The Daily Log 12/22/08

Distance: 5.30 miles
Time: 48:28
Pace: 9:07/mile
Weight: 195lbs
Terrain: Up and down
Temperature: Cold, slightly breezy
Gear: Under Armour Running Hoodie, Adidas Running Fleece, Long-Sleeved Nike Shirt, Adidas Long Running Pants over Under Armour 'Compression Pants', Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes, Reebok Stocking Cap
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 234.55 miles
Days until Marathon: 27

Yesterday was brutal - with wind chill, the coldest December day in 5 years in KC - so Saturday ended up being the right choice for the 18 miler. Today was still very cold but the wind was significantly less brisk, and with snow and freezing rain possible tomorrow, I was keen to get back out on the roads. Now I have all the gear I need for winter running, as long as I wear the right combination of clothes, and protect my exposed skin, the cold simply ceases to be much of an issue. Sure enough, once I got started it was fine, and I might even have been a little too warm with the hoodie. (I decided to keep it on as it was only a relatively short run).

My left calf was a little tight starting out, and my right shin ached slightly, but after I was properly warmed up, nothing bothered me. As has been my tendency on recent short runs, I didn't look at the clock until I'd finished, and instead concentrated on simply running at a comfortable rate as my mind wandered. 9:08/mile was the perfectly satisfactory result.

This week's running will be dictated partly by the weather and, yes, partly by good ole Saint Nick. The plan is to run a 9 and another 5 miler over the next three days, then take a couple of days off before the big two-oh on Sunday. It's probably a slightly awkward time for my training to be peaking, but then, there's always something, right?

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