Went out and did 17 miles in snow and slush today on a route through West Hartford, with my one remaining training buddy (NBBW is out with a fractured foot for at least 5 more weeks). 20F out, so I had to think about to handle the cold.
I chose to go with running pants instead of just compression tights. Not sure this was the best choice, but I was never cold on the legs like I was in Scandia (back in Minny).
Did the first loop with just a head band, but this was too cold. I switched to a different wicking head band and a head cover, but these got totally wet and frozen and I started to really get cold at mile 16, as the wind also had picked up.
I will need to figure this out, as I have to deal with 26.2 miles that could be really cold in Feb. One idea is to carry alternate (dry) gear to change into.
Tonite the calves and lower legs are really tight from all the running in slush/snow, especially wearing Yaktrax, and running over all of the unshovelled sidewalks and unplowed areas.
Next week 19 miles...
NBB - wasn't sure you were talking Scandia (Minny)...We're bordering White Bear - we should connect the next time you're in-state. My favorite local watering hole is here. In-house infused vodkas make for some great bloodys.
I had one long walk outdoors last week, have otherwise been doing elliptical work in the basement.
This post was in Hartford, but generally when I refer to Minny it's Scandia, our place just north of Wm Obrian - that is my favorite place to run, except that this time of year the X country skiers will stab you with their poles if they catch you running on their ski trails.
Have you been to the new restaurant in Stillwater? Don't have the name but somebody said I should check out.
We are Phil's regulars.
Things look awfully different around Phil's nowadays. Not sure if it can still be considered hid away anymore.
We went to Domacin this fall in Stillwater. We didn't have a full dinner, but enjoyed their wine, Greek green olives, and Marcona almonds.
The newest ones I'm aware of are The Green Room and Tin Bins. Haven't tried either yet as we're still exploring the WBL area.
I've only visited Phil's once, years ago, but enjoyed the heck out of it. Not sure when the changes that cheaps is referring to took place.
I like that Phil still makes the Med. lamb chops himself. Also that they haven't expanded - a line in front of a restaurant means something.
"infused vodkas"? Why ruin the subtle flavors of straight vodka?
*ducks and covers*
I lol'd
Straight vodka is OK - my favorite is the Polish buffalo-grass vodka Żubrówka.
But as a Swede, we like to infuse 'shnapps' with various flavors. Not far from my buddies' cabin in Sconnie, The Tally Ho had a large glass container filled with Stolychnaya Vodka and pineapple - they called the drink Stoly Doly's. Danger Will Rogers.
CoC: Next time I'm in Minny, let's go to Wash. Square. I will ping in advance.
Just own it: I weighed 29.6 pounds more this morning than I did on January 7, 2014. Sigh. It was a disastrous last couple of months in 2013. But, I have gotten back on the horse and I know that one of the things I need to do is weigh every day, watch what I eat, and exercise. The last one has been a real problem, but since my painting project is pretty much over, I will be able to get back to the gym. The good news is that I haven't given it all back. I'm still 41 pounds below my peak.
More to come.
The downside of doing the half marathon in October is that my knee has been bothering me since then. I am only running one mile at a time, three times per week.
I know I should probably just take a month off altogether but I'm afraid that if I get out of the habit, I won't be able to get back to it. It is starting to finally feel better so I'm hoping I can start upping the mileage in the next couple weeks.
Jack Sprat and his wife on exercise:
Edit: I liked the article for the brain science. I don't take it as a "Eureka!" moment because it seems too SSS for the "practical takeaways..." derived by the author at the end.