what a difference

Last week I ran 14 of my scheduled 18mi and could run no further.  We had snow on the ground, it was 30something degrees, and we had 25mph winds.

Today I ran 17.5 of my scheduled 17mi (see what I did there?) and while it was tough, it was a MUUUUCH better run than last week.  We had green grass and flowers popping up, 50something degrees, and only 10-15mph winds.  It helped, too, to have a friend run the final 5mi with me.

I'm struck by the difference a week makes.  I'm glad for it...but it's pretty remarkable.  See picture below for reference:

winter's death grip

It just won't. let. go.  Not only did we get another foot of snow earlier this week, the temps have been so cold that the snow is not going anywhere.

Thankfully, most of the sidewalks are pretty clear and so is the Minuteman Bikeway!  Now that we have more daylight after work, I can make use of this favorite running spot again.  Matter of fact, I did just last evening.  I had planned to go for a run at lunch but decided to push it off to after work, thinking it'd be a bit warmer by then.  What I didn't realize is that it'd also be snowing by then!  Huge fat, wet flakes.  And so I finished my 4.5mi run like this:

I was actually a bit more covered, but when I ran inside to grab my phone the snow immediately started to melt.  Buuuut, you get the idea.  I am so over this and will gladly welcome spring with open arms.  Any day now...

i'm still alive...

It's been a while, huh?!  I hope you haven't been too worried...I'm still alive and (more importantly?) still running.  There was a good bit of time when I wasn't and didn't feel like it.  But I put on my big girl pants, got through a few long runs on the treadmill, and had a darn near PR at a half marathon this past weekend.  I've started doing more cross-training (yoga, bootcamp) and it has made me like my running better...mainly because I'm not running everyday.

Anyway, I'm back to running and to writing.  Lucky you!  As I mentioned above, I ran a half marathon this past weekend down in New Bedford, MA.  It's still part of the 12 in 12 goal.  A goal that I'm still working toward, although it has been tweaked a bit these past couple of months.  I missed January and February, one due to my lack of training, one due to a winter storm.  But since I ran two in October and ran a full in December, I'm counting them for Jan and Feb.  The 12 in 12 ends when I cap off the year with the race that started it:  the Run to Remember in Boston on May 26th.  I can't wait to stop running half marathons every month!

What's next?  Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in just 37 days!!  I was on the website today and started getting just a bit nervous...that hasn't happened for a race since, well, since December.  I suppose each marathon produces a bit of nerves for me.  I've got an 18miler on the schedule for this Saturday and a 20 on the schedule for April 6th.  After that...I'll be ready!  And if I'm not, I only have myself to blame...well, myself and this winter.  (Too much snow.  Way too much snow.)