This weekend, we got another record snowstorm. I missed my first run of my training (a 20-miler on Saturday) and there are 3-4 foot piles of snow on the sidewalks. Right now, there is another blizzard waging itself on the Washington area. This one will hopefully only add another 6-10 inches.
I've used running as my reason not to join a gym since my free access to the CRC ended 18 months ago. It's been fine, and I've weathered freezing temperatures, rain, snow, wind, heat and anything else Mother Nature has thrown at me. At this point, however, running safely outside is no longer an option. Needless to say, I went and joined a gym last night. There is a county rec center really close to my office, so I went there last night. It was actually really nice (although small) and I bought a 25-use pass.
I enjoyed the Rec Center. It wasn't too crowded and had really nice treadmills (ones with TVs). Seeing as I will be doing most of my runs at least for the next few weeks indoors, that's a big bonus. I am definitely of the "dreadmill" mindset, though. The only bonus is that I usually hate it so much I run faster to get my miles done quicker. I'm hoping that I can find some places to run outside for the long runs, and figure that I'll probably be able to run in the streets Saturday morning with less traffic.
I'll also have the benefit of other weight equipment as well. Plus balances ball, bosu balls, medicine balls and the like. I can also do some cardio crosstraining including aqua jogging (my fav).
I'm stuck inside today, although I'm sure I'll be shoveling snow and plan on doing some pilates later.
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Plowing through
There have been three snowstorms this winter in Nova, and if you check, they have all come on Saturdays. While I know this pains kids and teachers, it also dismays me as my Saturday long runs are then also more difficult.
At the beginning of December, a strong storm hit, dumping big, wet flakes in my neighborhood. I pursued, but only made it 10 of my 12 miles.
After the monster storm in mid-December, my 14 mile run the next day was done by running down my street and back 28 times.
When I got up this morning, the skies were overcast, although not in a foreboding way. Having checked the forecast last night, I figured I was fine for my run. Wrong.
About five miles in, it began to flurry. It was pretty, especially as I ran along the Potomac on the Cap Crescent Trail, and I enjoyed the serenity. As I neared my turn-around point in Bethesda, the snow began to pick up. By then time I was a few miles into my return trip, it was snowing hard. I pulled my hat down in front of my eyes and trudged on. As a ran past other runners, I remembered why I enjoy racing so much. There is a palpable camaraderie among runners, which was evident by the friendly looks of encouragement I received from every runner I passed on the trail. By the time I reached the C&O canal, I was pretty much alone. The snow crunched under me, and I was able to forget for a few moments how utterly miserable I was. Wet head to tow, cold and with my water bottles iced closed and icicles forming on my eye lashes. I ran a negative split on the way back and was ecstatic when I caught site of my Civic waiting for me in the parking lot.
When I got back in my car, I took off my wet clothes and had dry sweatpants and a fleece waiting for me. Unfortunately, the roads were not very clear and it took me almost 45 minutes to get home. I took a hot shower, then got started on my post-run feast:
-Piece of honey seed break toast
-TJ's chicken chili w/ guac and cheese
-Cauliflower w/ rance
-Pita chips
-Goldfish
-Peanut Butter M&M Blondie
Annnnd I'm probably going to get more to eat soon.
At the beginning of December, a strong storm hit, dumping big, wet flakes in my neighborhood. I pursued, but only made it 10 of my 12 miles.
After the monster storm in mid-December, my 14 mile run the next day was done by running down my street and back 28 times.
When I got up this morning, the skies were overcast, although not in a foreboding way. Having checked the forecast last night, I figured I was fine for my run. Wrong.
About five miles in, it began to flurry. It was pretty, especially as I ran along the Potomac on the Cap Crescent Trail, and I enjoyed the serenity. As I neared my turn-around point in Bethesda, the snow began to pick up. By then time I was a few miles into my return trip, it was snowing hard. I pulled my hat down in front of my eyes and trudged on. As a ran past other runners, I remembered why I enjoy racing so much. There is a palpable camaraderie among runners, which was evident by the friendly looks of encouragement I received from every runner I passed on the trail. By the time I reached the C&O canal, I was pretty much alone. The snow crunched under me, and I was able to forget for a few moments how utterly miserable I was. Wet head to tow, cold and with my water bottles iced closed and icicles forming on my eye lashes. I ran a negative split on the way back and was ecstatic when I caught site of my Civic waiting for me in the parking lot.
When I got back in my car, I took off my wet clothes and had dry sweatpants and a fleece waiting for me. Unfortunately, the roads were not very clear and it took me almost 45 minutes to get home. I took a hot shower, then got started on my post-run feast:
-Piece of honey seed break toast
-TJ's chicken chili w/ guac and cheese
-Cauliflower w/ rance
-Pita chips
-Goldfish
-Peanut Butter M&M Blondie
Annnnd I'm probably going to get more to eat soon.
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