Saturday, January 17, 2009

FEAR OF FREEZING






Many of us are experiencing extreme temperatures along with all the snow right now. Once the thermometer dipped below zero, whether actual or windchill, I knew I would be forced to run inside. When it hurts your face to go out and get the mail, that's pretty much enough for me. I made the mistake of going out once last year when it was minus 5 and that memory hasn't left my mind yet. I still don't know how I did this when I first started running, no matter the weather, the wind, the heat, the cold, always outside. Am I a wimp now or what?? Or do I just have more sense? I'm going on the second choice.


So this week's runs have all been inside. To fight the boredom of the dreadmill, I have to have some sort of planned workout to do, otherwise I can hardly bring myself to get on it let alone stay on it the entire planned time. At least then I am challenged to see if and how I do.


Here's how Week 2 of 2009 training went:


  • Sunday: 1 hour on bike trainer, zones 2 and 3
  • Monday: weights (30 min.); day 1 of 200 situps challenge (67--too easy)


  • Tuesday: Swim 3/4 mile (32:07); run/walk 3 miles (HR training); pilates/yoga


  • Wednesday: 1 hour weight training class; day 2 of situps (75)


  • Thursday: Swim 3/4 mile (31:29); run/walk 3 miles (Yasso 800s x 4) (HR training)


  • Friday: off (due to a family issue) (I was supposed to bike but didn't want to do it late in the day to not have back-to-back workouts running into my Saturday plan)


  • Saturday: Swim 1 mile (41:27); run/walk 1 hour (intervals) (HR training); day 3 of situps (100)

The hardest part of this? Getting enough to eat and getting enough sleep. I have not slept well in months, meaning I sleep a few hours, wake up, stay awake an hour or more, go back to sleep for an hour or so. Nearly every night. And I don't drink caffeine and have tried just about every non-prescription sleep aid out there, as well as chamomile tea at night. Sometimes I've taken things to help me sleep and I still don't sleep. My mind is not in turmoil so I don't understand it. I'm rarely exhausted so its not like I'm craving sleep. I just feel I would do better with a little more, and preferably uninterupted sleep. And trying to make sure I have enough food with me all day to avoid snack binging. So everyday I have to load up the picnic basket for work it seems.


My current training schedule calls for increasing long workouts again next week and then yipee, the next week is a drop back week. I just hope I can get some more runs in outside next week or I might just lose my mind!

Stay warm everyone!

16 comments:

ShirleyPerly said...

Hi Vickie!

Thanks for your comment on my ZYY marathon post. Until my recent visit to MN, I had no idea how cold it really got up there. Now I have an idea (although it didn't get below zero when I was there) and am totally AMAZED how you folks deal with it every winter. Indoor running makes a lot of sense, for sure. Maybe you have an indoor track near by? I definitely found it to be more fun than a treadmill ...

Anyway, I look forward to hearing more about what you have planned for 2009. Stay warm and talk to you later!

Marlene said...

That definitely sounds too cold to be running outside.

Wow, 67 situps already! Nice job!

Tammy said...

Haven't tried that site for shoes but I'll take a look, thanks for the heads up. And yes cold weather absolutely stinks, I can't believe I ran outside and it as 9 degrees LOL. I can't wait until it reach the 30's, it's be so much better.

Sunshine said...

Maybe this is a colder winter than when you started running?
We had the longest below zero stretch in
13 years!!

Glad you are finding ways to keep warm.

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

ya wise choice, becareful out in that cold ....good job on ur workouts!

Tammy said...

OOO Thank you, I never thought I could try them out on my running shoes!!! I've seen larger ones more for hiking ect, but the smaller once would come in handy!! Vickie you Rock!!!! I know that Irish Blue suggested screws which I thought great, but at least I won't have to worry about putting holes in my shoes.

Unknown said...

Your weather is insane. I think you are WISER for using the treadmill these days. It's too cold to be running outside.

Sorry to hear about your sleeplessness. I go through bouts of insomnia myself. Right now I'm sleeping pretty well. I'm not sure what the magic combination is or I'd share it with you.

I wonder if the yoga I've been doing lately is helping somehow. At least I seem more relaxed. you might give that a try. shrug.

Unknown said...

Sleep is an issue here too. I'm just trying to calm myself down by 10pm and get in bed & read. Hopefully that will help! I feel so tired & have nasty circles under my eyes.

A Plain Observer said...

I'm with you, running inside is having more sense. I don't want to run when it's minus 5.
Hope you start sleeping better soon.

Marcy said...

Sure run in the sit up count ;-) LOL

IronWaddler said...

You are getting some great workouts in. Hopefully we will be outside soon.

Missy said...

Brrr, I hate the dreadmill, though. Got to get it in when you can! Working out longer may just help you with your sleeplessness too.

TonyP said...

Hey Vickie ! Saw your comment over at IRunUltras.com. Too funny that you knew I was an attorney :)). I'll be keeping an eye on your blog and the crazy cold weather you are having.

Anonymous said...

I am a wimp too when it comes to running outside. My test is to go outside with gloves and a hat if I still feel that my head gets cold, I go back inside. We live in a valley so we have really bad air days when it doesn't snow so bad air combined with the cold doesn't mix very well.

Stay warm and keep up the good workouts.

RunToTheFinish said...

what a schedule!! hmm getting enough to eat has never been much of a problem for me

Steve Stenzel said...

Nice workouts! Stay warm!! (I'm from MN, so I share your pain!!)