Sunday, February 8, 2009

First Outdoor Run of 2009

Wow, I knew I missed running outside, but I forgot just how much. Today I decided enough of the ice and snow had melted to make it relatively safe to run outside. It was a balmy 37 degrees, which is perfect for running with my winter gear.

I started out a little slowly, dodging the ice and mud patches. As I progressed through my route, I sped up a bit and felt a little more confident. I did have to slow to a walk several times when ice and snow covered my path. I ran to the college, back through town, and finished with the Riverside loop -- including the steep hill near my house. I ended up with 4.5 miles. I would have run further, but I am playing indoor soccer tonight -- for the first time ever (and it's a double header). I didn't want to wear myself out too much.

As soon as more of the ice is gone, I will resume my early morning outside runs. I think the next week or two there will probably still be too much ice early in the morning for me to take a chance -- it's too easy to miss a patch of ice in the dark.

Flying Pig Marathon is 12 weeks from today!

Gotta run ....