It's Cold Out There!

Well, today was a scheduled 4 mile run on my training plan and I was determined to keep to the plan.  But 21 degrees?  Really, that's a little chilly.  So my husband suggested I could use the treadmill...and I suppose I could have but where's the fun in that?  I checked out the weather channel, debated whether or not 4 degrees of warmth was worth waiting a few hours for, determined it wasn't and went off to get dressed.  I upgraded to my fleece hat, not my wool knit one that is my usual garb and actually layered under my UA coldweather shirt.  The dogs noticed my shoes and starting begging to go.  I took Junie, the "littler" lab, because I didn't feel like being yanked around on the ice by Cally, our bigger lab.  So, Junie and I set off and that first blast of wind about sent me back inside!  I think even Junie was wondering why she had wanted to head out instead of staying in her usual spot on the kitchen rug hogging the heat from the vent.  But we pressed on...

The first two miles were okay.  Chilly but not unbearable.  I even got some creepy catcalls from some old men outside smoking their cigarettes.  That was good for a laugh.  I'm not sure in my bundled from head to toe mismatching outfit I was worthy of a catcall, but I guess it was some excitement in their morning. 

But then, after about 3 miles, we hit the coldest, darkest spot of the entire run and I swear we picked up the pace by about a minute to get out from under that cloud and away from the howling wind.  Back in the sun I actually felt warm and the last mile was pretty easy and comfortable.  Junie even enjoyed it I think!

As is usually the case, I'm glad I pushed myself out there and did it.  The feeling of accomplishment you get from making a plan and keeping to the plan even when it would be easier not to is the best in the world!!