Thursday's 25:1(x2)

Thursday's Run:
25:1 (x2) = 7.39 K
Once again, ran after work in the school community. Not as cold but still had to wear toque and mittens. Had ot look out for slush and puddles as the snow's been melting.
YTD = 73.54 K

Looking forward to tomorrow's LSD. Woke up late this morning so opted for tomorrow. Forecast +4C so might try the Martin Goodman Trail tomorrow! Have a running nose, though (and sneezing) :-(

25:1 (x2)

It continues to amaze me how cold it is outside yet how comfortable it is running in the winter :-) Got in 7.14 K after work (had to run in the school community and then return to school for a grade 8 open house). Had to run on a major street and watch where I was going (for snow). Enjoyed a subway sub afterwards!

YTD = 66.15 K

Great motivation with the 2010 Challenge on the Running Room Forum. Lots of people running!

LSD 25:1 (x6)

Woke up at 10:30 AM (ouch!) and after taking Bud on a morning walk and feeding him brunch, got in my LSD. The weather was much "warmer" than yesterday. With windchill about -10C. I opted a similar route to last week since the Martin Goodman Trail would be more windy and colder near Lake Ontario. Ran on Bloor/Danforth until I reached 3300 Danforth Street East (east of Pharmacy) and then back home. The majority of the time I was running on dry sidewalk or salted sidewalks. Brought along water and Gatorade (they didn't freeze) and drank all the Gatorade. Treated myself to a Subway sandwich on the way home -- wow, it was cold! So grateful how "warm" it feels when running.

Today = 22.37K
This week = 36.59 K
YTD = 59.01 K

Here's a photo of the little man on December 25th, 2009:

25:2 (x2)

Got in 7.02 K running after work in the neighbourhood. Wasn't that cold this evening, even though it was -10C with windchill. Sidewalks on major street shovelled but I was still careful where/how I ran. Slight ache on the left ankle but hopefully nothing.

Read in yesterday's newspaper a study done on running barefoot vs. running with running shoes. Running barefoot is better on the knees. Hmm....

YTD = 36.64 K

25:1 (x2)

Opted for a run near work this evening -- got out a bit later than expected. Thin layer of snow on the ground and cold (but not as cold as on the weekend). Yes, face still didn't like the wind blasting on it. I've been putting Vaseline on the bottom of my feet since they have dried and cracked from the weekend LSD :-( Got in 7.20 K and the last few minutes felt particularly good as I got to speed up.

YTD = 29.62 K

LSD 25:1 (x6) & Cold!!!

Wow!!! It's cold out there. -15C with windchill over -20C. It also snowed last night. Walked Bud this morning and the snow was thin and I didn't any ice. Original plan was to run 2 intervals of 25:1 and repeat tomorrow (although the weather is forecasted to be similar to today). Wore my "warm" winter attire and hoped for the best.

The first 10 minutes were cold -- but that's what the current issue of Canadian Running says about winter running. I don't mind the cold so much, just the wind blowing into my uncovered face. As I didn't plan the run, I opted to go my "proven" route of running east on Bloor/Danforth and then back. Instead of 50 minutes of running, it turned into 2H 30M :-) The sidewalks were either dry or salted -- never once did I see or experience ice (thank goodness). So, the first run of the year was cold but a success! 22.42 K. Only saw a handful of runners this morning. If it wasn't for this 2010 K goal, I would have stayed home. Glad I didn't! The run was enjoyable (except, again, for the wind blowing on my face). I experienced the cold when I arrived home to take Bud around the block -- now that was cold!!

Looking forward to warmer days...

YTD = 22.42 K

Looking Ahead to the Happy New Year!

For the Happy New Year 2010:

* I have joined the 2010 Challenge on the Running Room Personal Achievements folder, http://www.runningroom.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=39644 Goal is 2010 km in 2010

* To continue routine of 3 runs per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and LSD on weekend)

* To stay injury-free by listening to the body; to not hesitate to see sports-medicine doctor if concerns arise

* To use 25:1 intervals to train for the spring marathon and 30:1 intervals to train for the autumn marathon

* To include speed training in weekday runs

* “A” races: Mississauga Marathon (spring); Toronto Marathon (fall)

* To run marathons in under 4:00

* To prepare for Mississauga Marathon, registered to run Chilly half marathon and ATB 30 K; to prepare for Toronto Marathon, registered to run Toronto 10-miler; Toronto Waterfront half marathon (yet to register for Midsummer Night’s 30 K)

* Most important goal is not road racing but for health and fitness (also a great stress-reliever to keep me sane!)