Saturday, February 13, 2010

This proves I'd rather run outdoors

It's been almost a month since my last outdoor run. That means a lot of miles have been logged on the treadmill.

First there were brutally cold temperatures. Then some kind of gremlin was living in my chest. And on the days when I did feel good enough to run, there was darkness to contend with.

But today? It was the weekend. And sunny. And no wind. And temperatures hovering near 30. Everything was perfect to head outdoors for my 6-mile run today.

I waited until about noon to head out. I wore a long sleeve tech shirt with a second long sleeve shirt layered over it and then threw on my jacket. An ear band and my running gloves and I was set. Looking back, I probably could have done with a short sleeve and long sleeve tech shirt combo instead of two long sleeved shirts, but I was still very comfortable. I took my gloves off somewhere around mile 2.5 and shoved them in my pocket and my hands were super comfortable the rest of the run.

It felt really nice to be out there, just running in the sunshine and not freezing. My last 6-mile run was back in 2007, and while I've done a handful of 5-milers recently, that last mile was a whole new territory for me. I wasn't sure how it was going to go. But I still felt really strong that last mile, with a nice pace and could have probably kept running a bit when I finally finished - maybe all of the work I'm doing on the treadmill is helping. In fact, the last two miles? They were the fastest of the day - fast being around a 10:12 minute mile. I'll take it though.

In the end I finished 6.25 miles in 1 hour, 5 minutes. Not too bad. Looking forward to a bit of a rest day tomorrow, although I may head over to the YMCA and do some easy biking. We'll see though.

11 comments:

AM! said...

Hey, felt the same way over here in NOr Cal on my run today. it was finally sunny! woo-hoo!
Hope you're having a good weekend

Kristie said...

Yay outdoor run! I was thinking about how nice it was outside this weekend; I did an afternoon run on Friday and I can't remember the last time the sun has been so bright and warm-feeling :)

Lacey said...

lol i love that almost 30 is warmed up... glad you had some sun, too! that always helps!! mood and temps :)

great job with your outdoor run. i totally love your description of the last mile being uncharted territory... it's such a true thing. but you stayed strong and that is awesome. congrats! you must've been ready for it :)

teacherwoman said...

While I was in the middle of reading this post, I went to check our weather to see if I could get in a couple slow miles outside, but I am going to say no on that one. It's only 7 degrees but "feels like' -14. yuck.

Looks like I will be going to the gym after all!

MCM Mama said...

Glad you got outside! I'm always glad when I can get out there. Even running the same blocks over and over (as I've had to do lately with the ice) is better than the treadmill.

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) said...

It was a very pretty day to run outside yesterday here in MN too...I actually like winter running when it isn't blowingfreezingdriftingicyrotten out.

Still and all, can't wait till spring!

J said...

Some days I wear too much when I run outside and then others I wear too little! Its hard to judge how you warm you are going to get! great job on the outdoor run. My legs are hating the treadmill lately. I just feel beat up from running on it too much.

Carolina John said...

i am really looking forward to getting in some outdoor runs. and bike rides. come on snow, melt! you can do it!

Havs said...

Nice job! I was just thinking on my run tonight in the snow, man, I can't wait 'till Spring. I do believe us Northerners appreciate the warmer months more-we suffer all winter trying to stay motivated and warm!

Marlene said...

It must have been SO great to get out there and hit that 6 mile mark again. Great job!

prashant said...

Hope you're having a good weekend

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