"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
The weather in the province of Québec this week was Siberian (actually, it was warmer in Siberia last week than in Québec)! To give you an idea, temperature 'felt' outside during the day, with the sun shining brightly, was something like -17°F on Wednesday (night time temps were down to -30°F...crazy). The whole week was extremely cold. So, having just gotten over a cold and still being on prednisone, I ran on the treadmill (TM) this week. Although I prefer to run outdoors, I am not one of those who hates the TM. You see, when I run outdoors, I never listen to music. It's not about safety or any reason other than the fact that I just don't feel the need and I don't enjoy it that much, especially when I'm out for a long run. However, when I'm on the TM I always listen to music. It's part of my routine and I really enjoy it...it's completely different than running outdoors for me and it makes TM running fun! I wouldn't want to always run on the TM, and after three days in a row this week, I was definitely looking forward to my long run outside today, but I did enjoy my runs on the TM this week.
Yesterday, I ran 4.5km with my snowshoes on! I barely walked (just a bit during the first km, which was quite a bit uphill and I wasn't warmed up enough). Otherwise, I ran! It gave me an idea of how long it might take me to complete my 4.5km run during the pentathlon (it took me 39m02s). The goal is to try and complete it in 35 minutes...we'll see!
Part of the trail is on the mountain in the background, this was where I finished.
Today, long run Sunday, I woke from a good night's sleep with some sore legs :) ...okay, maybe snowshoe running the day before a long run wasn't my best move! Regardless, it was beautiful outside, sunny, dry and 8°F (temperature felt was 0°F)...amazing weather when compared to the last three Sundays. So I did what I had to do, got myself out there and ran an awesome 24km in 2h41m. I am so proud of myself for just getting it done. Despite the sunshine, water still tends to freeze in the bottle at those temps...but, today, I came up with a plan. I was wearing two pairs of gloves at the beginning of my run, but I was soon too warm and had to remove the top pair. That's when I had my flashbulb moment...
Totally worked! The water still froze some, but not enough to prevent me from drinking :)
Let me leave you with some great mantras that some of you have shared:
"Say yes more"
"Be your own hero"
"Just keep moving"
"Strong and smooth"
"I can. I will. I am."
"Keep calm and run strong."
and of course..."Whatever it takes."
Have a great week!
Cheers!!
11 comments:
I don't hate the treadmill either. I always listen to music on the TM and podcasts outside if I listen to anything.
I love the Ali quote! That's dangerous cold that you've been having up there. You're doing great with your training; stay healthy and safe! :)
watatow...ok a cette temperature la..c'est pas froid...C'EST FRETTE!!! pas vrai! 24 km! merveilleux! moi aussi ca prend de la musique pour le TM...si j'en avais un chez moi ca serait la tele!!
Necessity is the mother of invention. Looks like you've got a great idea for a running product there. Might not sell so well over here in Australia though.
Great week of training. I think it's a great idea that you chose the treadmill too! It's good that you actually don't mind it.
The gloves on the bottles was pretty brilliant! I'd have picked the TM too. In fact, I've been choosing the TM in much less severe cold. Your training is looking really good! I'm pretty envious of your snowshoeing. That's always looked like fun.
great info on asthma.. keep posting
Wow, that's cold! You're dedicated!
I don't listen to music or anything running outdoors either. Have tried it but it turned out to be more of a distraction. I suppose I like the internal dialogue that goes on during a long run.
Forgot. I am a lifelong asthmatic and cold air is a trigger. Love the south-the heat. Ran a marathon once at 32 degrees and wore a surgical mask.
I don't hate the treadmill either. I actually don't run outside in the winter at all because of my asthma(except for Jan this year when I went to Florida to run the walt disney world 1/2 marathon, but it was toasty hot out so that doesn't count-lol). I tend to have more symptoms in the winter, so I'm actually really scared of winter running, unfortunately.
That is SUCH a great idea to keep your water from freezing. I will share that with my outside winter running friends :).
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