COLD!!!!

I am trying really, really hard not to get down about the weather this week. There is a Wind Chill advisory for tomorrow morning (could feel like -25) and cold temps the rest of the day. Then a(nother) big old storm moving in on Tuesday and Wednesday. It does look like it will "warm up" for the weekend. My running partner and I have already cancelled our early morning run tomorrow. We're going to go (swap kids) after 10 am when it's a bit warmer. I might even op to run on the dreadmill because I kind of don't want to freeze my face off.

It's not even the end of January and I am DONE WITH WINTER!!! Training for a marathon in such a cold and snowy winter has been tough. But on the bright side, if I weren't training, I wouldn't be getting out there to run. And I'd be doing what my body wants to do - hibernate and eat high-calorie foods all day. And I'd probably gain 20 lbs. So I guess I'll suck it up and get back out there this week. I just will probably whine the entire time!

Hope you're enjoying better weather and friendlier temperatures in your neck of the woods!

Pictures from my run today...

It was supposed to be 7 miles, but because of snow and trying to get two people's (I swapped with a friend on kid watching) runs in, we cut it down to 4 each. Should have just gone the extra three since I was already out there, cold and wet. It was tricky trying to figure out where to run - sidewalks covered, streets barely plowed and lots of traffic. I got splashed with cold, wet slush a couple of times. All worth it. And now I feel REALLY hard core. Just two pictures I snapped....

My feet and legs right after I got splashed by two cars.

It was messy out there. And actually it got worse the farther into my run I got. Yuck!

15 Miles

Mile 7 at 7:15 am - iPhone photo.
Boston is in the distance - Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower side by side. The body of water is the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.

I did a long run on the sixth of January all by myself. That was a first. Other than my Wicked half in September, I had never run longer than about 6 miles on my own. That day I ran 15.47. It felt great. In the days leading up to the run, I was worried and also excited about it.

I planned out my route, figured out babysitting for my kids, loaded John Grisham onto the iPhone, filled up my fuel belt with lots of yummy treats and I was off. It was BEAUTIFUL clear morning. Pretty chilly (although nothing compared to what I've run in since then). I ran from home to Beacon Street. Up Beacon Street, around Boston College, over to Commonwealth. Down Commonwealth and then back home. I will say I much prefer running Commonwealth (Heartbreak Hill) down.

I got through about 5 chapters of my book and when I didn't want to listen anymore, I called and talked to Matt (hubby) for the last three miles while he was on his commute. It was awesome because while he was on the phone I beat my previous half marathon and I got to "celebrate" that with him.

I was really pleased with how I felt after the run. I wasn't nearly as tired or as beat up as I had expected. I even made it through the whole day without a nap and attended an event that evening. No crashing! I owe it to the chocolate milk and egg breakfast I had as soon as I got home! I think there is something to be said for running alone...which is a good thing since I will be running the National Marathon by myself. (Any takers?!)

All in all, probably one of my favorite long runs to date. It definitely kicked my 16-miler's (this last weekend) butt. I'll have to write that one up another day.

Neglected.

My blog has been neglected for the last two weeks, but my running hasn't been. Despite sickness and cold and winter storms and birthday celebrations and everything else that life has thrown my way, I have only missed one 3 mile run. This is not to brag. This is just a big milestone for me.

Running in the winter outside is something I have never done. I have always either had a gym membership or I haven't run. So the fact that we are more than halfway through January and two major storms and I haven't quit yet, that's saying something. Maybe it's saying I'm crazy, but that's something right?

In the last two weeks, since my last post, I have run 52 miles. More than half of those have been with my running friend, Kristin, her husband and another friend Amy. It really helps to have someone else out there, pushing you. Especially on Monday morning when the LAST thing I want to do is get out of bed and go running.

Running when the earth is covered in snow makes me feel hard core. I love it! I'm one of "those" people.

So here's to training through winter. Training through snow. Training with friends. Training with a goal in mind. And living to tell the tale!

Joined the Club

Today I joined the Run 1,000+++ with Tall Mom Club. I am so excited. That means running 1000 in 2011. Actually, since my birthday is 11/11/11, I think it would be really cool to run 1111. That's just over 20 miles/week. I am so excited. I'm going to need lots of encouragement, so get on the cheering train!

2010...best year yet.

As far as running goes, this really has been my best year.

It's the year when...

I became a runner.

I started running for the right reasons.

I started tracking my runs.

I started pushing myself.

I stopped slogging.

I found out what I could do and then I did it.

I became a smarter runner.

I enjoyed it more than ever.

Before 2010, I had run 10 miles one time (other than my 2 1/2 marathons). Since July of this year, I have run 10+ miles (not including one race) at least 8 times.

Before this year, I didn't think I could run faster than a 10-minute mile. Since August, I have logged numerous sub-9 minute miles.

I ran 13.25 on Christmas Eve, which is the most I've ever run at one time.

I set new PRs in 5K, 8K, 10K and 1/2 marathon distances.

I ran more miles (650) than I ever have before in one year.

So ya, looking back on 2010, this year rocked.

My only hope is that 2011 will be even better. And here are my running goals for 2011:

1. Run at least 900, hopefully get to 1000.

2. Complete my first marathon (DC, March 2011).

3. Be consistent in my strength training.

4. Eat like a runner.

5. Get down to an 8-minute mile.

6. Run as many races as possible!

Looking forward to 2011. I will turn 32 on 11-11-11. This is the YEAR OF RACHEL! Bring it on!

Giveaway: Hot Legs Runner

Have you seen Hot Legs Runner's blog? It's fun! And inspiring AND she's having a Moving Comfort sports bra giveaway. She's giving everyone lots of chances to win so check it out!