2-1-22 FROM LED:
After long run Saturday, I've gone 5, 4, and 4 the subsequent days. Legs feeling the long run, so I've been slow. This morning I encountered several friendly people, and that helps get my day off to a good start.
Art - I hate getting flats on my bike. I use the tire liners too, and they help, but not 100%. Enjoy your tacos with fresh tomatoes!
Altair - Good job on the 6.1 run ending in a hill climb! I'm enjoying your cloud and snow pictures. They lied to you about the treadmill delivery date, didn't they? Way back before I got my Garmin, I used a phone app on occasion to track my runs. It was quite accurate. I can't tell you the name of it now, and I imagine you'd want to be careful in selecting such an app - so much adware and malware out there.
Rich - Glad you got spared the bad snow, but had enough for some nice Nordic walking!
I reposted LED's post ....... he was the first to post for February but he still thought it was January, LOL!! Been there, done that!
Sat: arrived at our northern AZ home safely. Ordered pizza for dinner. House is in order. Got our stuff out of the truck that we needed. Slept.
Sun: it is sooo wonderful to be home and be welcome by the sun on the peaks!! After breakfast, we got rest of the stuff out of the truck. DH took truck and trailer with car to the car wash and Mr. Bones got a wash too, haha! I finished 3 miles on the flattest trail near the house which still has a couple of decent hills. We're about 7500 ft so the run was slow and easy with a couple of walk breaks on the areas still covered with snow/ice/mud. Incredible feeling to be outside at 45 degrees, a heat wave!
Mon: Finished 4 miles with Mr. Bones who was kinda 'lost' but after awhile, he seemed to remember that we use to run on this trail so he took the lead till we finished. Such a good boy!! Took a different trail, more hills, patches of snow in the shadows of the trees and muddy but took it easy and offered my gratitude.
Tues: DH is visiting a friend who is in his late 70s and needs help around the house as he is moving back to Alabama where he has family. He's retired and in poor health, and his wife just left him, cleaned out their joint account. Thank goodness he had a separate account and he's got the house to sell. It's always sad to hear these stories. I got a few things done in town. Then went to a different trail, finished 4 miles again. Predicted snow/sleet here starting tomorrow. So the trails will be icy/muddy for a couple of days.
Art: good to hear you got the tire situation in hand and still can enjoy the ride. It's smart to have extra of anything ....... tires, running shoes, etc. ha! Those bagel runs need to get done. I have to start my herb garden but I'll do what you do, get seeds going for the veggie garden. Not sure how long we'll be here in AZ but maybe I can take them back with me to MN to plant.
NH: What a relief that your region didn't get the worst of the storm. It's so unpredictable and the damage and turmoil it leaves behind on families and communities. Stalking the weather is all we do as runners no matter the time of year. But you can get your runs in on the TM when you have to but I know it gets old after awhile. Good job on the snowshoeing, that's always a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get the exercise. When we were still in MN, DH went to the parts store and grocery store. I was fine staying home and only going out for my runs to the fairgrounds and state park. So I was literally home for 3.5 weeks before we got on the road to AZ. We missed the games. Oh well. The winter Olympics games are starting too. Not sure what to expect.
Led: keep on plugging away. It is a good feeling to encounter other friendly ppl on trails, I know what you mean. And a bonus if they have their pets on leashes. Sometimes I get startled by dogs that run up behind me. That's how runners get heart attacks, LOL!!
Trails
Spring...lol...not here, we are under a winter storm warning with ice, sleet, freezing rain and snow for the next few days. And right now it's 63 degrees. Still no exercise, still battling the anemia fatigue. Currently WFH as we have covid circulating in the office and I share space with an unvaccinated person. At least I have the option to work from home.
Tuesday, 2/1... laced up the trail shoes with deep lugs and ran the rail trail 5 miles today. Right away, I noticed the latest tracks in the snow were made by a dogsled team, so I must have just missed them, dang it! They have about a dozen dogs pulling the sled and it's a treat whenever I see 'em. The run itself went pretty well, everyone was right about how running on snow can be hard to recover from. Didn't get sore during today's run, but did grab a few walk breaks just for practice... The training is starting to take effect, actually feeling pretty good lately.
Led... WTG posting in the wrong month...Lol Sounds like your training's going well, but offering people money to be friendly while you're out on a run seems little tacky...Lol And yes, I had a nice Nordic walk and even though I offered people I met money if they'd be nice, they still snubbed me!
AZ... what a nice change in your weather! Running in 45 degree temps must feel like the tropics after dealing with MN's weather, so good for you! Gotten in some nice runs already! Your DH is a real trooper, looking out for neighbors the way he does in both states, I'm sure you're already aware, you married a gem! Neighbor's wife took all the money and skedaddled, eh? Sounds like the neighbor's a lucky man! Lol
Di... chin up Di! And please, stay in touch here!
Runs in the rain
Rich - Glad you avoided the worst of the snow! The treadmill and snowshoes allow you to do workouts regardless. I've never done cross country skiing, I think it would be fun, but more risky than snowshoes! I guess trail shoes are heavy and running over snow is hard, good workout! Too bad you missed the dogsled, I would love to see a picture!
