Friends are such a blessing!

Temperatures have been cold lately.  I have a very difficult time mentally running on a treadmill.  The goal this weekend was to run 6-7 miles ... a recovery week.  So funny to hear me say 'only' 6-7 miles.  Saturday's weather was -2 deg F with a windchill of -15 deg F.


Fortunately, I have found a dear woman who enjoys running outside in all kinds of weather.  Thanks Sandy for joining this crazy lady this morning.  The 6.5 miles flew by and the temperature seemed warmer in your company.

Registered for my first full marathon

I'm registered for my first full marathon!  May 15, 2011

I'm so excited.  The most exciting is that my mom and my little sister will be running it will me.

My goals are:

1. To finish
2. To finish holding my mom's hand and she holding my sister's hand.
3. To run it in 5 hours or less

Winter Running - What to wear?

This morning's long run was a bit slow.  Running through freshly fallen snow of over 1 1/2 inches is a bit of a challenge.  The temperature was 13 deg F with a windchill of 0 deg F.

So, what does a person wear?

Here's my outfit from this morning:

 Head:
     Smartwool Headband
     Smartwool Balaclava

Tops:
     Athleta Sierra Long Sleeve top with thumbholes and fold over ends
     Athleta Cascada Vest
     Ascis Storm Shelter Jacket (to block the wind)

Hands:
     Smartwool glove liners
     Asics running mitts


Bottoms:
     Nike running pants with fleece on the inside (in talls!)
     Asics storm shelter pants (to block the wind)


If my hands start to get too warm, the running mitts can fold over. 

The openings on my jacket are adjustable (see the two zippers in the middle).  When the running against the wind, I keep them closed.  When the wind is at my back, I tend to warm up.

Last winter, I ran with YakTrax Pro on the bottom of my shoes.  They worked well, but only lasted one season.  This year, I opted to try sheet metal screws.  Work just as well and really nice on the budget.  A how-to guide is here.

I also wear a Road ID on every run.  On my early morning runs, I wear a Black Diamond Sprinter headlamp.

Another awesome giveaway

http://runtohealth.blogspot.com/2010/12/zesah-leg-sleeves-giveaway.html

Awesome giveaway

http://www.runcourtrun.com/2011/01/cep-compression-socks-review-and.html

2010 Running Review

2010 was my first full year of running.  

Ran 780.5 miles
Highest weekly mileage:  29.1 - July 12
Highest monthly mileage:  97.3 - July

Ran 12 official races:

5K

May 8:   Journey's Race

31:39 (10:13 pace) - 8/18 in my division; 62/153 for women

10K Trail

June 19:  Keyes Peak Trail Run

1:14:32 (6.44 mi) / 1:11:47 (10K)    11:35 pace

1st in my age group!; 9/21 women

10K Road

July 3:  Bessemer Hometown Run

1:05:49   (10:35 pace)

3/4 in age group; 29/42 in women; 83/103 overall

July 11:  Bass Festival Race

1:04:32  PR  (10:27 pace)

10/11 in age group; 33/39 in women;  68/78 overall

July 31:  Rodeo Race 

1:02:53  PR  (10:07 pace)

1st place in my age group!!

1/2 in age group; 6/8 in women;  17/19 overall

Oct. 30:  Chase the Pumpkin 
1:06:43    (10:30) 

Nov. 25:  Thanksgiving Day Race

1:10:21    (11:21 pace)
342 / 602 in my age group; 3135 / 5488 in women; 7312 / 10756 overall

 

12K Trail

June 5:  Blueberry Ridge Trail

1:28:11 (11:50 pace)  -  5/7 in my division; 36/42 for women

15K Trail

Aug. 7:  Lake Antoine Classic

1:42:11  PR  (10:57)

Half Marathon

June 26:  Charlevoix, MI

2:25:29  -  11:07 pace

25/31 in age group;  186/243 women; 343/479 overall

July 17:  Virtual Race - Half Marathon

2:25:16  PR  (11:04 pace)

Official Results of the Unofficial Event: click here

Sept. 4:  Ringside Fitness Marquette

2:23:34  PR  (10:57)

32 in age group; 93 in women

Oct. 9:  Harbor Springs

2:25:54    (11:08)