Week 1, Run 2 (Brrrrrrrrr!)

I'm starting this post before I head out for my second run of the week, and man oh man, is it ever cold out there (sounds like the beginning of a Christmas song)! I'm procrastinating hoping it will warm up from the MINUS 6 degrees F it is right now. Also it's really sunny out, so I'm not looking forward to squinting or wearing sunglasses which will fog up. Sheesh. Why am I doing this (I ask myself again)?

I just read a very brave comment from PenguinBomber.... time to rally round, folks! PB thanks for opening up a very important topic.

[Pause while I climb up on my soap box]

IMPORTANT REMINDER - my marathon goal is to COMPLETE THE EVENT, there is no speed goal. If you are in the mindset to finish in a certain time frame you might ruin this experience for yourself.

When I shared the .1% statistic, note that I did not (nor do I actually know or care) what the best, worst or even average completion time was for all the competitors. All I know is that they completed. PERIOD.

I'm begging you all: please don't let this be about time or doing better (or worse) than others. This is about challenging yourself to do something you never thought you could do.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox and preparing to head out to brave the elements. Wish me success -- as I'm wishing for all of you : )

BRB...

Ok! I did it. I ran for an hour today in sub freezing temperatures (11 degrees F). Yay me! Oh the applause is deafening. Bow. Bow. Courtesy.

Now for the honest part. (Thanks PenguinBomber for creating the safe environment.) My distance today was 4 miles. Yup, for me the SEASONED marathon "runner," I ran 4 miles an hour. 15 minute miles. Guess what else - that's how long it took me to do my run on Tuesday which was..... (wait for it) 4 miles.

Should I be embarrassed? Well, I don't really know the answer to that one, but I do know this -- I completed what was required for my training plan. I ran more in the last three days than most of my neighbors, and I know that this is the beginning of 16 weeks of investment.

So, friends, please don't harshly judge your training. Commit to the journey. Be open to what you discover. GROUP HUG!

Wow! it's up to a blistering 16 degree F outside. I better go turn down the heat! Speaking of turning down the heat: I over dressed for today's run. I had 3 leg layers (plus gators), 2 pairs of thin running socks, 5 total body layers (2 thin poly shirts, 1 thin fleece, 1 thin running jacket, 1 windbreaker), and a fleece collar, baklava, and hat. Oh and 2 pairs of thin fleece gloves. After about 10 minutes, I pulled the collar down from off my nose and mouth and took off 1 pair of gloves. 5 minutes later I took off the windbreaker and tied it around my waist. My core still felt too warm, but I was afraid of removing another body layer.

The squeaky crunch of the snow reminded me of the sugar white sandy beaches in Destin, Florida -- well, minus the sand dollars, sun shine and tropical temperatures. Other than that, it was exactly the same!

Who's ready for 4 miles on Saturday?!?!?!