Yesterday’s first 8am group run was fantastic! I got to run with awesome group of people who all defied subzero temperatures to kick off marathon training program. Other than minor challenges in the trail, such as phone turning off and getting lost after I split from the group, I felt good at the end – maybe because there was chocolate milk waiting for me…
Week 1 CRC Westerville Warriors
Nutrition-wise, I got up around 6 in the morning to have breakfast. I generally like to eat before working out. I figured with 5-mile run I don’t want to starve my body and have it eat away at my muscles. Besides, two hours would be sufficient time for my body to process whatever I eat. I had three scrambled medium sized eggs and some tea. I figured I would read my book (The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria) while waiting to get ready. There’s just something different about reading first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. I felt more focused and critical of the text. Anyways, I did that for like an hour while sipping on hot cardamom tea…
Talk about frigid weather (-18 Celsius)
I stood in front of my closet trying to figure out what to wear for this -1 degree Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius). I followed CRC’s suggestions and wore my Saucony tights, a base, wool shirt + a dry fit, cotton shirt and a light, windproof jacket plus gloves and ear muffs. I double socked (wool and cotton) because I knew I’d step in the snow and Vaselined my face just in case it gets dry in the cold. Glasses proved to be very good at keeping my lashes from getting icy 🙂
I got the store and was surprised to see that somewhere between 25-30 people showed up. My excuses were nothing but excuses when I saw young and old people running. I got excited and a little fired up. Mike from CRC gave his little spiel about the route, pace, and consent (in case we lose a limb or get a frostbite then we can’t sue CRC.) This is America where everybody sues everybody so whatever I signed it and headed out besides the 11-min/mile bucket.
Rocky Moment
The course had snow, mostly plowed, but some areas had about 2-3 inches of snow just sitting there. Those 50-100 meter stretches were a bit difficult to run. I felt like Rocky Balboa when he was training in Russia to fight Ivan Drago! I said to myself if Rocky can do it then why can’t I? So I felt light. I persisted and kept hopping. Non-snow trails felt a lot easier compared to that one. It was power, strength training for my calves!! On my way back my phone turned off because it’s old and slow. I tried to turn it back on to listen to music but I tripped, phone dropped and went under a car. Anyways, after I retrieved it I noticed that I lost my GPS, run data and music. To top it off, I missed the turn back to the store. So I may have run a couple extra blocks trying to figure out where I was. I was cold, lost and without music – I got a little angry. I remembered Rocky again! He didn’t have any of those and kept going so I did too. I was so happy and relieved to be back to CRC. I had two small cups of chocolate milk and a banana! I stretched a little and headed home after (I got Starbucks on my way back because if you know me, you know I’m a slave to the corporate. Besides it was 9am soo it as perfect timing for coffee.)
Overall, I think I spent somewhere between 52-55 minutes running 5.2ish miles. Not bad for a first run since there were times when I slowed down due to snow or stopped to take pictures or drink water. My hands were freezing. I had them in my jacket pockets for about 90% of the run. I may need to invest in another set.. my calves weren’t bad at all while running, I didn’t cramp or get knee pain. I really like my Brooks shoes, they are very light and have great padding in the heal area. The only thing I experienced was a minor back pain and malaise. I hope it wouldn’t become a problem during my longer runs. I may need to strengthen it a little bit more at the gym or alter my form?
Selfie stop may have happened. Beard getting slightly icy.
Great run! Great kick off to the training program. I didn’t get a frostbite. I didn’t lose a limb! Next run is tomorrow!!
Unfettered Mind 