running: the dawn

Sundays are my long run days. So in preparation I set my alarm with the intention of started by nine. However, I have a way of hearing my alarm and very intentionally turning it off right before I fall back asleep. This morning was no exception. Finally, I found myself on the run by 11:00.

Even though I have a Nike+ system that is supposed to be able to track distance, I had mapped out my run to make sure that I was going to complete the allotted seven miles.  I was very excited to try out a new route. This, I would soon learn, was somewhat premature.

The run started of beautifully. The sun was shining and there was hardly a cloud in the beautiful blue sky. I even texted KT (who wasn’t able to join me due to a prior commitment) to tell her that I was starting and that it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day for a run. Once I actually got started, I realize that the 22 degree weather was going to make this a very different run that last week’s six miler in 45 degrees.

I had to pull my neck gaiter up over my chin and ears to keep from chattering and I kept having to adjust my earphones that were tugging and falling out of my ears.  Then, whenever I was facing a headwind my eyes would start to water and I’d have to wipe away the frozen tears from the corners of my eyes. My nose also felt like today was the day to behave like a leaky faucet. The dripping seemed uncontrollable. I had to try to keep track of which glove was my sweat-wiping one and which was my “drippings” one. Let’s just say I’m going to give them both a really throurogh cleaning tonight before any more runs happen.

That brings me to the hills. First, it was up, then it was down.  And repeat.  Like 20 more times. Now, I understand that hills are very effective for training and it’s really good to plan some workouts that involve hills. But these seemed a bit over the top. Literally.  Some were long rolling hills that just seemed to go on forever. Others were shorter, but much more intense in their incline.

The worst hill of the day came right after I passed the half way point. My Nike+ announced to me that I had only three miles left which made me very happy. Then I made my last turn to head back towards my care and came face to face with the beast which we will call Bertha. Big Baby Bertha. You see, Bertha is the kind of hill that just doesn’t stop. All I could do was put my head down and hope that she would be gentle with me. Every once in a while I would glance up to see if I was nearing level ground. Once such time I lifted my head to see that I was only two-thirds of the way up, and I almost burst into tears. For a second I thought about walking, just until I could catch my breath. But the second passed, and I reminded myself that I could do it. I could conquer this beast.

Shortly reaching the summit, I heard the lovely voice from my ipod telling me that there were only two miles left. Only two! That’s nothing! I suddenly felt amazing. From there to the end there were no more uphills and one really fun downhill.

Then, all of a sudden I was back at my car. For once, my nike plus system seems to be right on track and it clocked me running a 9:45 pace. Which I must say surprised me, what with all the hills and other ridiculousness that was going on.

I decided that I needed to start my favorite (and my favorite, I mean most effective) recovery routine: the ice bath. I stopped by the local grocery store and bought two bags of ice. Yes, you see where I’m going with this. I got home, and started the cold water in the tub. Meanwhile I donned a sweatshirt and made some delicious rooibus tea. Ten minutes later a very very cold Dawn climbed out of the ice-filled waters. I’m happy to report that I am currently feeling no soreness nor am I lacking any range of motion. The ice bath wins again!

We’ll see how I feel tomorrow I have an easy two-miler planned.