Let the sun shine in...
Saturday morning was a tad busy. I got Rob my RMT to do whatever it is that he does that hurts at the time but makes it better. Then zipped home, scarfed 2 Nutrigrain bars and waited for the beautiful and talented Ms. G. to show up for a run.
It was pouring rain, and really I didn't want to run in the rain. Still, I thought well, if she cancels ok. But if she shows up we'll run. She showed up. She confessed that she really didn't want to run in the rain but if I wasn't ready or willing she would not run. Luckily we had this 2.5 miles into our run and at that point. There is something to be said for running with people. There was no pressure to run, no shame in asking to slow down. And when with about a mile to go she asked if we could walk the rest of way up Parkdale, there was no defeat. For two old broads who didn't want to run, we still managed to have a good run. It was the reset I needed. (We're planning to head out again next week. I think will try the Gats.)
I've been pondering how to make it through until the days start to get longer. The most obvious answer is to increase the number of runs I do in daylight. Traditionally I've done my long run on Saturday and taken Sunday off. Since there are no longish races to train for -- I'm going to aim for a longer run on Saturday and a shorter easy run on Sunday. We'll see how that works. Then sneak in speed work (gah) once a week (Wednesday), cross training (tbd) on Tuesday/Thursday. The CT may have to wait a few weeks while I work a few things out.
As well, I am going to experiment with a vitamin D supplement and cleaning up the old diet big time. No more buying lunch, I need to increase the veggies and significantly decrease the empty calories (also known as Halloween candy.) Meanwhile I am going to look for a half in January (looking at Hypothermic again maybe).
On the book the 10K Resolution Run on December 31, and American Odyssey Relay... yeah... definitely need a race or two between those.
Distance: 6.33 Saturday 1h24 -- 6. 27 Sunday (1h18)
New Mantra: "I am a fast runner" -- "I am kissing 13 goodbye and 11 is looking sexy." (Thanks Viv)
Favourite song: In my tree, Pearl Jam. Jack Irons was meant to beat for runners.
YOu sound like me on both fronts. Trying to work in the runs during daylight hrs (Running in the dark is fine for training but pppffftt I'm not training anymore LOL) And#2 trying to clean up the diet. Oy, oy, oy. I NEED more fruits and veggies *sigh*
Posted by: Marcy | November 09, 2008 at 07:43 PM
sounds like you have a great plan there Nat! Great job on the runs and way to shave off some time on Sun. LOL @ 11 he is hawt!
Posted by: viv | November 10, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I think getting in 2 daylight runs will help a lot. I agree that it helps to have someone who gets you out of the house, but doesn't run you into the ground. On our 4 miler Saturday, we averaged 14. Garmin thought we were walking. but I'm pretty sure we were running. Thank goodness nobody walked past us!
I also need to get the food under control, but I've decided to save that until I've got my exercise routine a little more stable. As I get back into the routine, I start craving healthier foods, which makes it easier.
Oh, in my kitchen I have a "natural spectrum" light. It is suppose to give you the same feeling as natural sun. It is definitely better than the other lights in my house, but I wish it was in any room but the kitchen!
Posted by: Database Diva | November 10, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Sounds like a good plan. Like you, I hate it when it gets dark earlier. However, in my situation, I am a morning runner so that does not pose a problem.
Keep it up !!!
Posted by: Ted | November 10, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Good for you getting out and running in the rain. Yes training buddies are the best for that. Have a great week!
Posted by: Marci | November 10, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Good job getting out in the rain! That wasn't a fun day to run; fortunately, I had company too. That really helps. :)
Best wishes with training and adjusting to a different run schedule.
Posted by: schwingsie | November 10, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Great to hear you're planning on running the inaugural American Odyssey Relay. If you haven't already, make sure you visit the website at www.americanodysseyrelay.com to map out your route. If you haven't registered already, make sure to do so by December 31 to receive environmentally friendly, stainless steel water bottles for the entire team. You can also share your holiday training tips on the American Odyssey Facebook page discussion board.
Happy running, and see you in April.
Posted by: The Odysseys | December 17, 2008 at 05:24 PM