We got the first bit of snow last night, nothing serious and it was more rain, freezing rain and black ice than snow, but it is a harbinger of things to come.

This morning I decided to wimp out and head for the treadmill. While walking Bennie and Hunter, the feels like temperature was in the lower teens and like I did last year when the temps go under 20*F or the winds are whipping, I head inside.

It isn’t that I don’t know how to dress to run outside in winter weather, it is just a part of being a runner who has lived most of his life in areas that actually have winter. Nope it is more the older I get the less I feel as though I have to impress myself with how tough I am to brave the elements.

Running on the treadmill ain’t that bad IMHO and is often safer than running longish distances outside. To be quite honest, I don’t bounce or handle the cold as well as I used to, so running in shorts and t-shirt on the treadmill is a great alternative.

Planned Workout Description: Something comfortable with strides after

• Day: Friday

• Time of Day: 10:39a

• Course: PF Treadmill

• Distance: 5.0

• Time of Run: 41:19

• Pace: 8:16

• Type of Workout: Comfortable progression run with 6 x .10 strides at the end

• Rating (1-4): 3

• Running Streak Day #: 15

• Weather: Indoor

Variables that impacted the run: Guy running beside me is someone I have raced against and if I remember is in my age group, so I might have peeked at his treadmill once or twice.

Comments: I warmed up the first mile at 6.8 mph felt really strong, so I started bumping it up a bit each mile until I got to 7.2 mph through 4.0 miles.

At 3.9 I started my .10 strides at 9.2+ mph and felt strong enough to keep increasing the speed until the last one was done at 10.1. I think I could probably do one or two quarters at that speed, but I would be courting injury if I did it too much I have a feeling. Hard to believe that once upon a time…well it was once upon a time and it ain’t where I am now. 🙂

Shoes Worn: New Balance Beacon 2 (223.4) – This is what these shoes are great at, running on the treadmill. They are just firm enough, but cushioned enough to let me do just about any treadmill workout that I want to do and do it comfortably.

How did this run move me towards my goal(s)? A faster workout that felt comfortable during the 4.0 miles. While the strides were faster, I didn’t feel all that stressed out while doing them, so that is a good sign.

Cardio Total: 2.3

Weight: 158

Non Running Comments: They finished up SD2’s driveway and it is a lot better than it was – quite a bit more room and you can park side by side in it now.