Tidbits

Seems like we've been having some "nose hair awareness" weather lately, so I've been sticking to the treadmill. Not only because of weather, but my heel is still sore after Surf the Murph and I want to get that healed completely before ramping up miles and/or hills in preparation for Chippewa (it will be here sooner than we all think)! By running on the hamster wheel, I can stop at any time if the heel starts complaining. My longest run since Murph has only been 4 miles, and I'm a little bummed that the bursitis hasn't calmed down by now :(

As far as how my other short term goals are going: I haven't been sticking with the 1600 calorie diet 5 days/week (more like 2). Summit curls have not been dropped from my routine, which probably is a major contributing factor to >1600 cal/day on some days. Strength training is going well! Cross training is going pretty well, but high intensity cardio really hasn't happened on a regular basis. Gotta get that darn heel fixed (priority #1).

Stopped by TC Running Company this morning to get some new road shoes (Mizuno Wave Rider 12)! It's always fun getting new kicks - this version seems to have a slightly lower profile than the 11, so I'm looking forward to giving them a spin. Didn't see Kurt, but got to chat with owner Adam for a little bit. If anyone in the Twin Cities is looking for a good running shoe store where the folks know their stuff, I highly recommend this one!

Forecast is for snow snow snow, so I may take the snowshoes out for their first tromp of the season tomorrow. It will be nice just to get out in the woods :) That ought to get me in the Christmas spirit!

Hope everyone is enjoying our winter wonderland!

Snowshoeing Finally!

Had only 1 client this morning, then free at last! Got in a quick weight lifting session since I was at the gym anyway, then decided to try out the new shoes. Perfect weather for snowshoeing: 10 degrees, no wind, about 4 inches of fresh powder snow, sunshine....went back to Bredesen Park for my first ever snowshoe venture.

The first task was just getting them on - getting straps cinched and tucked out of the way with gloves on (then gloves off). After that it was pretty easy. Walking anyway. Jogging felt very awkward and less efficient than just walking....I think I was slower trying to run! It will take a little practice, but it was fun.

Anyway, it was a perfect winter morning to be outside playing in the the white fluffy stuff - I ended up sharing the park with a few cross country skiers. I even saw a wild turkey (never saw one here in winter before).

Let It Snow

Nine Mile Creek - Bredesen Park

Still haven't tried out the new snowshoes, but I did get a little hike in this morning at Bredesen Park. I'd originally planned on getting up early to run with Carl at Lake Harriet, but never set my alarm clock and woke up at 8:30! Peering out my window, everything had a fresh blanket of heavy wet snow, but the ground looked a little slushy.

I decided to lace up my Gortex trail shoes and try a run at Bredesen, which is just a block away from home.


Access trail to Bredesen Park follows Nine Mile Creek through a tunnel under Gleason Ave.

The main trail gets plowed regularly and turned out to be pretty icy, so I headed for the interior trails which are left alone. There were some fresh ski tracks and a few inches of snow - too deep to really run very well. I think this would have been a good test for the snowshoes! Anyway, my run turned into a hike, but it was still fun and very pretty. I can't get used to seeing snow covered cattails.



Earlier this week:
Tues: easy 3
Weds: planned off day
Thurs: 1 easy + 2 tempo + 1 easy
Fri: strength training
Sat: snowy hike