Winter Warm Up

I have heard of “Christmas in July,” but I had never believed in “spring in winter” before.  It seems that way around here, lately.  For the last week, my geographic area has felt some very unseasonal temperatures, (I have worn 3/4 length running tights three times!) and it has been quite a great reason to get out there and run.  Really, I have no choice.  When I see fair-weather runners out logging some miles, I know I have to show my face around the ‘hood, as a ‘hard-core, run-in-any-temperature-even-if-it-kills-me‘ type runner.

That, and the fact that I am following a training plan that sees me running 6 out of 7 days each week.  The usual long run, interval run, and a smattering of other runs, usually in the 45-50 minute range have me out the door almost every day.  I love the challenge of the intervals.  I love psyching myself up for many hill repeats, or the burn I am going to feel in the last of 4 or 5 intervals at “hard” pace.  “Hard” pace is what Nicole Stevenson has written in the schedule.  Hmm.  Some days “Hard” is getting myself out the door without a 3-year-old attached to my leg!

I have to hand it to Nicole.  She is making me challenge myself big time. But, it seems like every time I survive finish a workout, I am eager to try even harder next time.  I am eager to get out there to see just what I am really made of.  I want to toe the line in Boston (ok, toe the ‘corral space’) knowing that I am ready for the ups and downs (literally) of the course.  Until that day comes, (65 days from now, but who’s counting?!) I will run and run, cross-train and visualize, and even partake in a couple of practice races (at her suggestion) to remind my body that it is fun to run in a crowd!