Road Running Again

As of late, my road running has been so sporadic that I've contemplated changing my blog name to "Vegan Cross Trainer".  I've been exercising regularly but the cardio portion of my workouts has been more boot camp, cycle, elliptical, and Stair Master than running. 

Now, if you me personally or you've read this post, you're probably wondering what the big deal is.  It isn't like me to train anyway or freak out about a race.  It's just that this year has been stressful in so many ways and my body has been through the ringer, mentally and physically.  So although I've been working out, I've sort of been on auto-pilot and haven't been giving it my all.  (Sometimes I barely break a sweat at the gym - it's been that bad.)  As a result, I've gained weight, which has left me feeling sluggish, tired, depressed, and quite honestly, NOT in the mood to run. 

Considering that, the prospect of two upcoming 1/2 marathons in the next five weeks is a little daunting.  I realized the other day that I'm not in as good as pre-race shape as I usually am.  So this week I ran two times - 4 miles and 5.75 miles.  Neither run was speedy but both of them felt great.  And although it was only two runs I've felt more energetic and happier than I have in months.  Even my gym workouts have improved!  It's amazing how much of a boost a good workout can be for my mood.  If I can keep up this pace of a couple runs a week and more intense cross-training, I'll definitely be in much better shape for my spring races.  Will I set any new PRs?  Nope.  Am I okay with that?  Yep.  I'm just coming out of hibernation.  There's a whole season ahead of me and I'll just be getting warmed up!

Finally trying out my new kicks on the road - aren't these babies sweet?

Upcoming Races:

• March 25th - Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon
• April 14th - Martian Invasion of the Races Half Marathon

What races are you running this spring?

Weird Michigan Winter

Here I am modeling for you the extent of my winter gear on my January 10th run.  The rest of my outfit was the long-sleeve shirt you see here and a pair of pants.  Note that I'm not even wearing my signature ear-warmer!  It was close to 50 degrees that day as I ran for 45 minutes through my hometown of Allen Park before going to my mom and dad's for dinner.  (Brian was in Vegas for the week for, ahem, work so they kindly had me over the evening.)

Ten days later we finally got a couple of inches of snow and the temps dipped into the teens.  I haven't run since.  I've seen people out there all bundled up in their vests and hats, wearing their running tights, gingerly running over the ice and snow.  

But no one has seen me out there.  It's not because I don't have the gear.  Oh no - I have running tights, vests, hats, and gloves.  I even have specialty shoes that are meant for running in ice and snow!  It's just that I'm a wimp when it comes to the cold.  I'm sure if I can just get myself out there once I'll realize it's not so bad.  And once I get moving I'll definitely warm up.  And probably run faster, too (mainly to get it over with and get back where it's warm).  It's just that first step out the door that's the hardest.  

I could just make myself get out there today.  Just go for it.  But it's been a weird winter.  If I wait another week, it just might be 40 degrees again and then it won't be so bad.

Do you run outside when it's cold?  How do you get motivated to get out the door when the weather isn't perfect?