got it done.

Today was warmer than it has been for at least 2 weeks (30 degrees with minimal wind), so I took advantage of it and got my run in, just in time to watch guys compete with feats of athleticism while the rest of us glutton out. The snow was falling and there was accumulation, though fortunately the snow remained compact enough to run without losing traction. I sort of feel good for having done it. At the same time, I feel like I wouldn't really care if I hadn't (bad sign alert).

Next week I plan to keep my weekly mileage at 20 and increase my long run the following week, aiming for 24-25 miles total. I'm doing alright so far but I'm struggling with motivation. Most of it has to do with this crappy weather. Did you know that last year in February, when the Colts were at the Super Bowl, that there was no fresh snowfall? Yeah, I remember, because I've decided that if I never see snow to this extent again I'll be okay with that. Pretty much I'm just coasting along hoping it'll feel better eventually. I also wish my new running shoes would just hurry up and arrive. My current pair, New Balance 100s, which are trail racing flats, just aren't cutting it in this snow. I need something sturdier in the slush.

Also why this is officially the worst winter ever, I slipped and fell for the first time ever when I ran last Friday. I wasn't even running when it happened. I had slowed to a walk to turn around when I lost traction on the ice and slipped on the side of my hip. There's no bruise and it mildly hurts when pressure is applied. Winter, 1. Christina, 0.

I've decided that I'd like to be maintaining a base of 25 miles per week by the end of April, making sure to vary the mileage of my runs so I'm not going on too many longer runs for my total mileage. When the weather improves and the road remains visible longer than a day, the plan is to incorporate speed work.

What's been the worst part of winter for you?

Weekly Mileage

Total: 16

I only ran thrice, 6, 4, and 6. I meant to add another 4 miler in but I wussed out on running in the dark. It's actually not so bad. The good part is that it was probably better to keep the mileage low, so next week I'll do repeat but with the missing 4 miler.

The reason why I could still tell that I'm out of shape, even though the pace wasn't too difficult at all, is that a 6 miler, post run, feels the same as a 10 miler used to. I want to drink nothing but milk, my stomach gets a bit queasy, and I feel tired. Eventually I'll readjust again. (For some reason, I'm reading 'readjust' as 'read and just'.)

One bad habit I fall into during cold-weather running is to start out too fast the first mile. I do this to warm up, and it ends up ruining the run. I need to start warming up indoors first, or going on a short warm up.

Since I run in New Balance 100s, which is a trail racing flat, I'm looking forward to seeing if they work better in the snow than regular running shoes.

Things I want:

A running jacket. I have a fleece zip up jacket that really helps block the wind, but it's shrunk a bit and makes every shirt I wear underneath ride up and bunch. Bothersome. I'd like this.

Running gloves. I bought some from Target, fleece-lined, but it remains to be seen how warm they really are.

Moeben Running Sleeves Review

And I now switch gears to somewhat of a running-related post, where I talk about running gear and nothing about my own running! I received two pairs of Moeben Running Sleeves a few days ago and took them for a run to test them out. Moeben sleeves were created by Shannon Farar-Griefer, an ultra marathoner, philanthropist, wife, and mother to protect your arms from just about everything the weather will throw at you without needing a jacket. The cool part is that some of the sleeves come with UV protection, which is the variety I chose to test out. You'll also find a line of bamboo and hemp as well as fleece sleeves for colder weather, all coming in creative and eye-catching designs.

While I'm not going to be out in the elements for more than a few hours anytime soon, I do have a problem with overdressing when it comes to winter running. I was really interested to see how the fleece sleeves would work during a run, if I'd feel comfortable or if I'd overheat, if I felt it offered good wind and cold protection more so than a jacket. Weight-wise, they don't feel much thicker than the poly-lycra version.

So I tried them on (inside the house) and the fleece felt very comfortable against my skin, and really nice because it instantly kept me warm (I wear lightweight jackets inside) without having to layer up or wear long sleeve shirts. Instant plus. The one downside is that apparently I am way too scrawny so my upper arm, bicep/tricep, area didn't quite fill out the sleeves... But it's a testament to the quality of Moeben that they still stayed up. Even when I did...

Yoga!

Anyway, Moeben sleeves were designed to keep you warm in the cold, and cool in the heat, and the fleece version can be dipped in water and worn on hot days to help cool you down even more. I often start off yogaing wearing a long-sleeve shirt, taking it off after I warm up, though I felt comfortably cool and warm all at the same time when I wore these. Don't worry, I'm about to go outside.

Each sleeve comes with a handy pocket for a gel, or perhaps some cash in case you need to make a fuel stop. I don't think the logo is reflective, though given that these were intended for trail running more than road running it makes sense. It would still be a nice element to see in the future.

