Half Marathon Training Update - 4.5 miles

I have been slacking on the running updates (unless it was a road race ;)). Unfortunately, this past week or so I have been battling a sore knee and right hip. I am not sure exactly what is going on, but I have scaled down my long runs in order to test out some braces, diff shoes, etc. Hopefully it is something that will work itself out quickly... The pups let me sleep in til 7am this morning! Woo! Hey, for me that is late. Every other day this week I have been up at 5:30 to get my workouts in. While feeding the pups, I ran through all the different workouts I could do this morning: run, elliptical, Spin or Stairmaster. I looked at the weather and it said 14 degrees out. That decided it all ... outdoor run it would be! I know, most of you were probably expecting me to say I decided to do something inside, but I know I need to get used to the cold weather sooner or later. :) Especially since the F^3 Lake Half is outside no matter what. :P

I suited up and was out the door by 9am. It was odd to be heading out for my run so late. I usually am out the door around 6am. It was nice to see so many other runners on the path and the sun! The sun is such a rare sight in the winter here in Chicago.

It was a real motivator seeing all the CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) people out running as well. I wish I could afford to train with them, but alas I cannot.

After hearing about a colleague and more importantly a friend passing away yesterday, I needed some alone time any way. So the run came at the perfect time.

Despite the knee and hip pain, I pushed through to complete 4.5 miles in 40.23. I was pretty darn proud of myself.

Ya know what? After five minutes of running, I didn't even notice the cold weather. I was just so focused on the run and being lost in my thoughts that the weather didn't even really register. Yay!