a wintry storm.

Bobble head

It's time for some good news bad news.

Good news: I'm alive.

Bad news: The run sucked.

Good news: Survived a potential dog attack.

Bad news: The old lady walking the dog fell flat on her face. Actually, it was kind of funny.

Good news: I found out I had some serious "Spidy skills."

Bad news: I also found out that there was some ice out there.

Good news: I was out there.

Bad news: I cut the run short.

With that being said, I really felt like I wasn't moving out there. Sure I had a decent pace but I was sure glad to finish when I did. Maybe my legs are just a bit tired? Oh well. Beer time.

Super Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is probably one of my favorite days of the year. Not because my team ever makes it to the Super Bowl but because of the amount of beer, chicken wings, and pizza we consume. Nothing beats that. To make myself feel good about what I'm about to put into my stomach I had go for a run. It's been several years since I ran at Mendon Ponds Park with Selke but it was well worth going back.

Mendon was my favorite high school xc course. It's fairly hilly and I always believed that I had an advantage on the hills. Thankfully, Selke decided against the hills today. We ran on a we trails and there were a few icy parts. Luckily, neither of us fell.

After we get back to the parking lot there was this lady driving around the parking lot. It was strange. She was driving super slow and using her turn signal ever time she turned. Either she was nuts or being very cautious. I figured that was a good opportunity to get out of there and Selke needed to add a few more miles on.

I will most likely have to run tomorrow to make up for the damage I'm about to do to my liver, intestines, and arteries. 

Groundhog Day!

So the groundhog didn't see his shadow today! Spring is coming soon. Hopefully. Today was no spring with it being a whopping 28 degrees outside. Pretty cold but I'm a warrior. With such an epic day of running I figured I couldn't be a lazy ass all day. If you didn't catch any action today, shame on you. A quick recap of the action today. Meyo Mile at ND. USA XC Nationals. And Lagat went all beast mode today in the 3k. My run was nothing epic like today's races.

I was supposed to run this morning before work. Obviously that didn't happen. I had one too many last night so I figured I would get a few miles in after work. I cut the run short tonight due to the cold temps and a variety of other reasons. They're pretty epic reasons.

I only ran a quick 3 miles. I didn't feel tired after which is great news! Solid run. However, my lungs felt like they were the turf of the USA XC Nationals because it was so cold. Needless to say, I'd rather have some Jameson that gives a nice burn. On top of the burning lungs my shin felt like Barry Bonds added to his home run record. I know I know, pretty lame excuses for only running 3 miles. The shin feels fine now. I did feel like I was running differently than usual. I probably could have worn ice skates today and I made a big rookie mistake: I wore the wrong socks. Nothing is worse than your socks falling down while you're running. Weak.

Good thing there is only 6 more weeks of winter! I need a beer.