I started this blog as a daily journal of my running. Daily. Remember the days of “Day 35,” and “Day 201”? I miss those days.
Did I have more time then or what? I have no idea. But I want to get back to those basics. Writing about my run. The blog as a sort of journal. What happened during my run on a particular day? I think lately I’ve just been really focused on hitting my training runs and paces, and I seem to forget what actually happened when I was out there.
So, I’ll just jump right into it.
The weather here has been so dreary: dark, cold, SNOWING, raining. I suppose everyone who doesn’t live in the Seattle area probably imagines that this is normal. It is and it isn’t. Usually, the rain is misty and, by now, it seems to be getting a little warmer out — at least it’s not snowing, anyway. My point is…running in this weather so long SUCKS. (I know there are others who have it worse, but those people live in northern Alaska.)
Seeing posts on Facebook of people out running in shorts or reading blogs where people are getting sunburned (ahem, B.o.B) is TORTURE. For realz. Every time I see something like that, a little piece of the California-girl in me dies. I’m still wearing tights, long sleeves, hats and gloves, for crying out loud.
The only time I had today to run was lunch — as usual. Mel and I planned to meet. Every run with her is special since she will be changing jobs in a few weeks and I will no longer have my lunch-running buddy. Actually, I really don’t want to think about it…
Anyway, we e-mailed each other about the rain. It was pouring. “I don’t think it’s going to be better tomorrow,” I wrote. But Mel is hard core like that. And so am I, so I sucked it up.
I wore my tights (ugh) and my new Nike wicking “sweatshirt” (which I like but so ready for lighter clothing, so ugh) and my Nike running cap (which I always wear, but is dirrrrteeee, so ew). Oh, and I’m in my new pair of Saucony Hurricane’s and LOVING it. They are the exact same pair I had before — same color and everything — but I forgot how good new shoes feel. Got a serious spring in my step goin’ on the last few runs! (Let’s hope that spring shows up on Saturday. Not SPRING, the season, because we all know that’s not happening.)
Mel and I decided to meet each other in the middle. When I stepped out the door of my office and the big, splashy drops landed on the back of the neck, I got goosebumps. It wasn’t just raining, it was freezing and raining. So cold, in fact, that occasionally a big slushy snow drop would pelt me in the ear or face. Loved that. I mean, who wouldn’t?
I met up with Mel and we ran and chatted pretty comfortably at an almost 9:00-minute pace. We could see our breath!
Once we parted, I did a couple fartleks on the way back to work and, I have to say, I did not feel as fast as yesterday. But I did do repeats yesterday and so my legs are probably a little tired. I can’t use the cold and wet as an excuse because it very well could be the exact same temperature and conditions on Saturday…or colder! (My money’s on 39 and sprinkling. Boo.)
Luckily, I test-drove my outfit for Saturday during yesterday’s repeats: black tights (ugh), green skirt (which is too big for me now, but it’s not falling down or anything), a black long-sleeve Nike shirt and my white Nike cap. I have a themed tie that I did NOT test during my 6×400’s, which I ran on my lunch hour, because that would be weird. The only thing is, it didn’t rain during my run yesterday, so hopefully, I won’t get soaked or anything on Saturday.
Is it just me or is this post is getting long? I need an editor. Where was I?
Oh, I don’t know. I’ve had too much cheapie cabernet-sauvignon and that new show I recorded, Fashion Star, is distracting me. There should be a running-themed fashion design show, no? (Hey! If that idea turns up on TV, I’m suing someone!)
Did you watch Fashion Star? I like Jessica Simpson — have since the Newlyweds. Ah man. Remember the good ol’ days with Nick and Jessica? *sigh* What did you think of Fashion Star? And what are you wearing in your St. Paddy’s Day run because everyone’s doing one, right?
8 comments
Aw man! I wish I was doing a race on Saturday! Instead I have to go to Bellingham for a graduation ceremony at 9:30. Good luck with your PR!! Can’t wait to hear the story afterwards!
Great post Kerri! I sooo feel you. This weather is KILLING me. It’s dreary and depressing and I’m sick of bundling up for every single run. You are a Rock Star getting out there no matter what the weather! Have a great time this weekend!
You run during lunch? Now that means it is really freezing there, or you’re just too busy. The good thing is that you can still find time for that, something I can’t do at the moment.
You are so funny Kerri. Do I dare say I’d like a little colder weather? It hit 83 in Illinois today… in March! This is crazy weather. I was sweating so hard, and not really ready to yet. I totally skipped right by the 60’s – which is my favorite temps! Ho, hum. I watched Fashion Star, kinda liked it. I agree, I’ve always liked Jessica Simpson – maybe it’s the name? or maybe she’s just “real”…
Oh, wow, that weather sounds awful but awesome that you got out there. I hope our good weather lasts, we’ll probably be complaining about summers that are too hot soon if it’s this warm in PA in mid-March.
Sorry that you are not having the best weather. I am originally from MN and now live in IL so I used to long winters…we have gotten really spoiled this year! I’m just hoping our early spring sticks around!
Yep, the weather is killing me, too. People just don’t understand how miserable it is. Sure sometimes you run a day in rain and get over it… but we have had DAYS of it. Usually I can adjust my runs if one day says cloudy versus rain, nope, that sure isn’t going to work for like the next week, AGAIN! Uuugh!
I keep reminding myself that they don’t cancel races due to rain so guess we are one up on everyone else in the country.
I’m ready for Summer already!! So done with crap weather! I hope you are surprised on Saturday with some nice weather to run in 🙂 Good Luck!!