Week 7 - Fighting the elements

I knew this week was going to be tough. Ran 11 miles on the course last week and was set to run 13 yesterday around the Charles River. A nice change of scenery from Route 16 and a break from hills... so I had hoped. The course was flat but since there is no place for the snow to go the pathways were snowy, slushy, and at some points it game up past my ankles. Made for some super uncomfy wet socks and some agility training that I didn't need. Started feeling the blisters form around miles 6.
On top of that I failed greatly at this past weeks short runs. Between the storms, working late, last minute "to do's" for the fundraising event on Friday night (thank you to everyone who came, we raised $1758!) I only got on the treadmill once... for 1.5 miles. =(
Needless to say once I finished the first 10 mile loop yesterday I said "never mind" to the next 3. Most people on my team did the same thing. No one felt like fighting the terrible running conditions.

This week my plan of attack is to hit the treadmill at least twice for 4-5 mile runs and get back to doing my silly leg lifts every.single.day (been slacking at that!) and hit the ground running (literally) next Saturday for 15 miles... the most I've ever done!

Week 5 - brrr, it's cold out there!!

Did you know you're supposed to dress for 20 degrees warmer than what it actually is when running? I knew that, but I didn't know it was going to be single digit temperature on Saturday morning. So, I layered for 30 degrees (50) and needless to say I froze the whole time.

My plan was to run 9 miles. Due to the weather it'd seem only logical to do less. Is there anything logical about running a marathon? No way! So, I did 10 because the 5 mile point was where the 2nd water stop was and I needed some fuel (gatorade) to turn around and run back. Oh, and the town of Wellesley does a great job at plowing sidewalks (insert sarcasm here). If the running alone didn't get my heart rate up running on the street with cars passing within inches of me certainly did.

Finished 10 miles in 2 hours (12 minute miles) which I was stoked about (coaches say to run 1-2 minutes slower than your race pace). Here's PRAYING my race pace can be 10 minute miles (wishful thinking)!

The knee still hurts but checked in with my PT on Friday and I'm a tad bit stronger than a 6 year old now, haha. Sweet, the funny leg lifts must be working!

Week 4 - Treadmills suck; 7 miles on the course done!

Had to skip my week 3 long run of 5 miles due to being away over the holiday. Today I jumped from 3 miles under my belt this season, to 7 miles. I was dreading it becaaauuuse for the last 2 weeks my runs have been on the treadmill - when I can get a treadmill! It's the new year and apparently every S. Boston resident has resolved to get their butt in shape. Of course I respect that but I wish they would do it by swimming or biking, because I can barely get a parking spot at my gym... let alone a treadmill. I've resolved to run a freaking marathon so get the hell off! Haha, just kidding... kind of. While not running at the gym, I'm doing my goofy looking leg lifts, etc. that my PT assigned me. Kind of embarrassing to do these in front of all the buff hotties who are pumping iron, but skipping them won't get me across the finish line.

Today's run with the team went great. It was snowing once again and about 30 degrees but I hardly noticed. My time continues to be slooooow and now my other knee started to hurt like crazy after about 4 miles but I'm confident that will all change.

Next week: 9 miles!