Fun in the snow!

I didn't get much running in last weekend, as Alexander and I traveled to Duluth to spend time with Dave, Jodie, and Liesl. Although I did take time to run on the treadmill at Dave's YMCA, the majority of our time was spent skiing. This was a first for both of us, and we loved it! We had perfect weather (right around freezing) and we even got to see snow fall on our first day. What a great time!

 Alexander and Liesl after spending the morning in the yard. They went out to play before we had the chance to go to the ski slopes.

 Jodie and I coming in for another ride up the mountain. Anytime I made it to the line without falling, I considered it a small victory.

 Liesl and Alexander spent literally hours skiing.

 On the last morning, we went to frozen Lake Superior. We were treated to some beautiful views!

 Twins. Alexander looks just like Dave when he was a teenager.

Half Marathon day!

Well, race day began a little colder than we would have wished. Here is the forecast for the day. The race started at 6:30am, and we were out the door by 5:45. It was so cold that I wore 3 layers on top, plus a plastic bag at the start line to keep my body heat in. We took off the bags right before the race started. I kept my hat and gloves on the entire time, except for when I took them off to snap these pictures.

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The best part about the Daytona Beach half is the course. You begin with a loop around the speedway (a little over 2 miles), then run to the beach and back. That does, by the way, include a bridge. A big bridge. Twice. This year they changed the course slightly, which allowed us to run on the beach for a block.

Even though we live there, we still took some time to snap a few pictures on the beach. Both Chris and I were thrilled to be able to run. He's been battling knee pain, and I've had a cold all week.

We were running well, despite the cold. We usually try for a "negative split" where we run the second half faster than the first, but that did not happen this time. I attribute it mainly to the wind - we ran INTO the wind the entire way back. At mile 12, Chris needed to slow down, but I plowed on. We both finished just a minute apart, and we both had a PR (Personal Record!) Mine was 2:14:47. The closest I've come to that lately was in the 2:20 area, so I was very excited.

Although Daytona does throw a nice after party, we didn't stick around. We wanted to make it to church (made it just in time), and we were abolutely freezing by that point. It was still in the low 40's, windy, and now we were soaked with sweat. I've never been so happy to be inside a hot car as I was this morning.

Instead of the post-race beer and pizza, we opted for the next best thing  - Krispy Kreme. Each runner receives a free dozen glazed donuts. Benjamin offered to drive me there (!!!) to pick them up. I'm sure the boys will help us eat them quickly.

This week's total: 17.1 miles (4 mile treadmill run on Thursday)

This year's total: 123.4 miles! I'm getting there!!!!

Weekend run

Yesterday I took an hour Body Combat class. I love this class because it is fun, has great music, and also adds strength work. I was rewarded at the mammography place when the nurse asked me if I work out my arms. I told her I do, and she answered, "I can tell."

This morning Chris and I did a short run of 3.3 miles. Two of the boys biked along with us. Tomorrow we have our weekly long run. It is supposed to rain, so we'll see what happens. I hate running in the rain, especially cold rain. Yuck.

Daily total: 3.3 miles
Weekly total: 10.8 miles
Yearly total: 10.8 miles (only 989.2 to go!)

Last run of 2012

This morning Chris and I did our last run of the year. We usually do our long runs on Sundays, and today was no exception. We were originally going to do it on Saturday, but the threat of rain made us move back to our normal Sunday. What I did not realize is how COLD it was! It was 39 degrees, but with a wind chill below freezing. I wore gloves, a hat, and two long sleeve layers. I wonder if I would be a runner if I lived in a different climate. I'd rather run in our humidity than freezing weather.

That being said, we completed 7.8 miles. We had intended to do 8, but at the end of our route we had not quite made it. I was ready to stop - my body was tired from Body Combat Class on Friday and Body Flow Class on Saturday. Love those Les Mills classes!

Tomorrow is a day off - I have exercised 6 days in a row and need the break. Then Tuesday starts the new year! Looking forward to beginning it at the Y at 8AM for Body Combat, then a short run on the treadmill to start racking up those miles.