Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Tip Of The Iceberg

I'm not sure how committed to this idea I am, but in late November I told Michael that I was going to try to complete every run outside this winter.  I set this goal for two reasons ... one, I wanted to test my "toughness".  Yes, at 46 years of age I still challenge myself with little tests of mental and physical "toughness" to stay sharp and motivated.  And two, I wanted to avoid the treadmill. Not just because I don't enjoy it ... I mean besides EMZ, who. freaking. does!  But mainly because I think treadmills don't simulate running workouts nearly as much as we think they do.  For a road runner/racer, in my opinion there's nothing better than the actual road.

But the problem with setting such a lofty and frigid goal, is that I committed to it in November when the temperature was in the 50's.  It's not really tough to make winter-time promises in late Fall.  And this morning I really questioned what in the world I had done with such a crazy target.  It was 5F degrees, with a 10mph breeze, for a "RealFeel" of -10F in Iowa City.  And tomorrow is supposed to be a little windier, with a lower "RealFeel".  Hmmm.

The good news is I got through my 10.5 mile run this morning in spite of the polar conditions.  However, I know it's most likely just the beginning of a long, cold Midwestern Winter.  So we'll see how long I actually stick to my goal.  It's not the end of the world if I have to go inside, but I'd rather not!  Hope your training is going well!
#BeGreatToday

7 comments:

  1. One run down. Only how many more dozen until the weather is warmer? I guess it's best not to think too far ahead.

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  2. I run outside on weekends all winter. But after work when it is dark I hit the gym. The dark and the cold are too much for me. Good luck.

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  3. You get more and more used to the 'feels like' temps in the negatives. The wind is usually what cuts my runs short. Keep on braving it and add a layer!

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  4. Good luck. I am gymless right now, in order to save a few bucks, so if I can't run outside, I don't run. Luckily I live near a bike trail that they plow pretty regularly. I was out running in 19F weather yesterday with 15 - 20 mph head winds. I survived. My limit is about 10F though -- all depends upon what the wind is doing though.

    I hate treadmills too.

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  5. EMZ is my favorite. She ran 30 miles yesterday, 13 "recovery" miles today and earlier this week she ran a 26 miler, I think. I assume you're aware of her posts on Instagram under her name @runemz. Are you on IG? There's a huge, growing running community. All very supportive. She alone has 10K+ followers.

    I prefer outdoor running but I have to say that the Treadmill can be a very useful tool for every runner. Professional runners use it. The softer surface is good for the legs/knees/feet, especially for recovery runs or easy paced runs (every regiment should include these weekly). And having monitored my HR for a long time, the Mill gets the HR way up just like the outdoors if you kick up the incline. The mental challenge also counts for something, I feel. I live in a very cold wintery climate - I refuse to run in sub 20 temps with 20+mph winds and iced over roads. Just not safe. This is where the Mill becomes a weapon for me as I aim for higher mileage weeks. Just my 2 cents! Don't put pressure on yourself if it's too damn cold out, just hop on the Mill.

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