Success!

Day 4 of the running streak is done!

After weeks of not hitting four runs a week targets, I have now run four days in a row!!

This post is likely to contain an excessive amount of exclamation marks!!!

Thursday (Thanksgiving) - four miles
Friday - four miles
Saturday - six miles
Sunday (today) - two miles

Friday was a pretty standard, uneventful run. Much more comfortable than the four miles I did on Thursday. The weather had done a turnaround from Thursday and was about 15 degrees colder - and just about perfect running weather in my book.

Lakefront Path, looking South toward Oak Street Beach

I snuck in a little bit of shopping in the afternoon, despite the horrendous crowds, to get a dress to wear to a work Christmas function next weekend. I got something much shorter than I would normally go because I love my runner's legs and am proud to display them now (hopefully everyone will ignore all the bruises I have from my bike - I am so uncoordinated!!).
Saturday was my long run for the week which I did with my CARA running group. After the bike ride to join the group my legs and feet were pretty much numb. A pair of windproof running tights is definitely on the list. As is some form of foot protection. The first two miles were completely on auto-pilot because everything from the waist down felt completely disconnected from me. I still really like running with a group - I'm not very chatty but I enjoy listening to everyone else. We knocked out the six at 10:40 pace (not ideal given we're supposed to be the 11:00 pace group!) and I must confess I was tired by the time I got home. It was the first cold run I have done since moving here. I was starving when done too. I treated myself to eggs and vege hash for breakfast at a local cafe after what felt like the best hot shower ever.
Sunday was a slow two miles. Technically today is a cross-training day on the plan, so I kept the mileage low and pace reasonably glacial.

Tomorrow will be the first "big" challenge in the streak. After a glorious four day weekend, I will have to go back to work :(

I'm planning on sneaking in one mile on the treadmill in my building's gym before work. I only want to do one mile tomorrow as I'm worried about hurting myself if I go any further. The treadmill will help keep me to one mile because I detest treadmill running.

I'm going to streak

Despite my history with consistent running (specifically, consistent running and I don't have a history), I'm going to try the Runner's World Running Streak.

Why?

I am hoping that the goal of only having to hit one mile a day won't overwhelm me. I can run one mile if I'm not feeling great. I can run one mile on the treadmill without passing out from boredom. I can fit a one mile run into any day.

They say (whoever "they" are) that if you do something 21 times, it becomes a habit. And if I can get into a running habit then I'll be much better set up for doing the running that I want to do. I would love 2013 to be the running year.

I kicked off the streak with 4 miles this morning. Lovely day. Bad run. First two miles were plagued with a stitch (why?! why?! I wasn't even running fast) and a very tight left leg from hip to heel. Second two miles were significantly better and made me glad that I persisted through the first two, even though they were still pretty lacklustre.

How could I pass this up?

Post run, I had a date with the foam roller and the tennis ball (ow! ow! ow!). It think I need to add stretching to my streak too.

You win some, you lose some

Today marks the end of the second week of my official 12 week training to the F^3 Half.

I signed up to train with CARA as I was apprehensive about running through my first Chicago winter. With two group long runs on the books, I am happy about this decision (even though it hasn't really got cold yet). It's been a bit of a shift to run with others but when you're living in city where you don't really know anyone, I think it's the way to go. I joined the 11:00 pace group which is working out great.

Other than my long runs, the rest of my training has been a little hit and miss. The plan has us running four times a week - as I've previously reported, hitting these targets has been an issue for me.

I have high hopes of achieving the target this week as there are no "events" planned over the next seven days. I have the best of intentions but this sort of reflects what actually happens when I go out:

I am envious of those who can drink and run. I like beer. I like running. Beer and running do not like each other when I am involved. You win some, you lose some.

In addition to running, I have also entered the world of cycling. My new training group starts their runs about 6 miles from where I live. Given my lack of car, my options for getting there are public transit, cab or bike. Waiting around for the bus after a run is not really what I want to do. As it turns out, I do not have great biking legs. I especially don't have great biking legs after a run. Sore legs beats cold legs any day though.

Until next time...