Below Freezing

Distance:  1.22 miles
Time:  13:27
Location:  Rio Vista School to Yucca Loma and back

Well, that record didn't last long!  Yesterday I set out on a run in 37° weather, the coldest it had ever been on one of my runs.  I figured since this is only week 1 of a 12-week training plan, I was sure I'd be encountering colder days in the weeks ahead (and I still might).  But I didn't figure the very next day would set a new record, and not just by a little.  The temperature continued to fall today and by the time I left on my run at about 8:30 p.m., it was 30° outside!  Amazingly, the cold isn't as problematic as one might assume.  I was geared up with layers and gloves and full-length leg warmers.  Not to say it wasn't noticeably freezing.  I could feel it most on my face and with each breath I took, as the literally freezing air went down my lungs.  And luckily this was a short run.  Anything longer and I'm sure the cold would have started to become a problem.  But for a little over a mile it was manageable.  And my pace continues to "quicken."  I'm still running slow, but each run this week has gotten a little better, and that's all I can hope for.  Week 1 is officially in the books.  It was a hectic week, with Christmas and dealing with a stomach bug, and somehow I managed to get in 3 runs.  It leaves me no excuse any other week!  I may be dealing with more freezing weather next week, and it might be worse, as snow is even forecast as a possibility Tuesday or Wednesday (New Year's Eve).  But rain or snow I'll be out there.  11 more weeks to go.