And we're off! Without a jacket! In 30° weather! Though there wasn't much wind. Wearing one of each sleeve (leopard, thin sleeve, and giraffe, fleece sleeve), I set off for an easy run of 4 miles, just something light to gauge the sleeves. I felt really comfortable the entire time, whereas usually when I wear a jacket or long-sleeves I end up pushing them up midway. It was snowing slightly and both sleeves held up to the flakes without my skin feeling damp underneath, though if it had been any windier the fleece sleeves would be the obvious choice to run in.

So far, I'm impressed. I'm not suggesting everyone throw out their shirts for a pair of Moebens, but these would really be a good investment. The instructions for washing are simple, too, just hand wash, rinse, and hang over the shower to dry.

You didn't think I'd let a post go by without mentioning the kitchen, did you? Yes, Moeben would make an excellent culinary investment, as well. It can get hot in there, and you really can't afford to get out. Oil splatters? No problem, you're covered! You'll look better than the food, too.

Thanks again to Shannon for letting me test these out! A really great product that's made right here in the USA, and a portion of every Moeben sale is donated to charity. Definitely a worthwhile purchase in more than one way.

Now I'm off to do some YOGA for arms from Yoga Is Yummy to fill these out. :look:

a brief pause

Hey guys! Things have been a little quiet around here, but rest assured that I'm still around and cooking. The cooking is actually taking me in a different direction at the moment and once I'm finished I'll be able to get back to a normal blogging routine. Also, I haven't been commenting on your blogs much; just know I am still reading and enjoying what's going on in your kitchens!

As for running, I'm also talking a little break, not so much because of the cold as it is the snow. I've found that running in white fluffy matter affects my stride for the worse. Lately, my goal in running is to bring a realistic approach in how I view it; things ebb and flow, and I don't want to be a stickler for "getting my runs it". Granted, I don't have to stop all activity, it's just the way things are going at the moment. My advice to everyone is to step back and take a look at your training plans and running goals. Having goals is great, but we need to realize, especially if we tend to expect immediate results, that things take a while to come about and it's about consistency. I like to break things up into macro-goals that are attainable during the course of said long-term goal as it doesn't make the road ahead seem quite so long.

This was on my New Year's Day run a bit after midnight. I set out for 10 and only made it 6 because I underdressed my hands. The first three miles were great! My brothers were going to join me when I looped back for the remaining 4 miles. Unfortunately, I called it quits and was not going back out; they went out for 1 mile and almost broke into the high 6-minute range! For my little bro, who just started running at the beginning of 2009 year, that's incredible!

I'll sign off with the words of Conan: Keep cool, my babies!

'tis the season to be freezin'

Alternately titled, "Winter Running". This isn't a "101" list to check-off on your way out the door, but rather a humorous (or not) posting about what I've found through personal experiences of running in the winter. In the freezing cold. With ice pellets of death that bore your eyes out of the sockets; and believe me, you think dropping your iPod mid-run is a nuisance, eyeballs roll around and if they fall with the pupil down, in the snow you won't see it. Or feel it, if both eyes fell out.

1. The cold. And the wind:

It's not that big of a deal. About 3 out of the 3 previous winters, I'd take somewhat of a "break" during the winter. Maybe I'd get out there once a week. Maybe. I went with the excuse of not being able to find my footing in the snow and ice, or that the snow was so deep that it'd throw off my gait and I'd get injured. I pretty much psyched myself out of running in the element of cold.

So, have I changed? A runner friend decided he was going to streak through December, and that means to run everyday. Every. Single. Day. I decided on a whim that I would, too. And I decided that meant I wouldn't make a big deal out of the weather. So, yes, I've been running everyday since 1 December. Guess what? It's amazing. I'm focusing on running longer when the weather and wind is good, and going out for a minimum of 2 miles of the weather is crappy.

What running daily has given me is a realization that the weather doesn't matter all that much, besides dressing appropriately. Sure, the wind freezing your face off isn't altogether pleasant, but after that first mile it's really actually nice. If you warm up in the house for 5-10 minutes before heading out, it feels even better. And, it's just not that big of a deal. If you hear anyone complaining about how awful it is outside, how it's just going to suck and they aren't really "in" to the run, they're full of it. If you hear anyone telling you how awesome they are for "battling the elements" and how they overcame the obstacle, tell them that they reminded you of this guy who climbed Everest who said something similar. Unless they're constantly running in single digit, bone-chilling temperatures with a "real feel" of -28, or anything close to that, that's something to write home about because nobody nowadays really needs to be out in that condition.

Or just call them crazy. Either will work.


