Cold Weather Running

Saturday, I put in 11 miles in the morning and 7 in the PM. The air temp was in the negative teens and the windchill was -30 or so. Yesterday, I put in 15 miles with an air temp of -23 or so. No wind though, thank the Lord. This morning it was -31 or so and I put in a nice little 5 miler before school. My eyes nearly froze this morning. My goggles froze over and I was forced to lift them about 3 miles into my run. I had to blink and blink and blink to keep my eyes from completely freezing shut. This weekend was a good test of the mental capacities - the 11 miler on Saturday especially (it was a total blizzard and halfway through the run I found no relief from the blowing snow, cold and snow-covered sidewalks). Good stuff. What doesn't kill makes you stronger, right?

High Mileage

It is amazing what the human body is capable of. Over the last year I have maintained 100 miles a week or better - with no days off. It has become the most natural thing to me. Granted, there are many times where I have a hard time getting out the door, but once I am out, I am free. Most professional runners peak at 120-130 miles a week during intense training cycles. Over the last couple of months my most comfortable maintenance weeks have been around 140 miles a week - complete with solid work outs.

Though my mileage is high now, it will not be forever and I am 'okay' with that, I really am. In fact, I am pleased with the notion of change of routine and mileage. I am trying to let go of the numbers and focus on quality (of running with life).

Also, actually, most importantly, I need to rework running into my life again, in a balanced way. Running is not everything. That is truth, but too often I let it be everything. Not that I talk about it or act like it constantly, but I tend to get worried, nervous or anxious about the next runs, the next days weather, the next weeks miles, this week's miles, etc. These thoughts distract me from living a full life. I run best when everything else is in order and in turn when I am running well, I am peaceful and engaged with my non-running life; my work, my spiritual life, reading, friends, etc. Deeeeeeeeep breathe.

There is more to life than running. There is more to life than running. There is more to life than running. There is more to life than running. There is more to life than running. There is more to life than re-typing that there is more to life than running.

Be gone worries, fears, anxiety and guilt! Freedom. Sweet, sweet freedom, is found in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. No worries, fears, anxieties or guilt (without Truth). Deeeeeeeeeep breathe. Peace. Love. Truth.

Tis the Season to Tempo

Put in about 20 yesterday. Running club went great yesterday. The boys' behavior is improving. We had a good 15 minute, individual pace run.

The weather today was absolutely perfect for a fast, clean tempo. Calm, in the 30s and sunny. I put in an 11-12 miler at an outrageous pace. I threw down on the last 6 miles. It was surreal. I found a really clean, fast stride. 5:30-6 or so pace up and down the undulating landscape of the Coulees. It was great to be a part of such a beautiful day.

A Heart to Heart

This blog, up to now, has been fairly rudimentary - covering the most basic numbers, thoughts and ideas associated with my running life. Unfortunately, I don't know how to pour out or truly express my emotions and deepest feelings. Just know that I am crying out right now for life, for change, for friends, for love, for God, for family, for companionship, for comfort and for peace.

Now for the numbers and the most elemental thoughts of which I have trouble expressing. Yesterday I put in two clean, steady runs - a 13 miler in the morning and 7 miler in the PM. This morning I had a really nice 11 mile tempo run, again, clean. This afternoon I will head out for another 7-8 mile easy run in the wind.

Yesterday, I crossed the 2000 mile mark, since I began keeping a log in Great Falls (August 24th, 2008).

Monday

Not a whole lot to report. 132 miles last week. 23 yesterday. I am not feeling so hot this morning. Feeling a bit down. Trying to keep myself together for these last two weeks before I go home for Christmas. The count-down begins... Anyways, hope everyone else is doing well and finding joy in their days. Peace.

It is Friday and I am Tired

21 cold and snowy miles yesterday. I am tired, on this Friday. Thank goodness it is the last day of the work week. I am trying to take deeeeeeep breaths and appreciate the tiredness for what it is... a result of working hard and running hard this week. This weekend is looking to provide a nice respite. Two awesome runs yesterday. The first was a 9 mile clean cruise through the essing Coulees of the country and the second was a really clean 12 miler around Great Falls, returning, literally at the stroke of midnight - barely keeping the run in the confines of Thursday, Decemember 4th, 2008.

Life Affirming Snow Run

This morning I ran a really clean, smooth 13 miler on the fresh blanket of snow. It was a comfortable 17 degrees with no wind! Awesome stuff. The pavement was covered with a fresh 1-2 inches, which made for a smooth and springy run. It was awesome. Felt like I was running on carpet. I am enjoying this natural, seasonal transition of training. The snow/ice/elements make for lower mileage weeks and slower miles on the whole - I have no choice over that if I am continue to run outside. This is great because I am forced to slow-down, run less and in turn enjoy, truly enjoy the slower pace, smooth runs. This morning was one of those. I cruised this morning, but it felt right. My body felt so fluid and the stride was nearly effortless. It was a transcendental sort of run. Praise be to the Lord! I will go for a nice 7-8 mile snowy stroll this afternoon through the Coulees before running club. Today, the kids probably won't be running outside because of the cold and snow. We will be finishing up our profiled runners research and then present our famous runners to the entire club. Good stuff.