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| Monday's sunset in Indianapolis |
Week of November 17-20
Monday: 3.4 miles in Indianapolis
Tuesday: walking 6 miles around downtown Indy
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 2 miles
Friday: 2 miles + walk to work + 2 mile dog walk
Saturday: 2 miles
Sunday: 8 miles
Total (running) miles: 17.5 miles
Elevation gain: 0 ft
2016 total: 875.8 miles
Alex had a tree conference in Indianapolis on Monday and Tuesday, so I went with him to enjoy the city. On Monday evening there was a welcome event: a 2.5 mile fun run. We ran to and from our hotel (~1 mile) and stayed with the lead pack during the fun run. I ended up winning an "award" as second female (many of the others walked). It was on a lovely trail along the river with a gorgeous sunset. We chatted the whole way and somehow maintained a 8:12 pace. After the "race" we got cleaned up and went out to dinner and did a mini beer tour. We were back by 10 to watch HGTV. Not bad!
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| City Market for lunch |
Alex woke up early on Tuesday to go to his conference. I intended to run, but decided I'd enjoy the hotel breakfast and get work done before checkout at noon. I'm so glad I did because between noon and 5pm I walked 6 miles and read a book! I took the scenic route to the library (with a stop at City Market for lunch), found and finished a book, then walked back to move the car. I parked near the Canal Walk and meandered around until Alex's conference finished. We then went to dinner and drove back to Columbus. It was a quick trip, but so lovely. Plus, it was warm and sunny!
I don't really remember much about Wednesday, which leads me to believe my workday was busy and I was still recovering...
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| Night time essentials |
Friday was my sole morning run, but it was a lovely start to a very warm day. I walked to work after and we had our (probably last) patio lunch of the season during work. After work, Alex and I took Tobias on a 2 mile dog walk. Temperatures reached 75 and it was glorious, but it did not last long: the cold front arrived Saturday morning. The lovely part about not meeting up with my group right now: I didn't run until 4:30pm! It was still cold (36º), but it was another relaxed 2 miler. Unfortunately, I wore some new leggings and they did not stay up. After the 3rd stop to hike them up I decided they are for lounging or short runs only. Bummer!
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| Posing (I also wore a vest for part of the run) |
My best run of the week came Sunday (and my other new leggings stayed up). I'm traditionally a Saturday long run kind of gal, but Alex had a quick tree job on the northwest side of town so he dropped me off at Glacier Ridge Metro Park. I had 5 miles on my plan, but decided to round up to 6. I stopped for some photos, but it was a unplanned progression run, minus one mile (9:39, 9:03, 8:43, 8:36, 8:39, 8:27*). When I finished and hadn't heard from Alex, I hung out in the (nice) women's bathroom for a bit... then decided to head back out until pick up. I got in another 2 miles for a total of 8. It was super cold and windy, but I had a fantastic time. In fact, I wouldn't have been upset to go 10+ miles! I think it's a sign that I'm ready to get back to the longer distances. *I have to admit it still boggles my mind that paces in the 8s feel comfortable. If you would have told me I'd be running times like this last summer, I wouldn't have believed you!
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| Glacier Ridge is mostly flat |
Random thoughts on...
Weather: While I love hot weather and sunshine for daily life, I sure do love 30 degree runs!
Distance: I'm really enjoying the 2 milers during the work week. It's enough to make me feel mildly accomplished and I look forward to my long runs on the weekends. Obviously, in a perfect world I'd have time for at least 6 miles a day, but I know my (time) limitations right now.
What day do you do your long runs?
What's your perfect running weather?
The day I do my long run is the day I can get it in. No particular day! Although Saturdays have been working out for me lately because that is when my running buddy does his, so I know I won't have to do it solo. And y idea running conditions is definitely when it is warmer out. It is hard to get out the door now that is cooler out.
ReplyDeleteIt really is difficult to get motivated to go outside when it's so cold! I wish I had a friend to run with. I have a group most of the year, but the people I'm good friends with live too far away. I think a good running friend would come in handy!
DeleteI prefer Saturday for my long run, but chose according to weekend temps. Don't you just love short getaways ? Change in scenery always helps recharge my batteries.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have several pairs of leggings that don't stay up. Because I am short they bag at the ankles. I have started rolling them up.....
Short trips are really rejuvenating! I am bummed about the leggings, but I suppose I've learned a lesson: only buy leggings that have a drawstring at the waist!
DeleteYay for picking a Spring race! I can't seem to think past January right now. Those are very nice paces for your progression run! I have few pairs of running tights as I don't have to run in them but a couple of months. But, I had to scrounge around for some this morning! It was a perfect 32 degrees with no wind. Thanks for linking, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteMy spring race was easy because it's my PR course. Hoping for a repeat! This cold front was tough this week. I've been living in sweatshirts and flannel. Once I get out to run it's ok, but getting outside is a struggle!
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