Spring??

It has been well-established that I am a running wimp.  I like everything to be just right.  And while I will run through (some) heat and (light) rain, and on occasion (often), the feeling of just not wanting to get out, I draw the line at running in the cold. Especially the bone-deep, wet chill that has been this Rhode Island winter.  So, I haven't run in a long time.  The treadmill is unappealing and outside is freezing.  And I am a wimp.

Keeping all of that in mind, but knowing that I both want and need to run, many months ago I signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle 5K.  Last year, it was sixty degrees on March 17th.  This sounded like a good time to restart the running plan.  But it has still been cold.  I didn't run.  This past Sunday, it was twenty-two degrees out.  I got up and went to the race start with some friends and our daughters.  We huddled in the mini-van until right before the race start.  And then we ran, sort of.  I planned to stay with one of my half-marathon buddies.  She wanted to walk.  And all I could think was "Oh, thank you!"  While I probably could have run the 5K, I really enjoyed walking it more.  

(Darcy finished 20 minutes ahead of me.)

So, the "race" behind me, this was the week to get out and run.  No.  This morning we had about three inches of snow on the ground and now it is raining a cold, cold rain.

Still, I know that spring, and running weather, is coming.  I have seen the daffodils start to push out of the ground.  Every now and then we get temperatures that don't require the full-length down coat.  And I have signed up for the Jamestown Bridge 10K on April 7th.  I hope the weather cooperates and I get some running in before then. Maybe next week.

Back at It

In October 2012, I PR'd a half marathon. Felt great.

Today, I ran 2 miles on the treadmill.  Felt like shit.

PS.  Do NOT wear men's running tights.  They seem like they fit until you start running...then you realize you are missing the equipment that keeps them from chaffing.

Today's run:  2 miles (no intervals)  24 minutes.  Plus 16 minutes of warm-up and cool-down walking.  40 minutes to add to my fitness challenge.

I Am Not A Princess

The time has come.  After much thought, deliberation, back-and-forth, and not running, I have decided that I am not a Princess.  I am not going to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February.  I tried to psych myself up for it and failed miserably.  I follow Jessica's incredible journey and stand in awe of her determination.  But for me, the cons outweigh the pros.  So there will be no Princess medal for me.

I trained.  I ran a half marathon at forty; I even PR'd. 

And now?  I am not running at all.  

There are many, many reasons why I haven't laced up my running shoes.

1. I don't feel like it.
2. It is COLD outside.
3. Each run I have done since the half results in two days of icing my hip.
4. My right foot has plantar fasciitis.
5. It's very COLD outside.
6. The Christmas tree is blocking the treadmill (that might have been deliberate).
7. The thought of running more than a 5K fills me with dread.
8. Did I mention that it is COLD?

I admit it.  As much as I tried to overcome it, I am a fair weather runner. 

Still, I am a runner.  I am going to be flexible.  If we have a nice day, and I have the time, I will head out for a short run.  Maybe instead of running farther, I will try to run faster.  Maybe instead of running with dread, I will run with peace.  

Eventually, and soon, the holidays will be over and my treadmill will be accessible.    There will be warmer days.  The joy of running will return.  Until then, maybe I'll Zumba.