Back in the double digits with some Chilly Challenges.

We wrapped up our third week of training today with a nice 14 mile run.  I'm beyond thrilled to be back at double digit mileage.  The temps were actually in the low 30's a few weeks ago when I logged 12 miles which was the farthest I've run since my last Marathon in September.  I ran pretty close to Lake Superior in Ashland WI, so I'm surprised there wasn't more wind, but it was honestly really nice out.  The roads were still a bit glazed over and soft in some spots, so my trax were a total necessity, but all in all, it went well. 

The temps across Wisconsin were in the double digit negatives last week.  YIKES!  That is just stupid!  I can't wait for 30's again (that sounds stupid too. . . . . but it's all relative!).   I've been getting a few miles in on the treadmill because it was too dangerous to run  outside.  I hate dreadmill running, but I'm not one to skip any miles when I'm following a training plan, so I just been toughing it out.  Luckily we still have some 3 mile runs on our training schedule, so the dreadmill is tolerable.  I've been watching "Orange Is The New Black" on my iPad while running on the treadmill, so at least it occupies my time.  This awful weather adds some extra challenges.  the frigid temps are one thing, but the rough terrain on the sidewalks and roads make running extra difficult.  I keep telling myself (and Angie) that it is a different type of speed work.  It HAS to help us when we finally get to clean road running!  Plus, the added difficulty may be helpful with our upcoming trail running.  (I'm hoping anyway).

A little too much Chill for me to run outside! and this wasn't even the worst..... I'd be okay if we never saw temps that cold again.

Angie and I FINALLY got to run some decent miles together today for our 14 miles.  The weather was pretty good and we dressed just fine for the temps.  The last 4 or 5 miles were tough because we ran into the wind, but it was doable and nothing like my birthday run.  It's so exciting to be back at higher mileage.  The worst part about a 14 mile run in colder weather is the drive home with sweaty clothes..... BRRRRR!  I blasted the heat on the way home and did a quick stretch & foam roll so I could take a hot shower right away.  I know I've been far more active after long runs, but I'm exhausted today.  I think it will take some adjusting to get my endurance back up.  I'm just going to study and relax the rest of the day.

 Drinking hot coffee in an AZ mug should warm me up right?

My sweet little baby just turned 4 this last week!  4 years old. . . . how did that come so quickly?  He's an amazingly wonderful little boy with so much energy.  Between Christmas and his birthday, he got so many toys. . . .  his playroom is chuck full.  I need to spend some time "organizing"  (aka: save, toss, donate).  I can hardly walk in the toy room right now which drives me nuts.  I'm too tired today to worry about it, so maybe next weekend.

Jacks is playing with all a few new toys. . . . and a random foam roller which is a part of our daily lives!

On to some more exciting news. . . . . . I'm officially registered for 2 races! the 50k in May (Ice Age 50) and now Grandma's Marathon in June.  I did get my refund on the 50 mile race that I accidently signed Angie and myself up for.  One of my Christmas gifts from my parents was some money towards an entry fee, so I put that to good use and signed up for Grandma's right away.  Can't beat that.  Since we registered before the end of the year, we automatically got our names entered into a drawing for a free room that weekend....... neither of us won, so looks like we'll be booking something else.  I will likely be too nervous to pay attention to details, so I don't really care where we stay.

How many races are you registered up for?  Do you need to have a race in your future to keep you motivated?  I seem to come up with excuses when I don't have an actual training plan.  I will admit my excuses over the last few months were quite valid, but I hate excuses. . . . even my own. 

Happy Running!

~Brooke~