You can fill in the blank here...I will will choose, 'less than desirable'. Don't get me wrong, I love a fresh dusting of powder as much as anyone, but what I also love are clear sidewalks/running paths within reasonable time post snowfall. Since Christmas, the sidewalks have been treacherous, to say the least...and 50+ miles in the yaktracks is starting to take a toll on my body and mind. The last week has been incredilby frustrating...every run..slip and slide...no good rhythmy and surely no good pace...well not what I had planned for each of my runs. The poor weather has reminded me of an important caveat to being a distance runner..FLEXIBILITY. My weekly workouts had to be re-arranged more than once. - My sunday long run, dropped a mile becasue I fell on ice 9 miles out and tweeked my shoulder. Also didn't lift that day for fear of aggrivating it worse. Tuesday's workout...moved to Wednesday because of heavy snow and no clear roads. I was able to tempo however, just a bit slower (again due to slick pavement). In keeping with a down day between workouts, I moved Thrusdays to Friday. This started off as one of the only good runs of the week, but quickly fell into the slick sucky-ness of a run like the past 7. My first 3 miles were 7:05 and felt GREAT!! Then came the snow and Ice and slowed pace..and trashed legs. By the time I got to start the workout...there was no cement in sight..for miles. I finsihed the 10 miles I had planned (reluctanly) and was glad I did, but again..irritated by just the miles and no workout. Today I was supposed to do my longest run yet..13...and of course, like clockwork- it snowed last night and 4 miles was it. The sidewalks are littered with ice chunks, making safe navigation darn near impossible- and the risk wasnt worth it. TOmorrow is supposed to be 50 degrees...so again- FLEXIBILITY. Its my last week of vacation before semester two starts- so I'm not to worried about all of the changes with my running schedule- because, I mean what else do I really have to do (not studying yet)!! The struggles and frustrations of training the last week were not how I saw the new year starting, but thats just it...its a new year. 2015 has 365 days for us to overcome, and challenge ourselves to reach new goals, try new things, explore, learn and adventure. I'm still working on my new years resolutions...(I know a day late and a dollar short--) but they'll be posted soon. I also plan to get on a posting schedule: workouts, new recipes & DPT tidbits to make other student's lives easier!! (if thats even possible) Stay tuned.... off and running... x0
0 Comments
Yesterday (Sunday) marked my second long run (supposed to be 12 around 7:10-7:20). Well mother nature had a different plan for me. I love the snow and was excited when Denver got dumped (14" ) on Christmas, HOWEVER....as beautiful as the snow makes the running scenery, the running paths are less than clear (9 ish of that long run were covered, and Im talking 6-10 inches of snow and ice chunks), making training the last week incredibly frustrating. Not only one, but 3 snow storms made for many days of slower than desired running, slick surfaces and the holiday treats lingered.....
Monday- an easy recovery run, was forced short due to white out snow conditions, unclear paths and REALLY sore/tired legs from Sunday's long run and lift. Tuesday was my first workout day, and of course... that snow from the previous day had not left us, and ice had accumulated on most of my running paths. I purchased some Yaktrax a few months ago and finally had the perfect occasion to try them out. Still, the workout suffered - I had a tempo planned, 3/8 miles at 6:45 pace. The last one I was able to get down to 6:05 to make up for the first two..on the only clear road in town!!! Got my lift in, but my legs were still sore from Sunday. (DOMS- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) ...the student DPT in me...... Wednesday- another recovery day..and my legs were starting to feel a little better from Sunday..finally..It was also Christmas Eve..and today I ran in SHORTS...it was 58...and still snow but the paths were finally clear. I also love to run in Christmas gear during the holidays, and today I wore an elf hat. My last loop, I ran past a family and the little girl yelled to me to hurry up and get going, the north pole is a long way away!! (BEST COMMENT EVER) yes...I am a Christmas Elf. Thursday- CHRISTMAS- This is one of my favorite days of the year, and also one of my favorite days to run on. It was also the first christmas I spent not in FLAT ROCK, and with my family. Mike had to work the holiday's and I couldn't leave him here....so we had our first christmas together in Colorado. It was low key, relaxing and quite perfect! No where to be, no time schedule...all what we wanted to do and when. Being christmas didn't mean a day off work (running), I had planned a fartlek run of 8 with 4 x 4 min pickups & one hard up hill (dreaded Kippling Hill- half mile long...150 ish feet in elevation gain) . Roads were clear...there was another storm ...BLIZZARD...coming in off the mountains the entire run and the snow started my last mile! WHITE CHRISTMAS FOR ALL, and the best run of the week. Finally felt great.....and was ready to finish celebrating christmas. Friday- easy day of 4..and my christmas present from my parents came today....GARMIN forerunner 620.....ahemm..can you say best gift for a runner! I was so excited I delayed my run until almost dark and took the garmin (and yaktrax) out on an easy 4. Saturday- easy run of 6 and still trying to figure out the space machine that was the watch on my wrist...it is INCREDIBLE.... The first week: 46 miles 17 to go..... And so it begins...the jouney to the Boston Marathon, April 20, 2015. A day that I am both excited and nervous for. Chrismas break began about a week ago, and I've spend a decent portion of it (while not baking christmas cookies) doing research on training plans, strategies, pacing, altitude training, nutrition etc... [The student never escapes me]. I've devised the best plan for me and my schedule (once school resumes in the new year] and today I launch it into action. No more excuses. No more "I'll do it tomorrow".
For the next 18 weeks..I am on a mission: to be the best student, runner & person I can be. Follow the journey: from training recaps, DPT Life, research, facts, recipies, and all the trials of miles this adventure will be. - long may you run |
Lauren H. PT, DPTRegis University Archives
January 2017
Categories |