Showing posts with label Deer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deer. Show all posts

Saturday, February 22, 2025

This is the Way

This was the week that winter almost broke me. The theme of bitter cold and wind continued. This is the kind of cold that penetrates, even through clothing. A few weeks ago, I layered up but was apparently underdressed, for my run on the Ice Age Trail in the bitter, windy, cold and it almost made me cry, it hurt so much. We had that kind of cold again this week and I had to dig deep to get myself back outside. I knew I could have defaulted to the treadmill, but decided to take my chances because I really needed some fresh air and nature. 

I say winter almost broke me because it didn't. There were a lot of positives despite the cold. It was sunny every day and that helped to lift my spirits. Making sure to dress appropriately, I got outside for all my runs and was pleasantly surprised by how much stronger I felt when I ran. The auxiliary strength workouts at the gym seem to be paying off! That's why mixing things up or, as they say at the gym, periodizing your training is important. Keeping the body guessing: this is the way!

Even better: we're starting to warm up! 

Saturday, February 15, 2025

An Unintentional Cutback Week

I didn't mean to run fewer miles than usual this week. My weekly 'goal' mileage is around 20 miles. This week I ran about 15 miles. The cutback wasn't intentional--Mother Nature forced my hand. The weather continues to deliver bitter cold temperatures and brisk winds, which is as unpleasant as you might imagine. I'm no weather wimp, but my enthusiasm for all the things outdoors is wearing thin. Long distance runs are really tough when it's so cold.

Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. We've been amping up our strength work at the gym and my legs are feeling the fatigue. Hopefully, between the strength work and the reduction in running miles, I'll see some strong spring runs!