A weirdly warm and soggy 17

[Decker]

After the holidays I had to push my Asics plan back a few times due to really poor freezing weather - this week we just left the cold snap. Asics would not let me adjust any more runs as it was in the final weeks of the plan, so I started a new one. The only change I am making is that I am throwing in a long run maybe once a week, just to continue the training I already started. It's a bit of a mess, but that's not so unusual for my life. Today was strangely warm in the morn +12 (!) when I left the house at around 7:30. Of course the temp is dropping like a stone this aft to -10 or so and we are in for freezing rain tonight, so this morn seemed like a good opportunity to get the second long 17 in that I keep missing out on. It was a rainy morning too, but that light North Face jacket I picked up really held up and kept almost all of the rain out and my head dry. Was trying for 18k but the *$$%@!! watch died at 15 and then started up again on its own. Turns out I was low on battery. (Mental note to charge Ms. Garmin before longer runs) . Thankfully the watch kept the first run data. So I did a second short run - was almost home by then. 1.86 was recorded for that, but as I ran while Ms Garmin was sorting herself out, I’m calling this 17k :). Had a couple of walk/stop breaks during the run - one at 7k for a munch on a Cliff bar and another at 12k to change my soaking gloves for dry mitts at home along with a swig of OJ. It was like a fresh run with warmed up hands. Had to blow my nose a whack of times - using the paper towels instead of Kleenex - a tip I picked up from roseabi here - thank you - worked like a charm! Couple of hours later and my legs are not screaming in pain either. I made a point of slowing down throughout the run, but still made decent time (for me) at around a 7:37 pace average, and it seemed to be reflected in my heart zones - I am normally in 4-5 zones after running, but today was in 3-4 only which seems like a good thing.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Seems like our weather systems are complete opposite lately - when you get out of your deep freeze we're back in. Ugh winter is frustrating. Glad you were able to get out this morning for another 17k. That's an amazing distance! And 12 degrees first thing in the morning - what a weather swing! Sounds like you're figuring out what is working for you and your body is adjusting well to these long runs. Just have to remember to keep your lovely Ms Garmin fully charged 😆

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yep I think they are. Its crazy! Its now-7 and snowing over top of the freezing rain which always makes for a fun commute home on a Friday night. Ya I figured I may as well grab the run while I could. Cannot see myself doing 17 on a track or a treadmill. The run itself felt good. The stop breaks really made a huge difference again.

Yes definitely will be charging Ms G before the long runs!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I did 12k this morning and 8k Wednesday both on the treadmill - I definitely don't get the same happy feeling from treadmill runs. It's nice to have a backup though. I'm not willing to risk frostbite and it was -30 again this morning

Safe driving with that freezing rain! We had videos on the news earlier this week of people donning their skates and literally skating on city streets in Regina! Yuck! We thankfully didn't get that.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Big respect for those distances on the dreadmill! But, yes it does beat frostbite I really appreciate Spring at this time of the year.

Skates on the streets! We're not at that point yet - Holy cow!

[C3PO Marathon]

Good idea to take advantage of the warmer weather for your run. We also get big fluctuations in the winter (although not quite as dramatic as what you've had today), so when I can I try to be smart about scheduling my runs.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to C3PO]

Today is a strange one for weather. It was like a mid October run today, not the middle of January. The weather has come to its senses now and is dumping snow down over the freezing rain we had earlier. Glad I am in for the day! Forget Asics - I just need the Weather Channel to plan runs. Its been making most of my run decisions lately.

[Lordi Marathon]

Scandinavia is nuts this year! No cold days yet in Heksinki since a bit of a cold snap end of Nov. Usually it's a bit nippy by now but we've not even broken out the real winter clothing yet (down, double layer gloves, woolies, long johns etc). Not much snow either so skiers are a bit peeved. Sea has finally begun to freeze (Jan) when most years it does that in end Nov!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

Wow - That is crazy! I don't know what is happening with the weather these days. We have fresh snow and freezing rain so it's back to normal again. Happy to have access to indoor community tracks this time of year.

[C3PO Marathon in reply to Lordi]

Not Oslo. We're having the first decent winter we've had in about 4 years. Temperatures aren't terribly low, but staying on the right side of freezing (wrong side for you Brits). We actually had snow for Xmas, and it's still here! Not lots of snow, but skiing is definitely doable.

[Anniemurph Half Marathon]

Wow! I am in total awe of all you real cold-weather runners keeping going through your winters. That's a great run, well done

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks Annie 🙂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I just saw this - glad to be of assistance

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Its the little things that make the difference 🙂