The First Run of 2012!

3.1 miles

24:49

(8:16 pace)

My expectations of this first run of 2012 were pleasantly blown out of the water!  When I got up this morning, I expected my lungs to not cooperate well, my legs to fatigue quickly, and my body to only last about 2 miles.  All-in-all, I expected it to be a rough start both today and the first week or two in total.  I was pleasantly surprised! 

It sure was cold out - only 27 degrees F - but my lungs did just fine (I'm sure those double digit runs in single digit temps in a month or so will challenge me well enough).  My legs felt great the entire time.  I did keep the pace slow intentionally though.  And other than the desire to have summer back, my body did quite well even with having chosen the 3 mile over the 2 mile run course.  "Yay!" for not having to start from a complete "Square One." 

Oh, did I mention that I saw snow today?!  But in accordance to the fact that CT does not get what I would ever call "normal winters," it didn't even cross my mind that it was snow at first.  My first thought, honestly, was ash.  It was extremely light.  I started wondering where the ash was coming from - where are they burning that much wood that close by?!  I was almost home when I realized that it was actually snow.  Shows you how much of a "winter" CT gets.

Today was also the start to finally getting used to running in my minimalist shoes, the Pearl iZumi Streak IIs.  Short runs I feel confident with; I was doing my short runs prior to the Hartford Marathon in those shoes.  However, I am a bit weary about how the longer runs will do.  Will I have to slow down my mileage increases in order to let my feet and legs adjust to the shoes?!

And to all students at Central, "When will you be back to school?!"  My runs will be much less entertaining in your absence prior to the new semester.  If any of you want to come back early, I fully support that decision.  Just sayin'. 

Tomorrow I think I will hop on the bike!

(On the trainer though.)

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Questions

1.  Do you take an off-season?  If so, how does your body react to the start of the new season?

2.  What is the coldest recorded temperature that you've run outside in?
I believe it was a 6 or 7 mile run I did last winter at zero degrees F.  If it gets down that cold consistently this year, I might have to get a warmer pair of running gloves.

3.  What keeps you entertained during your workouts?  Music, people-watching, looking at houses, animals...?
I don't workout to music anymore and I love people-watching.  On my long runs & bikes, I can zone out and take in the houses and scenery better than on shorter, speedier workouts.  Swimming, however, is complete day dreaming.


Swim fast.  Bike smart.  Run hard.