From Fat to Triathlete

Tag: Cold

2

I run, I ran, I am running

January 30, 2012

After fighting a cold for the last week, and not getting any running done, (I did walk every day….even when I didn’t want to) I decided that I had to get back into my training or I would be way behind.  So today, I ran.

I could have used this today

I could have used this today

I didn’t go as far as I had been before I got sick, nor did I go as fast, but I did more running (and less walking) than I thought I would.  That’s why I’m choosing to call this workout a big success!

The temperature was in the high 30′s, but after I get moving it’s not too cold, except for my feet.  These “toe shoes” are not built for warmth.  That said, I wouldn’t trade them for anything…even in the cold.  My long pants and sweatshirt are just perfect.

The numbers – I ran/walked 1.8 miles in 38 minutes which is a 21 minute mile.  I really want to get that pace down to a 10 minute mile by the Ironman, but will be happy with a 12 minute mile.

I have been doing some calculating in my head and am coming up with times that I would like to finish each leg of the triathlon in.  I’m even formulating my A, B and C goals.  I don’t think it’s too soon to start that, do you?  It keeps me motivated to keep going and pushing myself, so I doubt I’ll stop just yet.  Although, what does it say about me that I like doing math calculations in my head while I’m running?  I’m sure there is some deep psychological meaning to it all.  We’ll save that analysis for another day.

Share
: Running
: , , , ,
2

I am the Michelin Man

January 4, 2010
It is not supposed to be this cold in Wilmington, NC.  I don’t like reading that it is 30 degrees out.  I much prefer the 90-100 degree days!  I am counting down the days until summer.

Yesterday I went out to run and seriously underestimated the effect of the cold weather.  I wore my usual long pants and long sleeve shirt.  And it was not enough!  Wrigley and I gave up on the running after only a few minutes, did a quick stroll around the block and headed back inside where the hot coffee was waiting.  (I know, if we had kept running we would have warmed up quickly, but it was so cold, I just wanted to cry.)  This morning. I did a much better job at preparing…..which translates to layer upon layer upon layer.  After four layers of tops, three layers of bottoms, nice socks, gloves and a toboggan I was ready to brave the elements.  My friend said I probably looked like the Michelin Man

And we did much better.  After about 3/4 of a mile I was ready to lose the gloves, and before we were finished, the toboggan had to go too.  I felt much better about things.

 I read up on some tips about running in the cold, and I thought I’d share a few……most are common sense, but in this supposed to be warm climate, I usually don’t think of them.

  • layers – a wicking layer close to the skin, a windbreaking layer farthest out and, if needed a warm insulating layer in between is best
  • keep your head covered – most body heat is lost out the top of your body, so keeping a hat on keeps that heat in longer, and if it covers the ears…even better
  • make sure you stay hydrated – it might seem like drinking water is the last thing you want to do, but it is very important to keep from getting dehydrated
  • mittens are better than gloves  – let your fingers share the warmth with each other
  • it will hopefully never get this cold in Wilmington, but if you are in a colder climate, make sure you are close to warm shelter at all times during your run; a long 10 mile run away from civilization might sound nice, but could be very dangerous

With that last one in mind, never ever leave on a run without some form of identification.  A Road ID or just a dog tag with identifying and contact information on it can be a lifesaver.

Here is my schedule for the week, as the marathon in March is fast approching.

Monday – 4 miles

Tuesday – rest

Wednesday – 4 miles

Thursday – crosstrain ~ 30 min (might pull out the bike)

Friday – 4 miles

Saturday – crosstrain ~ 30 min

Sunday – 6 miles

Share
: Random, Running
: , , , ,
1

Just 5 More Minutes, Mom!

December 7, 2009

I’ll admit it, instead of getting up when I should have this morning, I pulled the covers up and slept for another hour!  And boy did it feel good.  It was cold out, and warm in bed and I was tired.  I think the extra hour of sleep helped with my running this morning though.  Lately, I have not been feeling motivated to run.  I go out every day, but it’s only because Wrigley sits and stares at me with his sad eyes and makes me get up and take him on his run.  He’s extrememly difficult to resist.

So, this morning, I have been doing some research on the sleep needs of a person training for a marathon.  (Or triathlon, or 5K, or whatever a person happens to be training for.)  Here are some key things that I read which I already knew, it’s just nice to have them refreshed in your memory. 

  • Getting enough sleep boosts your immune system.  These days, when the Swine Flu, other flu strains and scores of colds are running rampant, a strong immune system is critical.
  • Getting enough sleep improves athletic performance.  Since I’m training for a marathon and future triathlons, good athletic performance seems important.
  • Getting enough sleep improves mental clarity.  Having a fit mind is important while training because you are more in tune with your feelings, both physical and mental. 
  • Getting enough sleep improves your attitude.  Some days, the only thing keeping you going is a smile and a good attitude.  Being rested ensures that you will be able to go the extra mile.

  For all of these, the term “enough sleep” was used.  So, how much is enough?  It varies from person to person, but the average is from 7 - 8 hours a night.  Reserach has shown that adults that get much more or less than  7 good hours of sleep a night have a higher mortality rate.  Adults who sleep closer to 7 hours have lower mortality rates.

And remember – quality counts too!

Still tri-in’

Jenn

Share
: Random
: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Easy AdSense by Unreal