The Week of Icy Elements

As Christmas rapidly approaches we have been treated to some suitably seasonal frosty weather at times this week. This has meant some adaptions to my usual running habits. I have also been continuing to log miles towards my Run Up To Christmas challenge, which has helped me get a few extra miles in, especially when the weather may have otherwise put me off!

MONDAY: it was so cold today I literally could not face putting myself through the numbing weather outside for the sake of running a few short miles before my Body Pump class. I wimped out, and ran a quick half mile to the gym and then hopped on the treadmill to get 3.5 miles in before the class!

TUESDAY: I was due to be working late into the evening today, so set my alarm for an early run before work. As I drew my curtains though I was met by glistening, icy paths - not ideal for running at all. I was close to crawling back into bed, but dug out some motivation (definitely helped by Run Up To Christmas!) and carefully walked to the gym for some more treadmill miles. I managed 5 faster miles; I had to up the pace a little as mentally it gets me off the machine quicker! The treadmill was just about bearable and I was consoled by it being a much safer option to running outside. 

WEDNESDAY: today was marginally warmer which meant the ice melted and joyfully I could return to running outside! I loved the run for that simple reason, and got 6 miles in at just over 8 min/mile pace before my Body Pump class.

THURSDAY: another ice free day and another run I found really joyful. It was still cold and rain threatened to set in, but I ran around my familiar Lincoln streets almost thoughtlessly and 7 miles ticked by very comfortably at a steady 8.11 min/mile average pace.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: the return of the ice. It was very frosty today and as I entered Boultham Park ready for Lincoln parkrun I could see the paths were a bright white colour in a number of places. Needless to say it was slippy underfoot at times and a few spots on the corners of the course did require you to resort to almost walking pace to safely navigate. The volunteers had the course well marshalled though and we were suitability warned of all hazards, so I did not feel unsafe at all. It was also great to see other runners looking out for each other, warning of patches ahead which may be hard to see were actually icy - the parkrun community at its best! I ran sensibly (see image), pushing when I could and being safe when I needed to, and finished in 21:16, which I was really happy with in the elements. 

SUNDAY: ​more ice - the conditions actually annoyed me today. I set myself a goal of running 11.5 miles, which would see me hit 95 miles for my Run Up To Christmas challenge, and used that sole focus to keep me going. I started off well, but my enthusiasm faded as I got tired of dodging ice patches and trying to assess pavement surfaces. It was a bit bleak and miserable to be honest! I am praying for less festive conditions next week, and I do not care if that makes me a scrooge!