Bret

Rest Day

In an effort to keep from exacerbating a possible foot injury - I went to the local gym and did 45 mins on a stationary bike followed by some core work.  Really did not like it very much.  Every time someone walked in the front door, cold (20 degrees) air would blow in on my back.  I always have a hard time with staying away from running due to injury.  I have no reason for anxiety over it, there is only some tenderness / discomfort over the top of the foot - which is very slight - and I am not in the middle of training for a major race - so I should just take it easy.  Unfortunately, I always notice how much I enjoy running, when I am unable to do it. 

5.0 Easy miles - early morning crisp 28 degrees - test run on the questionably injured foot.  Felt no pain or discomfort and really enjoyed the run after the first couple of miles after being inside all day yesterday with work. 

Morning run - 9.0 miles - 25 degrees and light snow coming down as I headed out.  Did one of my favorite runs here in WV.  Up Round Bottom Hill (primarily because I just like the name of the road) which is about a 1.5 to 2.0 mile climb up to a ridge that parallels the Ohio River below.  It is quiet steep at 7-8% grade but I take it easy because it is more about enjoying the scenery.   This morning was great, with the snow falling and not a car in sight - I made my way along a cemetary near the top of the climb - quiet and peaceful.  Felt like an early Christmas present to be enjoying a run with nature.   The descent is likewise steep and by the time I finished and my face was thawed out - I really felt my quads got a workout today. 

PM - 10 miles easy in a steady snow in the 20's again today. Ran on the river trail for part of the run which had a good snow accumulation - so I was crunching a slipping a bit. Nice enjoyable Christmas day run after a morning of opening presents and visiting with family.