Running Thoughts

I had no idea how much I would love my new underarmour running tights, but they kept me warm and happy on a ccccooooold run. In fact, I'm an underarmour girl today. Here's what happened, see. Sara was in Houston at the Woodlands mall, and she called me and was all, "girl, I just bought some fresh-to-death underarmour duds at the outlet, do you want me to snag you some too?" So I was like, "OOOOOO, ya!" And she was all, "Cool." So I was like, "ya!" LOL...I don't know why I went wacky on ya like that, but the jist is that I sent her after tights, a mock turtleneck, and a hoodie. I wore all today and was completely comfortable. Much more so than with my off-brand stuff. I do love my merrells and my hotchili's though. And hubby bought me two great mock turtlenecks too. Seems that brand names are warmer. I only went a couple miles. I ran strides on the way back. There were ice climbers out and a lady cross country skiing o...

I'm sore today from my lifting workout yesterday...yay! I worked chest, shoulders, and triceps. I hope to run outside today. Snow is on the way, though, so we'll see. Right now, the temp is still in the single digits. I'd run in it anyway, but I know it will get warmer, especially if we get snow. Snow warms things up a bit. And I love to run in it if the sun is peaking out at all. Maybe today will be like that! Here are some things I'm trying to figure out about my snowshoes: Running shoes or snowboots? So far, I've worn my running shoes. They get wet by the time 30 minutes is up, but my feet aren't wet or cold by that time. Boots are more constricting. I plan to try both, though. Where to run in them? I end up walking a lot more because I don't know what I'm doing. I still get my feet tangled together every now and then on a narrow trail, and I don't feel stable on a downhill slope. Lots of powder gets me all tangled up too. So, I...

Actually, I mean DEGREES. 16 degrees outside yesterday when I donned my new snowshoes. I took a few days break from workouts which was nice, but now I'm revved up to go again! Sometimes, my brain just needs a break. :) I'm including my bicep picture. I can't see a difference except that maybe my arm is slightly leaner. That's cool. So, Ruth says "Jan. 22" for another bicep challenge. I'm in! Today's workout: chest, shoulders, triceps

The much-awaited snowshoe pictures! This will take some getting use to, but it was easier than I thought to run in them. They are "racing snowshoes" and are meant for running. They have a narrow sort of "tail" at the back to allow for a woman's running stride and the heel is free. They're fun at any rate. Ignore the ugly building in the background...we have siding to go on it, but now we just need the time.

up at 5:30 drove to Wolf Creek Pass skied all day drove home happy birthday, me! (snowshoe pictures tomorrow when I try them out)

Pretty day today...I hope to get out there and run. I didn't get my lifting workout in yesterday. I need a big dose of energy! Today is a yoga day which is fun. Santa let it leak that I might be getting these for Christmas: Update: I ran about 2 miles. I decided to take it totally easy and skip the sprints/hills. I haven't had much energy to spare. So, that's what I did. Didn't take my ipod. Didn't look at a clock. Just took Mr. Golden Retriever and ran. Best run in a while! I would have gone farther but needed another layer in the shade. More about the snowshoes above: They are racing snowshoes, lightweight, well-made, narrower, and the heel is free. I'm so excited to try them! I actually think they are for my birthday instead of Christmas, so that means Sunday...not long to wait!!!! :) Other random thoughts: While running, I pondered the comment I've heard, "I just get so bored on runs." I think that's interesting because that ...

I thought I would melt completely into a puddle today on my 4 mile run. I had planned on 5, but it turned into 4 as I trudged along through snow and sun. The snow is much like running in sand, and the sun, wow, the sun. I knew I should have worn my capris! I lifted yesterday, but didn't get to triceps, so will try to get that done today too. Here's a bummer...the armour thyroid I normally take isn't available anywhere. The pharmacy had to send me another kind that is suppose to be the same thing, but the last time this happened, it wasn't the same for my body at all. Same thing again. Low energy again. Depression again. Arms and legs are filled with lead again. Forgetful again. Weight gain again. At least I know what's going on this time. Bummer again.

Yesterday was a 3 B's lifting day. By that, I mean, "back, booty, biceps." I actually gave my lower body a break and only did the other 2 B's. Back and Biceps should be sore. My lower body has been perpetually sore as of late, so rest for the booty. I've put some thought into Ruth's great idea about training for the Dallas Half. I'd really like to do it, but can't swing the $$ part of it this time. I could run it here, but winter is a tough time to train for distance here.... I thought of running the CanyonLands Half in Moab, UT around the same date, but again, the training works out better in spring, summer, or fall. So, I guess I'm passing on the Half for now, but am mulling over potential plans. More on that later.

I went for a "tromp" yesterday. We got about a foot of snow, you see, and I love to run on a sunny, snowy day. But the snowplow hadn't even touched my road that I love to run, so it was looking more like a tromp than a run. I was destined for injury, so I turned around and ran strides (as fast as feels natural...not full out, but a fast "glide") on a plowed section of road. Then, I walked to the coffee shop for a yummy latte. I'm hoping for racing snowshoes for my birthday (the 20th). Here are the ones I think I want.

Finally...SNOW!! We normally have lots of it by now, but this year has been a little dry. It snowed off and on all day today, making me feel ultra-lazy. Not too lazy to get my upper body lifting in, though. And a little yoga even though our yoga instructor couldn't make it today. Now, it's bed time.

Oh wow. I'm sore from yesterday's lifting workout. A good sore, but sore. Today, my plan was to don my new gaiters and drive out to an old mine and run 4 miles home. Turns out, that was a great plan for today because the wind is soooo bone chilling, I might have settled for a shorter run if I could have turned around. As it was, I had to go home. So 4 miles later, I went back with hubby to retrieve the jeep from 4 miles out, and I feel the usual YAY-ness that I'm a strong, energetic, capable, adventurous me. Ah, running...a nice way to be.

Leaving for Denver for a quick overnight trip to have a truck fixed and to go to the eye doctor. I squeezed in my lifting workout this morning, and I'll let tomorrow be my day off. Yesterday, I ran in my new "dirtygirlgaiters." No rocks in my shoes! Inconceivable! Ran through shallow snow with no snow flinging up and into my shoes. Sweeeeeet! It was cold out, too. COLD wind. Wore my jacket the whole run for the first time this season. Well, sort of the whole time...I came back like this:

Not feeling my best. Female Follies...no need for details, but I just can't wait for this day to pass. Yesterday was hard too, but I lifted, upper body and went to yoga and bellydance. I was surprised that belly dance was an actual workout. It's never a workout. Last night was lots of jumping and kicking. It was fun, but tiring for yesterday. Today is beautiful out and a run day. I plan to get out there, but don't know how the running will go. A walk is nice too, right? Come on, Advil!