I Can Run For Eight Minutes!!!!

This is an amazing discovery. I can do it, TWICE. In the snow.

I have no idea who is reading this -- you may or may not know that I live in Chicago. And we had a snowstorm today. I think there's probably like 5 inches or something out there; we're supposed to get 10 total. It's that fine, fluffy snow that is really hard to move in, so running was not an appealing idea (plus it's still in the teens, it's not that 32 degrees and snowing weather). But jumping from 5 minute runs to 8 minute runs meant there was no choice -- I really couldn't take a day off.

By the way, I did the math during one of the walking sections, and this was the first day that the running section was longer than walking. Tuesday, I ran a total of 15 minutes and walked a total of 16. Today, opposite -- ran 16, walked 15. Excellent!

Anyway. I wore two pairs of socks, leg warmers, my Yak Trax and my ninja mask (the mask until about halfway into run 1). The park was blanketed in snow so, yet again, I chose to run on the sidewalks. Some of which were not shoveled; walking and running on that was like running through sand. Thus, my legs are aching a bit again. My form suffers in the snow :( But it's not too bad. Also, both Tuesday and today, when I got home, I smelled weird things. It smelled like a hospital/disinfectant. I mentioned this to my sister (who has run marathons) and she said she used to smell weird things after running. This made me feel like a runner.

So, now... 20 minutes. 20 minutes! But I really thought maybe I couldn't do 8, and I did. And I only kind of felt like vomiting after. And I said "thank you" to the shovelers who stood to the side to let me pass, and this wonderful old man said something like, "make it a good one!" or some similar supportive thing in response, and I'll do 20 minutes just for him! Because I look like a total weirdo running in the snow but I love it, as do kind old men.

I'll report back on Saturday or Sunday!

Moving on to the Second Trimester!

Last night, I made a fantastic discovery at the gym, and it made all the difference during my run! I swtiched treadmills! There is one that is a bit off to the side from the others, and it gets a refreshing burst of cool air whenever someone opens the door, making it my new favorite indoor location.

So, last night I completed week three, and was astonished by how well I did. I was able to run the entire final three minute portion (in addition to all other running segments), and I never felt on the verge of death! I don't know if it was the cooler air or what, but I have not had the feeling of gasping for air at all during my past two workouts. I'm sure the fact that I still haven't had a cigarette is helping, but it feels like more than that, as though my body is actually getting used to exerting itself! Weird!!!

I am now even more terrified about starting week 4, however, after reading Amanda's post. I'm also not sure where I will be able to run, since there is a storm coming tomorrow, and the gym closes at 3. Perhaps I should buy a pair of Yay Trax for myself, since I don't have any. I do really enjoy running outside, but I have finally figured out the treadmill speeds I'm most comfortable with, so it's a good mix for me, doing two indoor runs and one outdoor run per week. Hopefully I'll get out early enough tomorrow, so that I can make the gym! It is New Year's Eve afterall!!

Lake Effects

Today I ran for the second time while visiting my Mom upstate NY for Christmas break. I had considered doing W3 D2 yesterday, but that just did not happen. I did manage to make myself go first thing today, it was actually MORNING, a first for me. My Mom hadn't gone on a walk for a while, so she said that she'd accompany me, so that was good motivation to get my butt out the door.

The weather this morning was rainy, but the second I got next to the lake, I was being pelted by ice. The ground was slushy and snowy, so I was wondering if I should use my Mom's Yak Trax to protect my brand new running shoes (I got them for Christmas, and they are excellent, btw). As I'm getting ready, my Mom asks, "Honey, would you like to use my YAY Trax?" I immediately burst out laughing, because my Mom is famous for her language mishaps, and this might be one of my faves! So, when I recovered from my hysterics, we set out for our gloomy weather workout.

We'd worked out a route that went along the lake, which I was sure would be lovely... man, I did not think that through. The lakeside portion of the run was FREEZING. Not only was it icing there, instead of raining, but it was SO WINDY and cold. I'd never faced such a head wind before! I have to say though, that like Amanda, I had to reduce my pace to run, and although I had the same thought that I could be walking faster, I was able to do it! The last three minute run, I think that I got through 2:30. I felt bad I'd gypped myself out of the last run, that I made it up at the beginning of the cool down. I'm going to see how I get through that second three minute run before I decide whether or not to repeat the week. I would not be ashamed to do so, but I did better than on Wednesday, so who knows? I am proud that I got myself to get two workouts in while on vacation, so perhaps the third workout this week will show even more improvement. We'll see I guess!

I hope that you all had a Merry Christmas!