Weather - challenging! - 30 degrees (dropped to 27 by the time I was walking home), a bit windy, cloudy, and raining ice. Yes, I went out to run in an ice storm. Was hoping to do some 200m repeats at the track, but the ice on the ground would not allow it, so running on grass was the only option today. I decided to do fartlek at the country club. Ran an easy 3 miles to get there, then ran the 6 fairway perimeter. After the 6th hole I still felt strong, so I did 2 more fairways, which brought me back to where I started. Last week when I did the fartlek my breathing became shallow and after getting into oxygen debt I couldn't recover. Today I was able to keep my breathing deep and in control, and so was able to run faster and longer. Afterwards 4 sets of strength exercises, and stretching. During the 40 minute walk home my hands went numb because my gloves were soaked, my jacket had a plate of ice stuck to it, and I slipped at least 10 times, but somehow managed not to fall.
I am getting stronger week by week. I feel I have accumulated enough fitness and strength to at least give a hard effort at the X-country race next Saturday. I am looking forward to it.
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