running in the snow.

So I'm not a winter person. I don't like it. In fact, I look forward to moving away from winter at my first opportunity. I read in Amby Burfoot's book that I read- that one of his favorite things is running on freshly fallen snow. I found that to be ...disturbing, to put it lightly. I could not figure out how I would enjoy running OUTSIDE in the cold. However, I decided to go running outside tonight, using some of the new running gear that I got from my family for Christmas. :)

(expect a post with pictures of my running stuff as soon as I can charge my camera battery.)

So yes, I went running today in the snow. First, I went out and ran from my mom's front door, down the driveway to the next door neighbor's driveway, sliding the entire way. I thought it didn't look too slippery when I looked out the window, but it was. Instead of being too cautious and taking small steps, I decided to get out my brand new spike-things that I got for Christmas. So exciting. I only slipped five or so times during my (almost) six miles that I ran today, while when I ran without them, I slipped ten times in .000001 miles. I am really impressed with the way that I accomplished my run today while it was snowing and really slippery on the roads and the sidewalks. It was wonderful.

There was one point in which I ALMOST fell. Both of my feet started to skid along the road and I was sure that I was going to fall right on my face. My balace was off and my feet were not in my control for an entire... five seconds or something, but somehow I caught myself. I'm really glad that I did not fall. I just am surprised that I did not loose my footing on the road, beacuse I really thought that I was going to. Other than that, I only slid a few times.

I need to get my mileage back up. I do work a LOT and go to school... and am applying to grad programs all at once. It's probably not the most ideal time to be doing this project, but it's NEVER a convenient time to start an exercise program when there are other things going on in someone's life. This is something that I need to work harder to get into my schedule, no matter how hard it is.

Something that is getting me closer to being able to call myself a runner- I definitely have callousses on my big toes. I used to have them on my fingers from the guitar, but I have them on my toes right now. My first half marathon in Sept., I hadn't trained very well, and I had terrible blisters on my toes, but now they have turned into callousses. I know that doesn't sound very appealing, but I am somewhat proud of them, in some kind of a demented manner of thinking. It makes me feel like I am more of a runner, I guess.

Anyhow, so expect a picture post with some of my wonderful Christmas gifts.

Goal: 1000 miles/365 days
So far: 86.66 miles/49 days
To go: 913.34 miles/316 days