Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Snow intervals...kinda?

Well, I'm happy to say that this Stella may have finally gotten her groove back!  I've had 3 fantastic runs in a row.  Guess I finally beat whatever crud was lingering in my body and lungs.  Now, to look at my average pace of my recent runs, you'd surely think I was crazy.  11:00 minute miles, I mean...come on!  But running on snowy surfaces is a whole new ballgame for me.  Add a crazy dingo to the mix (who suddenly thinks he has to pee on any barren patch of white snow) and my pace is slower than slow.  BUT....I'm focusing on how great I feel!  I felt so great yesterday that whenever I came upon clear pavement....I sprinted!  Now those patches were few and far between and I don't think I've fully extended my legs while running for over a week, so my legs were like what the heck....but I did it.  I wonder if it's just me who has a mutated stride when running in snow?  Anyway, I'm sure glad to have some good runs under my belt (or double layers of winter running pants) because training for my 2 halfs starts next week.  Yippee!!  Reading all the recent marathon recaps has really given me the itch to start training again.

My Weight Watchers adventure is also on track.  I officially re-signed up last Saturday (although I had been following the plan since 1/1/10).  I lost almost 6 pounds before my first official weigh-in, so I'm not expecting a big loss this week....but this also feels GOOD.  To see the numbers finally going down and not up is nice!  Darn that marathon training.  Actually, I've decided the lack of weight training during my race training is what sends my metabolism in the crapper.  It's the only way that I can figure out that I would GAIN weight during my training cycles.  It's the only variable (unless I subconsciously get up and eat at night...which is entirely possible given my love of food).  My "vain" goal for 2010 is to be in bikini shape by this summer.  I know I shouldn't care how I look and that I should just focus on my "health", but it's kind of a challenge for me.  I haven't worn a bikini since I was (practically anorexic) 18 years old.  I just hope I can stick to my WW plan when my mileage starts getting up there.  More on that to come, I'm sure! 

10 comments:

Jen Feeny said...

I can only imagine how hard it is to run in snow. I'm guessing everyone runs a bit off with snow all around.

I'm glad you are feeling better!!!

Good luck with WW!!!

The CilleyGirl said...

Yay for getting your groove back! And 11:00 -- well, I can only hope to run that fast on bare, dry pavement. I can't imagine what I would do in the snow. Actually I can; I wouldn't be running at all!

saundra said...

I really hate not being able to weight train while marathon training. Glad you're found your groove again! I'm still searching for mine.

Marlene said...

Running in the snow is a WORKOUT! I find that it engages more muscles and my stride definitely changes. Sometimes you just can't worry about the pace. YAY for getting your groove back.

Congrats on the weight loss!

Carol said...

Running in snow is hard! I'm always afraid of slippery spots! It's all good though and will make us faster runners come spring! I've run uphill on trails in a foot of snow, I can walk as fast as I can chug that, but I can feel it working my legs different when I run verses walking it. Winter training is a challenge! I haven't run with a dog on a leash, that has to be an added bonus!

Lindsay said...

i am not talented at running in any sort of snow accumulation either. i tell myself i'm going slow to make sure i don't slip... it's a valid excuse right? :)

way to get back out there!

Emily said...

I am from Vermont but transplanted to DC this fall. When I went home for the holidays I had to run on the snow and it was awful! My pace drops by minutes, my legs get all wierdly sore, it's HARD! Way to go for getting out in it!

Maureen Lisa said...

No, I don't think it is bad to slow down at all. The father of a girl I baby sat wiped out in the snow and said he felt like he was in a car accident. He hurt his knee, elbow, shoulder and neck! Be safe!!

Jen said...

Love your blog! I've never been able to lose weight while training for a marathon either. Good luck with your 1/2 training. I'm excited to see how your 1/2's go. And I have Yak Trax's too and love them. It's a bit like walking on gravel without the snow, but so great on those icy and snowy roads!

sanjeet said...

I'm glad you are feeling better!!!
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