Art - I had to look up tire inserts. I rarely get a flat, so I guess I don't need them. So what variety of tomato did you grow? I like Brandywine which are indeterminate and just keep growing until it gets too cold.
Led - You do have a habit of posting in the old month! What's the matter, too lazy to start a new topic? I hear you about a slow pace when adjusting to longer runs, only your "slow" would be fast for me right now! Friendly people are nice to say hello to when running. Since I just have a flip phone I don't think I can use it to track distance. I don't think they actually lied about the delivery date for the treadmill. It was sent out by FedEx and tracking says it is in the facility but still delayed.
az - Let Led correct his own mistakes! How else can he learn to behave! Glad you made it home safe and celebrated with pizza! I.m sure Bones appreciated the warmer climate after he reoriented himself! Your DH is always helping people, he must be a kind man, good karma! It can be startling when people yell, honk their horns or dogs suddenly bark. I hate it when someone drives by with an open window and just to be funny yells as they pass! Dangerous to lose concentration when out on the busy roads.
Di - I wish you good health with all the physical issues you face. You are lucky to have the option of working from home! I'm glad I retired, although I miss socializing.
Today was sunny and it got above freezing at 35 degrees! Now tomorrow may get even warmer, but will be overcast and rain/snow is expected! So I thought today best for the long run! Same road as Sunday, only I started on the North end where there was a mile and a half section I've never run on before. The road goes up and down, but for the first half of the run the overall trend was an upward climb, a 220 elevation increase to the 4 mile turnaround point! I dressed with just a long-sleeved and a vest, it was very windy and it was in my face so I felt chilly the first two miles until I warmed up a bit. There were wispy and hazy clouds which dimmed. but not blocked the sun. I did not mind the climb and running against the wind knowing it would make it easy on the way back! Indeed, the sun was shining brighter and the winds were less on the way back, so I was able to remove my hat and gloves! The total distance was 8.06 miles! My legs were still sore from the previous days run and very sore by the end of this run, but I have to get in distance runs while the weather is nice!With the deep snow I am limited in finding places where I can park my car. I used the parking lot of Minnehans. They serve hamburgers and ice cream in the summer and in back is a miniature golf course and a go-kart track. I did have to run a third of a mile on a busy road to get to the beginning of the road I wanted.
Here are some of the wispy clouds over a field of snow.
An old silo.
Another shot showing the bright spot of the sun shinning through the clouds over the road.
Long distance runner, what you standin' there for?Get up, get out, get out of the door!
not bad for mile 25
Hahaha, my bad! Then, everybody else piles on! Thanks for bailing me out!
Admit it Led, you crave attention!
After yesterdays 8 miler and long runs Sunday and Monday too, I was sore and stiff when I started my run this morning, but it's interesting that I seemed to feel improved fitness when I ran, less just plodding along and occasional bursts of speed! It was 38 degrees and sunny, but wind made it feel chilly for the first mile. By my turnaround point it became all overcast, but with no wind so I felt warmer. I did 5.72 miles! The warm moist air that came up from the south will meet a cold front from the great white north later this evening and the rain, turning to snow, will come! It is forecast to snow until Friday afternoon with total snowfall between 6 and 14 inches! So I wanted to get in one last long run and will take a needed break from running tomorrow and maybe Friday as well! That is if my treadmill has yet arrived! If I get it I'll test it out with an easy recovery run!
After my run I took my car down the hill to the service station and left it for repairs and inspection. The engine light is on and it has something to do with the emission system. I walked back home and used the Garmin, it said .9 miles. I was offered a ride, but was thinking of az's advice of walking as a good recovery after a run.
The pace bunny is a widget I am playing with, don't worry, it's just a toy and I'm not freaking about being behind! The goal was set for 2022 miles. So far this year I've done 127.8 miles and I'm 55 miles behind the wascally wabbit! What I just realized is the distance a day to reach the goal is changed in the onscreen report when you get behind, so now I would have to average 5.7 miles a day! That's like 40 mile weeks! Well my plan is to get to the point where my week would be like 5 runs of 8 miles or more with two rest days. Maybe I'll have a chance to catch up!
The clouds were a bit heavier looking than in the past days, but there were openings and the sun was shining through when I started.
When I finished the run I took this photo looking towards the lake. Those distant hills would be on the far side, but the lake itself was not visible from here.
So the high for today will be 30 degrees!! Feels like 15 with the windchill at 17 mph but it’s SUNNY ð “Cold” is relative and by MN standards, “it’s a nice day for a run.” No snow flurries yet. It may just be on the mountain peaks. The sun was tempting enough to head out. I finished 4.5 miles solo on trail near home. A couple of nice hills that I use to NOT slow down on, whew!! They gave me a challenge but it felt great to give it more effort. Had to hone my fundamentals of basic navigation skills …. looking ahead on the trail for sunny spots where there are less slushy muddy areas. DH is a good person and always willing to lend a hand. He and Bones are at the friend’s house again. He’s helping clean up the yard and to donate or trash the clutter accumulated over the years. Honestly, it’s more of a hoarding situation crisis. I’ve only been there once. You can barely walk around inside the cabin.
