How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

Weather - 31 degrees, cloudy, raining ice, not much wind. Ran in another ice storm today, waited until the rain was just mist, then plodded along carefully on the slippery roads. Ran an easy 4 miles, then did 3 sets of strength exercises, and 40 minute walk home. After 4 consecutive weeks of increased mileage (29, 36, 40, 44) and intensity, this week is a planned easy week - no speed, nothing long, just short and easy, allowing my body to recover from the previous months tension. I am holding up to the strain of running daily, I am currently at 23 straight days. I have never done consecutive running before, usually it was 5 days on, 2 off. The next planned race is the Siberian Express 7.5 mile trail race at Kickapoo State Park in early January. That race will hopefully keep me motivated to continue training hard during this dark, dreary, cold and wet month.

Weather - 32 degrees, cloudy, no wind. An easy 4 miles today at the arboretum. Most of the run was slogged in snow/ice, and I realized it is similar to running in sand. When I got onto the street for the final 600 meters it seemed a relief to be on a surface which allows one to push off with secure footing. I think running in snow will make my legs stronger, if I can avoid injury. Afterwards 3 sets of strength exercises and 20 minute walk home. 

Weather - 35 degrees, cloudy, rain, no wind. Found a time to slip out for a run while the rain had stopped, and ran an easy 4 miles to Crystal Lake Park and back. The ice was dripping from the tree limbs, and the roads had finally cleared of slick spots. It was a quick session, as I did not bother with the strength exercises today -  since this is an easy week I might as well make it as easy as possible. I can feel my body recovering from the past months work, legs are feeling stronger and my achillies is not too sore when I wake up. A few more days of 4 mile runs should get me ready for another bout of fitness improvement.

Weather - 33 degrees, sunny. Ran 1 mile to Brookens Gym and did 6 sets of strength exercises and stretching. Then ran 3 more miles around the basketball court. I was tired of running in the cold, so it was a nice change to sweat indoors. 

Weather - 32 degrees, cloudy, a bit of wind. I had no motivation to run today, but I am learning that the good thing about keeping a running calendar is the momentum one can build as each day is marked off with a run. After 25 consecutive days of mileage I did not want to see a zero, so I ended up getting my 4 miles in today.

Weather - 32 degrees, cloudy. Was feeling energetic and considered doing a hard session, probably fartlek around the golf course, but I thought it would be better if I finished out the week with easy runs, so I sat in the house until late afternoon, waiting for my energy to wane. When I finally went outdoors for the run I was feeling a bit more tired than in the morning, and this helped me to run an easy 4 miles. Tomorrow will be the final day of the week for easy runs. 

Weather - 30 degrees, cloudy, snowing. A bit of snow on the ground, so I ran 1 mile to Brookens Gym at 6:30am. After doing 6 sets of strength exercises and stretching I ran 3 easy miles around the basketball court. Usually running in short circles is a tiresome way to run, but today I was in a sort of Zen mode, I didn't even realize I was running, it seemed as natural as a leisurely walk. The 3 miles were over quickly, thus ending my week of daily 4 mile easy runs. My body feels good, and I feel as if I have gained in fitness. Since there are still 3 months of cold weather left in the season, I am going to try to have a higher percentage of easier runs than has been my practice in the past. It seems to be a better and safer way to train for the winter season.