I am a Runner

Hello!

I can't believe it is already Wednesday! Monday's run was good. I just ran close to home because it was -25 C out and I wanted to make sure I could come back if I got too cold. I did an easy 2 miles and left my watch at home. Running through the snow is similar to running in sand so it slows me down and really messes up timing myself. Here's a picture of me when I got back from my run!

Can you see the moisture on my hat? The skin around my eyes was red from the cold, my eyelashes were freezing, and I kept getting little beads of sweat and condensation that would drip down right above my eyes then freeze. So far -25 C hasn't stopped me from running so I think I will be able to deal with running outside for the rest of the winter since it doesn't get much worse than this.

Today's run was a 5 mile tempo run with 2 miles @10:25 pace.  I was out all morning running errands, and when I got back I had just about an hour to do my run before heading off to a facial (birthday gift from my Aunt). I started out fast because I wanted to make sure I got my faster miles in first in case I needed to stop and finish my run later. The temperature was -22 C, and my butt was freezing at the end of it all because I was just wearing a pair of leggings on the bottom because I STILL need to get those pants!!

All of the sidewalks were shoveled and clear so I was able to run a lot faster. I did mile 1 in 9:18!!!!! That is my fastest mile ever, I'm pretty sure. Wow, I was so surprised! I think that running in the snow and pushing myself has helped me get faster because it takes more effort. I decided to slow it down a bit after that so I did mile 2 in 10:20, closer to the required pace.  Miles 3-5 I took easy and the time for each them was probably between 10:30 and 11:10. Total time for all was 52:40, so you can do the math if you like.

I actually didn't end up getting a facial today because the lady who was going to do it is sick, so I'll be getting that another day. I was happy to be done with my workout though, so now I can relax for the rest of the evening!

I titled this post "I am a Runner" because it's something that I have been thinking about lately. I have been running off and on for a while but I don't think I actually considered myself A RUNNER. It was only just recently that I kind of came to this realization fully and I think the fact that I have been running consistently for the past six and a half weeks has made me feel like a real runner. A few other reasons are 1) when I'm not scheduled to run I feel like running, 2) sometimes I wish I wasn't training for a race so  I could run whenever I want and try different running programs, and 3) when I see people running I feel jealous and wish I was running.

How about you? Do you consider yourself a runner? If not, what would make you change your mind?

I hope you enjoy the rest of the week!

-Hannah