Frost on My Running Shoes

 It's been a cold one here at the old TTLWH headquarters. Every morning, I vowed to run on my old ancient treadmill, but once I saw the sun starting to rise, I bundled up and headed outside into the polar vortex for my runs. 

Every damn time this week. Because the sun makes me feel warm, even on the coldest mornings.

It's been a good week of running!

I felt pretty good this week. After last week's chest pain scare, thankfully, I didn't have anything nearly as dramatic happen to me. Yes, there were some aches and pains. But overall, I was starting to feel encouraged. So much so, that I am tentatively adding another race to my spring race schedule. I do love me a 10 mile race, and the one sponsored by the Chicago Area Runners Association is a favorite of mine. It's on March 18 and it's probably going to be cold, but there's beer at the finish! I'm hoping some of my local running friends will be there too. And maybe a fellow running blogger? Stay tuned.

Becky told me about a 2 week running challenge sponsored by Strava and lululemon. The lululemon 40/80 challenge starts Monday, January 9. Run 25 miles (40km) and receive a badge and a treat. Run 50 miles (80km) and receive another badge and a bigger treat. I know I can do the 25 mile challenge. But can I do the 50? I'm going to try. I normally run about 20-22 miles/week, so I'll need to push the distance a little bit. This will be a good test of pacing for me, especially since I've been struggling with my endurance. Do you want to join me? Check it out, and while you're at it, follow me on Strava!

Speaking of Becky, we started my strength cycle this week! I did squat cleans, power cleans, and deadlifts. If I do the math right, those deadlifts were 105#, 10 reps x 5 sets. It felt great to be lifting again. As hard as this is, mentally I need this. Does that make sense? The cleans to squats are hard but I'm getting the hang of it. There was a bit of comic relief while in the middle of the cleans I asked Becky when we were starting the strength cycle. She looked at me really funny--I blame my brain dysfunction on the steroids I'm taking. Anyhow, at the end of our session, she told me that I was already at where I should be, which was affirming to both of us. Take that, RA!

I look like I've had enough! And this is just the beginning...

I asked Becky how the corticosteroids that I am taking for my RA affect my training. She said it wouldn't affect my strength but the steroids increase laxity in my joints. I have noticed that I've been much more flexible lately, particularly at yoga, and now I know why. For the first time ever, I was able to sit in Broken Toe pose, which is usually quite painful for me. This pose is so good for the feet, so I'll take this side effect as a positive! The insomnia? Not so much.

I went to 2 yoga classes in the studio this week. Carol taught both classes, and they were the same. I didn't mind, though, because when I went on Monday, we worked on Warrior 3, and that is a pose I need to work on. The style of both classes was flowing between poses, with vinyasas in between. It was challenging and I really enjoyed it. One of the flows was moving between Warrior 3 and Crane pose without touching your toe to the ground. This takes a lot of core and hip strength and by the end of class on the second day, I got it. This was a good series for me, and I'll practice it at home as well.

Warrior 3 and a giant red ball.

Yes, there was running. I got in 4 runs this week, all outdoors. It was warmer earlier in the week, but the bottom fell out on Wednesday. All but one of my runs were in sub-zero wind chills. These runs were all about the gear. I was sweating when I got home. I'm getting used to running slower than I have in the past. My legs still want to go when I first head out but my body stops that nonsense fairly quickly. I struggled on Saturday's run. It was upsetting to feel so much effort with a 4 mile run. I was determined to finish it, though, and I did. Sunday's run was completely different. Sure, it was still slower than I'm used to but it felt so much easier. Same conditions. I guess this is how it is going to be for me. I'm grateful for the ability to keep running and I need to remind myself of that with every step I take. Feel free to slap me upside the head when I start feeling sorry for myself!

Thursday's run was strong!

How was your week? Were your runs affected by the weather? Anyone affected by the cancellation of the WDW Half Marathon or the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon? Broken toe pose anyone? Who's joining me for that Strava/lululemon challenge?

I'm linking this post with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap, as well as Angela and Ilka for their Sunday Food and Fitness Linkup! Be sure to congratulate Holly on her massive PR at the WDW marathon today!