Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Winter is not so fun for running

I thought I was going to be the tough! one who ran outside all winter long, but it seems I'm the wimpy one who avoids going out there when it's wet and cold. I have these really cool running gloves that I've only worn twice, too. Bummer. Gotta break those babies in!

I've been walking some, once outdoors but mostly on the treadmill where it's warm and there are people to chat with. Today I schlepped along for an hour at a pretty good clip. I'm trying to figure out how to mix walking training into my running. I don't want to give up running to train for the Portland to Coast, but I definitely need to train for it. I need to come up with a plan, but for now I just keep going where the wind takes me. I have to really kind of get inside my own head when I walk ~ mind over matter type deal ~ as I find the walking a bit yawnish. I'm working at it, though.

So I'm signed up for several things, all of which are way over my head and I better get crackin' on the training. March 15 I'm running the Shamrock Run 8k in downtown Portland. Something about it just really appeals to me ~ looks like a party in the streets. The only problem with said party is the running 8k part. haha. I really need to be training for this because of that shin splint thing. I need a kick in the pants, though, as I keep thinking about training but not really doing it.

Monday, February 2, 2009

A quiz

What do you get when you combine steep hills, freezing temperatures, tippy parking spots and gorgeous views? The Zena Road Races!

I followed my friend Christi and her daughter out to the Spring Valley Community Center on Sunday morning in 32 degree temperatures. The skies were clear and blue, but baby it was coooold outside. Parking was along the road with not much shoulder before the gravel dropped off into ditches, so we pretty much parked at an uncomfortably steep angle. The good news is that my car did not roll over into the field below.

I went to this run with two goals: 1) to finish. and 2) to come home without shin splints. The finishing part I thought would be a breeze because I had elected to run the 3 mile race rather than the 6 or the 9. I knew it would be hilly, but I was pretty surprised by the reality of those hills. Not once did I wish I had done the 6 mile ~ 3 was just fine by me! Christi, Amanda and I stayed together through most of the race, although Amanda left us in the dust as she cheerfully zipped to the finish line without looking winded (little turkey).

I was pretty happy with my finish time. They clocked me at 33:11:3. 11:04/mile. Considering those hills, I'm perfectly happy with that. Out there mid-race and halfway up a hill I thought to myself, "You know, a 14 minute mile would be okay on this!" So obviously 11:04 was a happy surprise. :)

No shin splints ~ this is good, but the best part of the day for me was seeing my friend Annette and hanging out with her a little. It was a lot of fun ~ hope to do it again!