Altair: The various cloud formations in your photos are probably more picturesque in person. They add so much depth and visual effects to time and space. Gosh, that’s still a lot of snow to sidestep on your runs. There’s not too many areas for you to run without traffic even on dirt roads. Hope the TM arrives soon.
Di: good to hear from you. Bummer you’re still working from home. At least you’re staying warm and safe. Any new food discoveries? It’s such a treat to go to grocery stores here with more selections and fresh ingredients than in the small MN town. I enjoy trying new recipes that I bought a new bamboo cutting board ð for all the chopping of veggies.
Oh, it’s Ground Hog Day!! Didn’t I just run?? ðĪŠ
Altair: cross-posted…… good job on the 5.7+ miles, you’ll catch that sneaky bunny yet with your determination and consistency. Landscape photos are incredible IMO!! Thank you for adding them each post. Hope car is an easy fix. Almost a mile recovery walk, YAY!! Small muscles take over so big muscles have time to rejuvenate. Sounds like you’re building stamina and strength, keep at it!
AZ, no new food discoveries, in fact I've back slid into my old eating habits with the caveat that at least there's no junk food here besides some Cheezits. I'm really struggling with inertia...can't seem to motivate myself to do much of anything. I do my job but that's pretty much the extent of it. I think I might have a case of mild depression aggravated by the WFH and the kidney induced anemia. I go see the kidney doc early Mar and I'll bring this up and if he can't or won't do anything I'll go see my regular doc. She's very good, doesn't prescribe first and is willing to refer to specialist if needed. I know exercise would help but knowing isn't enough to get me to have enough energy to actually do it.
End of pity party. We got snow, probably several inches and it's cold AF today with wind chill of 3, which compared to further north is a breeze but for here it's awful. My mom had slipped last month and broke her ankle but she's out of the cast now and has a boot. She's 85 and lives on her own since my dad died in 2020. My brother lives only half an hour away which I'm grateful for. It's hard living so far and not being able to help.
AZ, your DH is an angel for helping out a friend. If all you do is see the news you never hear good stories only the evil people do to each other. Back to the grindstone...Have a nice day everyone.
Di: So sorry to hear about your mom and yes, it's always a huge relief and appreciation that a family member is close by to help if need be. Good news that she is recovering. I know the feeling of being helpless due to distance from family especially parents. It's a blessing to have and know that my other siblings and the grandkids are always close by or will take the time to visit/help our mom and dad. One of the grandsons (my nephew) redid the flooring in their home so mom/dad could get around better without tripping over uneven flooring and no need for rugs anymore. Nephew did an excellent job! Yes, we need more happy news!
Some eating plans work for some ppl but there's plenty to try out. It does take trial and error. I love cheezits too!! So does Bones but he's being restricted now. I was reading an article recently that with all the shutdowns and limited social activities in the last couple of years, many ppl are experiencing more of long-term 'blahs' and 'eehs' than actual clinical definition of depression. With your health situation and living in an environment that limits your exercise, maybe you have that or a combination of both. I can't remember what they called it. At least you are aware and thinking about it. I know I had more of the 'blahs' than feeling depressed because I was not in a joyful place (MN) but I could still get out of bed and do the 'normal' stuff ......and go for runs (in MN) which did help. Now I'm back in AZ, and I'm happy!! There is a lot to be said about "location, location, location" haha!
Thurs: pretty chilly here with 29 degrees for the high. Finished 3 miles near home, solo, around 15 degrees when I started. Had things to do in town so got the run over with. I'm at library. Forgot my cell phone. Don't need it, I don't think. ha!
The ice/snowstorm from northern NM through Midwest to northeast is making national news. Hope NH and Altair are out of the way of all that cold. Stay safe and warm everyone!
Thursday, 2/3... took yesterday off, but with lousy weather bearing down on us for the next day or so, and 45 degrees with dry weather outside, I warmed on the treadmill for a few minutes, then was out the door and headed for the sidewalks in town for today's run. And had the best run! Reminded me of why I love running. Dry weather, decent temp and effortless running, just what I needed! Only 3 miles, give or take, but what a run!. We've got rain forecast into tonight, then 6 to 10 inches of snow tomorrow, but I'm cooking supper for one of grandbabies who'll be here shortly, so life is good!
Altair5... another excellent run in the books, and feeling the fitness gained from all your hard work, so congrats. to you! Good luck with the auto repairs, emission stuff can get expensive...
Di... I wish there was a solution to your ongoing health issues, maybe your regular doc can help herself, or refer you to a specialist. Easy for me to say, but chin up, Di!
AZ... looks like Altair5 and I will both be dealing with a fair amount of snow tomorrow, locally we're forecast for 6 to 12. I think Altair's posted something similar. A bigger issue will be the amount of icing that's hitting states like Tenn. and Ky. today, nothing good comes from freezing rain and a friend told me Ky's forecast to get an inch! Yikes! I see you're able to be more consistent with your workouts now that you're away from the frozen tundra, so good for you!
Led... come back!