What I am thinking about this morning?

A cold, rainy morning outside, with temps in the mid-‘40s, made Bennie’s first walk short and miserable. The weather forecasters sure didn’t get this one right. I guess it must be the differences in weather patterns between Portland and Augusta. All I know is that it was rather nasty out there, and I am not looking forward to running in it.

I am doing the two-week free trial of the McMillan Run Club to see how it matches my needs. It is a bit pricier than I would like, but at the same time the philosophy, methods, and program seem to align with what I am looking for. After using it for a couple of weeks, I will have a better idea of how I fit.

Since I have chosen not to train for any races this Fall, I decided on an 8-week level 3 base training module. It seems about where I am now, and the long runs are in the doable range, compared to where my left leg is in its rehab/prehab process.

Today’s workout is flexible, I can take the day off, cross-train or run. I am feeling good, but not looking forward to running in the cold rain. However, I need almost 4.0 miles to get over 120 for September. Which is another motivator to get out the door, despite the weather.

When I do head out the door, I will probably do laps on Philbrick and not worry about my Thursday strides, since I am not acclimated to cold, wet and nasty conditions yet. I am still in summer mode and I want to avoid my usual Fall overindulgence and strained something or other, which tends to happen if I run too hard during the first colder days.

What Did I do?

I decided to do laps on Philbrick and put on tights, wore a long sleeve tech shirt and gloves. I wasn’t unhappy wearing any of that, the first 2 laps because it was still quite raw outside at 49 degrees, with a nice breeze out of the North, and raining lightly until the end of the third mile.

One thing about getting older is that I notice the temperature differences a LOT more. Especially, the colder temps, it takes longer to warm-up and I like to dress warmer than I used to.

The run was more about keeping it slow, but I surprised myself with how fast a finish I had this morning. I know that I am supposed to keep it consistent for the entire workout, but I have always attempted to finish faster on a run. Something I was taught too many years ago and a bad habit that has bitten me in the rear a few times over the years.

The Karhu Fusion 2021 felt fine, and I didn’t notice any issues with under my forefeet today, which was encouraging. On wet pavement, I don’t have that sense of grip that I do in other shoes, so I wonder how they will do as the weather gets colder and nastier. Minor things, but those minor things do add up to bigger things if you don’t stay on top of them.

I did foam roll after the run, had a coconut water and a couple of my energy chews to bide me over until lunch. Trying a few things differently as I move forward.

Overall, it was another good run and now, to get re-acclimated to the colder/nastier weather, that I know is coming.