Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The verdict is in...

0 comments



I love 'em! Screw shoes=best idea ever. Fast, cheap, and solid traction, it's a winning combination. I was really hesitant at first, taking little baby strides on the icy patches, but when I realized they worked like champs, it was back to the usual. I actually wanted to run on the icier patches instead of the deeper snow, it was easier on the ice. I loved that they are a part of the shoe, and I felt all B.A. putting the screws in with the power drill today. Yes, I am indeed cheesy like that. I did my 3 miles for the day it took a little less than 37 minutes, not my fastest, but considering I was dealing with snow and hills, I'm happy with it. :) It's about the miles anyhow, and just getting this done, not the time. This time anyway...

Monday, December 21, 2009

Do you like to do it yourself?

0 comments

Quick, name that movie! 40 Year Old Virgin of course. :) So, upon further research, joining a health club for their indoor running facilities is now out of the question. I learned through more research that you have to join for a whole year, and generally can't just join for, oh 3 months or so. Boo to that! And silly me for waiting until the last minute to discover it. Given this unfortunate news, coupled with the fact that tomorrow, I have to run 3 miles, outdoors, through our neighborhood of un-shoveled sidewalks, I frantically started researching on the internet for "strap on" stabilizers and such so that I wouldn't die on my hilly running route tomorrow. The reviews were mixed, the products were many. And honestly the ones I was more interested in, it looked like I was going to have to order online. I don't have time to wait for them to get here, and then, sweet salvation. A "do it yourself" option, wait for it.... Screw shoes!

Sheet metal screws are cheap, we already have a power drill, and I do have a pair of older running shoes to experiment with. Tomorrow after a quick jaunt to the ol' hardware store, it's on. I'll post some pics with my results. I'm a little nervous to be drilling into my shoes, but since it's my old pair I feel a little bit of comfort.

And check that out, a never seen before, two posts in one day phenomenon! Woot!

And so it begins...

1 comments

Today marks my "official" start of training for the half, though I've been working out off and on and heading out on the pavement when I can, from here on out the schedule starts. This morning was pretty easy, it was a nice strength and stretch day, so it honestly felt a little like I was cheating...ah well. I'm sure as the weeks go on, I'll LOVE Mondays and the bit of a "break" the give me.

If anyone is wondering what training plan I'm following, I'm actually doing a mixture of a couple I found. I was going to follow Hal Higdon's plan to the tee, but I really wanted to do a long run of at least 12 miles, so I've played around with the Sunday mileages and think I'm happy with it. The most miles I have myself adding a week are 2, and most weeks it's only a mile. I dropped the 5K and 10K race, if I can find one that fits in with my training schedule, I'll go for it, but if not, no biggie. :)

If any readers have advice for me, I'd love to hear it. I'm fairly new to this whole thing and one can never have enough knowledge.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Dashing through the snow...

1 comments

So...running in the winter...with hills. Pretty exciting stuff. Okay so not really, I've made it out a couple of times. Haven't fallen...yet, and I've really enjoyed it. The times I went out though, sidewalks were clear and there wasn't much ice. But since I'm sure the "best" of winter is yet to come, the executive decision came down...I'm joining the Y. If I'm going to give this half my best shot, I want to go in fully prepared. I want to hit each training run, and not pass it up due to icy, snowy conditions. I feel a big sigh of relief at making this decision, it's been adding to my stress levels lately, the worry of not being able to get each run in and for now, I think it's the thing that makes the most sense. Sure running laps around an indoor track won't be the most exciting thing ever, but I will be running. :) If outdoor conditions are favorable, I'll go outside, but having the flexibility makes me feel more in control which is a nice feeling. So one week from today, Monday the 21st officially kicks off "training." Wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Turkeyman Turkey Trot

0 comments



What better way to spend a bright and early Thanksgiving Day morning than outside, in 40-degree temperatures running with a thousand other crazies? On Thursday, I ran my second “race,” and it was great. I love the feeling after finishing, even though it’s only 3.1 miles; it just feels like such an accomplishment. The course went through downtown Lansing streets, past the capitol Christmas tree, the rain held off and it was awesome. I ran with a friend and her husband and it was nice to have someone to chat with through the course. Rex was the gracious “stuff” holder and honorary picture taker; he’s such an awesome guy. I’m so lucky and thankful to have him. Who else would get up at 7:30, drive me in, stand in the freezing cold and cheer me on? Well, besides my parents that is. ☺ They came out to cheer us on too, all in all a fun little race, I’m already looking forward to next year…

Time: 33 minutes, 14 seconds