>Only in Ohio can you have all four seasons in a weekend

>This past weekend was a very successful one, the exact training that I needed. Friday was bound to be a day that I needed to run, but because it was just a few flakes short of a blizzard, I didn’t think I would be running, let alone going anywhere. We shut down our office early, so after digging out my car, which became an exercise in itself, I was able to get home and got ready to run. There were three college guys in there, as they didn’t have classes because of the weather. And I’m pretty sure they hadn’t showered since the morning before. I got on the bike while the treadmills were full. After 5 minutes on the bike, just enough to loosen up, the room was empty. I did the treadmill for 15, and I felt ok. Didn’t feel great, but glad I was there.

Saturday the streets were clear and it wasn’t too cold. I ran with another Muskingum Alumni, we ran to the college to see the OAC Championship meet. There weren’t really any sidewalks, and drivers thought we were crazy for running outside, even on the road. It felt nice to get outside and run compared to the treadmill staring at the mirror the whole time. And of course, what better way to finish a run, but to get some pancakes.

Took yesterday off, my legs were a little sore, but the weather for the next couple of days looks promising, ok, by now, anything above 30 looks good in my book. Is it spring yet?

>Music or Silence?

>I was able to get a pretty good workout in last night. I ran 20 minutes on the treadmill, and 10 minutes on the bike. I’m not following my schedule like I had hoped, but I’m finding ways to make my training easier than knowing I have so many days to get ready for this race. When I’m on the treadmill, I either work towards a mileage or a time, I tell myself I have to get past what I decide on, and if I want to keep going, great. If not, then I at least made the goal. If I had the chance, I’d rather be training in 60 degree weather outside on trails. When I’m on the treadmill, I feel like I’m not able to run to my full potential, that I’m always going too slow. But maybe that’s good when starting back up.

Since I started running inside, I listen to music. I plug in my headphones to  my phone, and scan for some music to pump me up ( Usually end up listening to 20 Anberlin songs) When I run outside, I can never listen to music. I like hearing what’s going on around me, and its safer too. What do you enjoy? Music or listening to your surroundings?

>A Slice of Spring

>Groundhogs day this year landed in the middle of a blizzard, which left all hope of getting any nice weather around here anytime soon. But, it’s Cleveland, and the weather changes constantly, so I gladly welcomed the warm 50 degree weather we’ve been having this week. Not only did it feel so nice out, but it helped my spirits, and put everyone in a good mood. Unfortunately, I had errands to run, the only nice day I had free from class, so I was forced to run inside after it was dark. Even with that, I was able to get some miles in on the treadmill, yes treadmill. It felt good, and I finally felt like I was getting towards my goal of running the half marathon.

We officially have four Muskie Alums signed up for the Cleveland Marathon. Two are running the full, two are running the half, and my aunt signed up for the half as well. It will be nice to have support, and not have to run alone.

>Disappointments will happen

>Well, this weekend didn’t go as planned. I went to Fitworks for my personal training session, but I was never actually written down in the schedule, so I’ll have to come back in two weeks. The place seemed big, wasn’t in the best location, and took 20 minutes. So they’ll have to wow me to get me interested. Nothing against them so far, but it’s a 20 minute drive, and I would only be able to go 2 times minimum a week. It’s much easier to stay in my building and work out than drive to get one in. But I’m interested to see how they’re able to help people, even if it’s not me.

I did get my body into shape on Saturday, well, my arms and back. We had an additional 6 inches of snow, and being the nice daughter I am, shoveled my parent’s driveway while they were out. My body was sore, but I think I scored favorite points

This week starts my actual training, and I’m off to a poor start. I had errands to run yesterday so that nixed my chance to workout, I will get things done this week….

>Focus now, worry later

>Making a training schedule was harder than I thought. While I knew where I wanted my end goal to be, finding the right mileage so I wouldn’t burn myself out was hard. If I didn’t make this schedule, I would never get there. Let’s be honest, if you have something to follow, you’re going to do it. I’m able to build up to 4,5 miles quickly, but for some reason it was 7,8, and 9 that scared me. Knowing I’d be running that within a few months make me rethink my whole way around this. Silly, I’ve run a 10.8 miles race in the middle of winter in Indiana. I couldn’t feel my feet within a mile, am I seriously worried about running 13.1 in mid May in Cleveland? The weather is probably going to be either high at 75/80 or low 50/55. There is no middle here. Both would be better than the race in Indiana.

Here’s my schedule for next week. I plan on running and biking everyday so that all my muscles will be in shape, and hopefully this will make it easier on my body once I start getting into the harder days. Hopefully this works out. And, GO PACK GO! Green Bay all the way

Monday- Run 2, Bike 5
Tuesday- Class
Wednesday Run 2, Bike 5
Thursday -Class
Friday- Run 3, Bike 5
Saturday-Run 4, Bike 4
Sunday- Bike 6

>Snow doesn’t have to slow you down

>For many people, these past few days have been cold, windy, and covered in snow. The snow storm that had 29 states issue warnings came and went, and now we are stuck with even more snow. Growing up in Ohio, specifically Cleveland area, this is something that you get used to. We get tons of snow, usually half from the lake, and half from storms like the past few days. Unfortunately, we had inches of ice that made walking, driving, and even running a challenge. I chose to stay inside to workout, like always in the winter, but I do have suggestions for those of you who like to run outside in the winter. I strongly believe in YakTrax. Yes, go ahead and look it up if you aren’t familiar with them. They are one of the best inventions for runners. They are rubber bottoms that include coils on bottom to protect you from ice and snow. YakTrax can be used for running, walking, hiking, and are for all ages, both men and women. They come in many colors, but I have the bright yellow/greenish ones, that even glow in the dark! So slight obsession with them, I used them all the time in high school in college. Below I attached a picture of what they look like, they can be found online and many running catalogs. Give them a try!

So back to training. I was in the mood last night to run on the treadmill, a first, right. But someone was using our only one. So I went with the bike, I can’t complain. I got in 6 miles, at a 14.2 mile pace. Not bad, my pace is getting faster, so I’m hoping this will help me start up with the running. I’m working on my training schedule and will share it soon. Only 100 days until the half marathon!