This week has been a little rough on both Aimee and I. She had 6 finals in 5 days, I had basketball games on back-to-back nights, and oh yeah - we were both sick! Great timing cold and flu season, but under the careful eye of Day and Nyquil we have managed to survive.
Being sick really makes running difficult. I have tried to keep 20-25 miles a week during December as I prep for another year of running, but this week I did not even run Monday-Wednesday, and after taking a sick day on Thursday, managed to get 5 miles in. Took Friday off too as my symptoms seemed to be sticking around and strongly considered not signing up for the Christmas mile on Saturday, but our friend Rod is the race director and I wanted to support his race so I just figured I would do my best. Well, 5:18 later, I finished 5th and took first in my age category. This is only the second one mile race I have done and I was not a good judge of speed starting out too slow and finishing with too much left. I really think I could have nabbed third place had I started better but fifth is awesome and look to improve next time.
As if running Saturday under the weather was not enough, I had agreed to run in a trail "fun-run" put on by Aimee's trail running instructor from Cox on Sunday. So Sunday morning Aimee and I headed out to the Little Sac River Trail for our first ever trail race. The course was roughly a 5k and there was a better turnout than I expected. The director stressed that is was a "fun-run" but there were a few other people there to "race", so I figured what the heck I'll give it a go. 23:37 later I had nailed down my first ever race win. Even though it was not an official race, and even though most people there could have cared less about their time, I will count it in my book.
2010 is almost over and I am looking forward to and planning out races for 2011. Looks like the Fargo Marathon in May might be my choice for a spring marathon along with a possible tour of Missouri races, but we'll see what Aimee and I come up with. I'll update as soon as we decide.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Running in the cold and Pickle Springs
Brrrrr...it's gotten cold outside! We are starting to see less and less runners out early in the morning since it has been around 20 degrees the past 2 days. We both made great purchases a few weeks ago at the Nike outlet store. We purchased running jackets to help block the wind and keep us warm. They are thin and not obtrusive. That is the reason for spending a little extra on cold gear because they make great materials that keep you warm without the bulk. Speaking of our purchases...
The tags on the (obvious) winter running apparel all said "Stay cool" (maybe this is why they were at the outlet). I thought, for sure these should be "stay warm" since they are long-sleeved and heavier. I thought I would ask the sales associate. Her reply was, "ummm, well, you know when it is really cold outside and you get warm from working out??? Well this will help keep you cool when you are getting too hot from working out when its cold." Really? hmmm...I nodded my head and smiled. No further questions. It should be obvious that when running in 20 degree weather that I would want gear to help me "stay cool". Hilarious. Good try.
Dustin made the comment this morning that he felt like he was wearing a snuggie and could just curl up on the ground and take a nap. I looked at the frost on the ground and decided that I would rather nap at home. I could still wear my new jacket....
Our thanksgiving trail run was awesome. On our 2nd 2mile loop it started getting colder and rainy. Then it rained heavily. We both ended up slipping and falling a few times with all the leaves on the ground, but it was a BLAST. I don't think my dad and brothers thought so since they were walking and wearing wool coats (kinda get drenched easily).
The highlight of the trail run at pickle springs was when we started running down into an area where there were two large rocks (almost canyon-like, but smaller). We hadn't seen Marlie in a while so Dustin called for him. As we were waiting for him to run down the path, he flew over the gap over our heads. It was at least a 6 ft gap. He was just jumping and hopping and playing around. I'm telling you, Marlie is part gazelle!!!
The tags on the (obvious) winter running apparel all said "Stay cool" (maybe this is why they were at the outlet). I thought, for sure these should be "stay warm" since they are long-sleeved and heavier. I thought I would ask the sales associate. Her reply was, "ummm, well, you know when it is really cold outside and you get warm from working out??? Well this will help keep you cool when you are getting too hot from working out when its cold." Really? hmmm...I nodded my head and smiled. No further questions. It should be obvious that when running in 20 degree weather that I would want gear to help me "stay cool". Hilarious. Good try.
Dustin made the comment this morning that he felt like he was wearing a snuggie and could just curl up on the ground and take a nap. I looked at the frost on the ground and decided that I would rather nap at home. I could still wear my new jacket....
Our thanksgiving trail run was awesome. On our 2nd 2mile loop it started getting colder and rainy. Then it rained heavily. We both ended up slipping and falling a few times with all the leaves on the ground, but it was a BLAST. I don't think my dad and brothers thought so since they were walking and wearing wool coats (kinda get drenched easily).
The highlight of the trail run at pickle springs was when we started running down into an area where there were two large rocks (almost canyon-like, but smaller). We hadn't seen Marlie in a while so Dustin called for him. As we were waiting for him to run down the path, he flew over the gap over our heads. It was at least a 6 ft gap. He was just jumping and hopping and playing around. I'm telling you, Marlie is part gazelle!!!
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