I am still alive ~ really...

Slacker!!! Slacker!!! Slacker!!!

ME!

This winter has been a bigger challenge to keep running for me than last year. Last year I was out in the very freezin' temps nearly every day. I was a he-woman! This year I have been a she-man. Not sure what that means but it seems like it would be the opposite of he-woman and so I am going to use it.


Last year my cut off temp was 11 degrees. This year it started about 28 and then kept going up, and now it's about 40! I am not a fan of the cold. I did my best and went out as frequently as my wimpy body would tolerate, but then I discovered the treadmill. I have never owned a treadmill. Now I know why. When the weather got to be too dangerous with ice packed roads and snow covered streets, I decided to stay at the gym after my Body Sculpt (weight training) class and run on the treadmill. I never run farther than about three miles on it though and so I know I am losing some of my stamina. I have learned one thing though....I HATE THE TREADMILL!

I don't like to see how far I still have left to go when I am already feeling like killing over. When I am outside running it isn't an issue how much time I have left. I know how much farther I have to go and that has never been something I focus on when I am outside. There is something to be said for fresh air and being out in the world around others. They also added two cardio classes at the gym that I attend each week that helps to substitute for a couple of runs. I enjoy them even if it is a pain to get up at 5:30 a.m. five days a week now.

There hasn't been any races to train for either and so that has contributed to my lack of motivation to get out as well. I was asked to be part of a team for the Wasatch Back in June or July and I am having serious doubts if I can do it or not. It sounds very grueling, in many ways harder than a marathon. I have been really stressing about that.

I just want winter to END so I can get back out there and enjoy my runs again! Has anyone else ever got in a winter rut before? I hope I haven't lost too much in my slump!