It's been an off week for running - we didn't do our local Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving this year for the first time since the race began in 2010 because we were in Dallas. I'm sure there was a Turkey Trot happening somewhere in that area, but I didn't want to deal with the many thousands of runners/strange place/rushing around to get there so we just chilled out instead on Thursday. The weather was very cold and incredibly rainy the entire long weekend - massive downpours, with the temps in the low-30s "feels like" range. Nope...we were good with not getting out in that.
So on Monday morning, Jeff and I got up early and drove to where we usually do our group long runs, and set out for an indeterminate amount of miles. I mean, we had 8 miles on the schedule, but the route we took meant we could run 5 miles, or 6.5, or even 8, depending on which direction we went. As it turns out, I ended up doing 5 miles, while Jeff did 6.5 miles. We started off running together (it was dark and I'm a scaredy-cat), but once it lightened up, I told Jeff to go on and run a little longer, while I turned back toward the park. Honestly, I could have run farther, but he kept checking his Garmin, and it was bugging me because I knew he wanted me to run faster. He thinks I should be faster than I am, and maybe I could run faster, but every time he does that, even subtly, it just makes me run slower. It's funny, I am fine when we do our shorter runs together around the neighborhood, but whenever we try to do a long run together, it doesn't go well. And I felt much better during the last 1.5 miles of that run - sure, some of it was because I'd warmed up, but I suspect most of it was mental. Not sure which of us needs to change if we're ever going to be able to run a half marathon together...
Yesterday morning Loretta came over and we ran while we caught up - normally we get to do this on Saturday morning during our long run, but we both were out of town, so we had to cram about 10 miles worth of chatter into 2.5 miles. It was a good run and it wasn't quite as damp and cold as Monday's run, which was nice.
Speaking of the weather, I know, I know - I've gone from complaining about the heat and humidity to whining about the damp and cold. I swear, we didn't get any sweet cool mornings between summer and winter - it was like Texas just went BAM, here's winter temps, deal with it. For me, the hardest part about cold weather running is making myself get outside - once I start my run, I'm usually good. And I'm enjoying the fact that I actually have enough running gear for the colder weather - last spring when the winter clothes were on clearance, I bought a couple more lined long-sleeved tops so now I have three, plus I have a couple of windbreaker jackets and a rain jacket. Previously, I kept thinking that because our winters were so short, I didn't need much - but I'm running 3 - 4 days a week, and I kept having to wash my one super warm top all the time. I don't know what took me so long to realize that I run all year long and need winter running gear, but I'm glad I finally took care of myself!
I totally get it with the getting out in the cold. I always need a couple of weeks to adjust to that too. Today the weather was nice for running but I've catched a cold and when I woke up this morning I knew I wasn't feeling well enough to run. So I turned around in my warm comfy bed and slept a little longer :) But tomorrow I will try again, promise.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's just not supposed to be you run a half together and I think that's okay. You have your friends that run at your pace so you won't have to run alone. I know that if R. was a runner, I could never catch up with him.
Hope you feel better tomorrow! And yeah, running a half together just might not happen for us.
DeleteWay to go stocking up on the warmer gear! NW Pennsylvania has been the same way. Hot, and sunny, then right into cold, rain, snowy! GRR!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with the drastic weather changes? Grr, indeed!
DeleteI have lots of clothes for the cold weather since it is cold from Oct-May.It is tough to run with someone at a faster pace. It's great that you friends to run with if you don't run with your hubby.
ReplyDeleteIf my hubby & I played tennis together we would grow to hate each other. He is good and it comes so easy for him.
LOL on the tennis thing. I totally get that.
DeleteI'm not whining about the cold yet because it has actually been a warm fall - relatively speaking. I don't need anymore winter exercise gear,though. Unless there is a sale :D
ReplyDeleteSales always make things more interesting... ;)
DeleteMy husband does the same thing, except he is constantly looking at his watch while running while I just look, maybe after each mile but sometimes after the entire run. The constant watch checking drives me crazy and does make me run more slowly. But he's trying to qualify for Boston while I'm just out to finish another Half Marathon.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not alone in running slower with this. :)
DeleteWell I'm glad you have a good supply of cold weather gear. I am a wienie about getting out when its either too hot or too cold. It sounds like you dress in layers. Do you find that you have to start stripping some layers off partway through the run? I'm like that, even on my short walks.
ReplyDeleteSo far I haven't had to remove anything but gloves. I really try to not overdress, hard as it is, mentally, when it's cold and dark outside. You really do warm up once you start moving, that's for sure.
DeleteSo do you and Jeff want to run together? Or do you feel like you have to? I kind of like to run my own race. If you're happy with your pace, there's no need to push it--you could get hurt...just sayin'!
ReplyDeleteUm, that's a good question. Theoretically, I want to run together but when it really happens? Not so much.
DeleteRunners Rule: the faster runner lets the slower runner set the pace. Tell Jeff I said that!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEven if you two aren't meant to run a race together, he should be more patient on simple training runs. Tell him I said that too ;)
My sister went to Dallas for Thanksgiving and they were cussing her out for bringing New England weather with her LOL!
Oh, so it was your sister's fault! It was freaking miserable outside.
DeleteLOL on your runner's rules - I'll be sure to point them out to Jeff. :)
I have a weather app on my phone that has 10 cities listed on it. I was bored last night so wanted to take a look at the weather around the country and was surprised to see that Dallas was colder than here. You should be glad you don't live in Utah, it was 29!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Dallas is too far north for my comfort zone in the wintertime.
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