Running Chick

I think Mother Nature is getting a good laugh at us poor Yoopers right about now.  She gave us a gorgeous 70-degree day on Friday and then turned around and dumped over 10” of snow (some areas got around 15-20" - check out Josh's place) on us in the span of 2 days.

My yard, which was snow free on Sunday, looked like this on Tuesday morning.

I did get a giggle out of these little tracks on my parking lot.

Here’s hoping that this little weather blip is our last of the season.

I was able to run on Monday (2.5 miles @ 10:19), although with the mix of snow & rain, I got pretty drenched.  I ended up cutting my run short because it was getting pretty nasty and I didn’t fell like getting run over due to poor visibility.

I also ran six lovely pain-free miles today (@ 10:32).  I didn’t intend to run the entire six, but my shins were feeling fine, I was feeling fine, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the roads were bare.  Usually at this point in my training, I’m so beat up and tired that I find myself questioning my sanity every time I lace up my shoes.  Today I was reminded why I run in the first place.  It was perfect.

Now, I just hope my body doesn’t pull a Mother Nature and unleash some sort of injury avalanche on me.  Speaking of not funny…

After an eight-day running hiatus, I decided to take my legs for a spin on Saturday morning. I ran five miles into a really, really strong, and at times very cold, wind the entire way which made for some loud cursing and some increased huffing and puffing but otherwise, it doesn't seem like I lost any endurance during my layoff.

I kept to a conservative pace and kept off the pavement, although running in the dirt on the side of the road is major ankle-rolling territory so I felt like I spent more time looking down at my feet than where I was going. I wish I had been looking down at my feet when I ran by the smashed deer on the side of the road.  Disgusting.  Aside from a few twinges here and there and a complete lack of stretching afterwards (dumb), it went pretty well.

This week's totals: 5 miles running (including a full mile climb at mile 3) @ 10:47, 41 miles cycling @ 13 mph.

Next week I'm supposed to do 25 miles with a long run of 12. Let me just say HAHAHA! Ha. There is no way I'm doing that and staying healthy. I guess I'll just play it by ear. I'd really like to get another double-digit long run in before the HM which is in 20 days, but we'll see. Ugh, 20 days. I've been training for this race since January, am in better shape than I've ever been in my life (I can knock off 10 minute miles easily and do 25 "boy" pushups in a row) and I'm still not feeling confident.

I whined about this to Josh and he said that if I'm ever at the point of starting a half marathon and not being anxious then I should be entering the full marathon. That boy is so funny.

A report from the food department.  After a failed attempt at making chicken pot pie a few weeks ago, I decided to take another stab at it. This time: pure perfection.

And, wouldn’t you know it, after a gorgeous 70-degree day on Friday, we got snow today. The forecast says 1-2" tonight with an additional 3-5" on Monday. Good thing I haven't put my shovel away yet because I just might need it.

Happy Easter and all that.

I’ve been getting some good rides in the past few days while I’m nursing my shin splints.  I rode to Josh’s place via M-203 on Saturday afternoon.

I swung through McLain Park on my way. It's opening at the end of the month.

Despite the sun being out, it was cold and windy. My toes were frozen by the time I got to Josh's. We had James over for Easter dinner at my house. I made spare ribs, garlic & parmesan mashed potatoes and broccoli. Yummy.

 

After dinner, we learned that James has a talent for Wii Bowling. Josh came awfully close to beating him, but he crushed me every time.

No matter, watching James try to hula hoop made up for everything. He twirled everything but his hips and looked like he was having a seizure. Holy funny.

So, my schedule this week:

Saturday – 25 miles, 11 mph average

Monday – 20 miles, 13 mph average

Tuesday – no riding, turbo yoga (oh my aching arms - damn those dolphin pushups!)

Wednesday – 21 miles, 12.5 mph average

Thursday – planning for 10-ish miles plus turbo yoga

Friday – supposed to be really nice, maybe I’ll go for a little ride, but maybe not

Saturday – planning for 30-ish miles, but we’ll see

Sunday – turbo yoga

I’ll start running again on Monday and see if my shins appreciate their 10 days of rest.  They’d better, the bastards.