2. It's not that big of a deal:

Unless you make it a big deal. Nothing is really as bad as we like to think, and I've proven that to myself multiple times after I realized in retrospect that I could have chilled out just a bit. Especially with the weather and wanting to stay inside sipping peppermint cocoa topped with marshmallows, it's just that first mile that may make you want to turn around and go inside. Even if you plan on a simple 2-3 mile run, you may realize that you can run a few more and actually enjoy it. Don't let your mind keep you from heading out there, if you do run outside. To help yourself out, keep a calender out in the middle of the house and write your run and time after completion on it. It's pretty cool to look at it and see what all you've done the past month, and it motivates you to keep it up. And if it's where everyone can see it, you don't want to be mocked for slacking off.


3. To run long or short:

Depends. What I'm doing is heading out for longer runs when the weather is nice and tolerable, and running shorter runs on the rather nasty days. It also depends on how I feel that day, too, because if I have a long run and I feel wonky, if it doesn't go away after 1.5-2 miles I do NOT want to be walking out in the cold because you cool off quickly. It feels good when you're running, just not so much if you're walking.

Keep this in mind when you're making out a schedule, if you do a schedule. You may not want to stick to it tightly, but rather have a weekly mileage to aim for and switch around the runs if need be.


4. Should you run with an iPod:

I've decided that if I get hit by a car and die, which my chances may have increased since the worse the weather, the worse the driver, it's not my fault. When I run with an iPod, and I think that almost every single run this month has been sponsored by many a singer to keep my mind of the weather, I pay more attention to my surroundings. I keep the volume low enough to hear the sound of cars coming, and I pay attention to where the line on the road is (no sidewalks here) to see if I need to scoot back to my side. Just don't zone out to the point where a car zooming by actually surprises you unless you really believe in Darwinism.


5. How to dress:

The standard rule of thumb is to dress for how you will feel and not how you feel stepping outside the house. Why? Your body temperature warms up about 20 degrees and if you overdress so you feel warm and toasty right out the door, you'll soon be running in a sauna.

How do I dress:

A thin knit hat. Rather tight fitting, it looks cute (because I knit it), and is a somewhat bright color. I never used to run with a hat, but now that I have started I don't want to know what it was like before. It just keeps me warmer.

Gloves. If the temperature, or "real feel", is anything under 30 degrees and the wind is more than 10 mph, I wear my running mittens. Over 30, I wear a pair of standard knit gloves. I've gone out sometimes in just the knit gloves and my fingers make me say terrible things at the end. A thicker pair of 5-fingered gloves would work if you have one, most definitely.

Shirts/jacket. I've been wearing a cotton long sleeve shirt, a tech shirt, and a fleece jacket. The jacket blocks the wind, the tech shirt does that whole moisture wicking thing that keeps you warmer when it's cold out, except I've been putting the tech long sleeve shirt over the cotton shirt. Rebel.

Shorts or pants. I've been running mostly in capri running pants because my legs don't really get cold. My brother still runs in shorts, and I could too, but my shorts are shorter than his shorts and when I factor that in, it's probably not a good idea. Seriously, though, you *can* wear shorts if the temp is around 35 degrees.

Socks. I wear the socks I've been wearing all summer, though thicker and higher socks will work if you need them. My shoes have that mesh panel thing that lets the breeze in, but the only time sock thickness matters is when I step in a puddle unintentionally.

Cell phone. It's a good thing nothing bad happens to me because I don't run with one. I stick around where I live, though that doesn't mean anything when I'm lying on the side of a road with half my body submerged in a snow bank. I rationalize this by realizing I probably won't be able to reach the cell phone if half my body i submerged in a snow bank on the side of the road.

Reflective gear. Probably a good idea. And I'm not talking about the reflectors on your shoes, maybe on your headphones, or possibly on the sides of your running pants, but a reflective vest or jacket. You could buy reflective tape and write, "I DARE YOU" on the back and front of your jacket.

While I have one, I haven't been wearing it. And at night I especially should be wearing it, but I'll have time to think about this if I'm in the hospital with nothing better to think about because I didn't wear my reflective jacket at night. I could at least have worn shorts so my paleness would stand in for the jacket.


6. Motivation:

Something you look forward to after you get back from a run. For me, it's a mug of the aforementioned peppermint hot cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and a cookie or two sometimes. I really get so much pleasure out of that post-running drink that I want to go running no matter what. During the last few miles I count down the minutes to myself, "Just 20, 10, 5 more minutes until cocoa time!" As benign as it is, it works. Find your own cocoa that gets you going and motivates you.

Last, but probably the most important, enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it, it won't last, no matter how little or often you run. Notice how the setting sun colors the trees, or the sparkles of the snow. Notice the silence, even if it means turning off your iPod. Don't get locked into a singular state of mind that bypasses why you really continue to run outside in wintry conditions, because you could always run on a treadmill, but there's a reason why we like running outside in the winter. Yes, that's correct, we really do like being outside at this time of year. Go for a nighttime run with other runners to look at the Christmas lights, and leave your watches inside.

Celebrate with cookies and hot cocoa at the end. =)