Running life this week

Man, I feel like it's been forever since I have written anything in my blog. It is the middle of February, and in February apparently my blogging, just like my running, takes a hiatus. 

It's not exactly ideal that my running is taking a hiatus due to the fact that I have a full marathon on Saturday. Yep....  But if you live in the midwest or have been watching the news at all as of lately you will know that the something like 70% of the united states is under snow. We got it easy here in Ohio, there is only about 8 inches on the ground, as it has been for the past 2+ weeks. It snowed and it snowed and it snowed, and then it got bitterly cold. We have had the most consecutive days under 0 since 1906. So the snow hasn't melted. It's everywhere and it's relentless. And it's still freaking cold. 

So after 4 days of not running I got fed up and bought a membership to the Y. I needed to run, my kids needed to run, we all needed to get out of the house. So I have been running on the treadmill for a few weeks now.

The thing about the treadmill, at the Y at least, is that you get really really really hot. I haven't logged over 6 miles on it because everytime, a few miles in I start to overheat. Between the stale air and the other 500 bodies that are in that small room, it's absurd. I often run 3, take a break and walk around for a minute, then get back on. 

I think winter is the perfect time for this type of running. Maintenance, a little speed work, and consistency. If this is all your doing during these cold dark days, then you are far above the rest who quit completely during the winter. 

I admire those who persevere, logging long distances on the treadmill or pushing on through feet of snow and sub freezing temps. I have been there before, and will be there again, but this is not my winter for that. 

It's important to know yourself and do what you can do, when you can do it. But it is also important to never give up on yourself. We are constantly battling the fine line between less and more, between quitting and pushing through. 

Just keep on running and you'll find your way.