Loss of Appetite

It's only happened a few times in all my years of running.....loss of my incentive to get out for a run or hike or whatever.  

It snowed overnight but not enough to get out on snowshoes.  I had been hoping that we'd get a deep enough snow to require some trail grooming and good running around the quarry trails but it just isn't there yet.

I started to change into running gear to get out on the roads but stopped and took a nap instead.  That's something that I would not have done in the past.  I realized the only reason I was going out was to get miles in my log book.  My body was better off for the nap.

When I was running my fastest times, in the past, I would usually take a self-imposed break between Thanksgiving and Christmas with no running at all.  That dissolved after I started snowshoeing because the snow conditions in late November and early December were sometimes the best to be out on the "shoes".  So what worked in the past just might be OK again now...maybe even more so as it takes me longer to recover  now.

No miles today. We'll have to see how long before I get enthused to start daily training again.

Trashed Again

It never ceases to amaze me how much trash is disposed along the streets and even the trails.  Last week, I filled more than one bag with cast off cans and bottles, only to repeat the exercise again today.  I recycle what I can (as in sell as scrap)  and redeem the deposit containers, so at least I get some monetary reward for the work.  But it is also rewarding to know the waste is removed from the environment!

I needed to stay on the roads more than the trail because of the freezing rain. Only 2 miles yesterday and increased to 4 today.  Got a pretty decent workout in my driveway...chipping ice.

Ridiculously Icy

Overnight brought rain with temperatures just below freezing.  A majority of church services and afternoon activities were cancelled or postponed so folks wouldn't feel compelled to try to drive.  I saw cars unable to drive back up their driveway because of ice and the slope.

So I got around and headed out to the trails anyway...partly because I didn't workout yesterday but also just to enjoy some time outdoors.

The streets were crazy slick.

I had worn some grippers on my shoes and did OK while hiking but slipped a bit.  On a more sloped portion of the trail, it became impossible to get up the grade.  Even the rocks were covered in 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice and provided no usual traction.

By traipsing through the woods, I gained better traction and was amazed by the white footprints that resulted from the crunched ice.

Made me think that screw shoes would have been the best solution for today's run and I'm not sure why I didn't take time to prep a pair like I've usually done in past years!

4 miles for today so 40 for the week.

MSU Open - - Mankato

Spent the most part of this day helping coach and enjoying the indoor track meet at Minnesota State- Mankato.  There were some very exciting races and good performances but no new, national meet qualifying times for NIACC at this one...perhaps next week!

They did change the look of the track area since last year by installing a climbing wall as seen in the background of this photo..

Friday's Results          Saturday's Results

Didn't attempt a workout today but got plenty of time on my feet such that the legs are truly dead!  Got in 5 on Thursday and 6 yesterday, though.

Deja Vu

I retraced my route from yesterday and brought my camera to take my own frosted vent photos.

9 more miles.

Frozen Breath

I've come across photos of runners during the winter that shows off the ice that forms on their beards or balaclavas.  In fact, the past couple days, I've had ice forming on my eyelashes and neck gaiter!  But today, I was impressed by the frost that formed on the ground surface where warmer, moist air from beneath the surface was venting and making for a very interesting ice pattern at several locations around the rock quarry....and I had not bothered to bring the camera.  I did, however, find some similar photos through the wonder of the internet.

9 miles today despite the cold.

ISU Open

Quite a busy weekend.  My fall on the ice the other day really affected my ability to get out for any comfortable running but the indoor track meet in Ames also took some time.

The NIACC team was able to get some more qualifying times for indoor Nationals.  Trent Smith dipped below 15 minutes in the 5K for a personal record! And we hit the mark in the Distance Medley Relay, OJ in the 800, and Matt Bowman in the 1000.  The women's team has yet to get a qualifying performance but are getting close.

Men's Results        Women's Results

During some breaks in the action, I took time to hike around some of ISU's campus and reminisce about my days there as a student (40 years ago!)

I put in 5 miles before we left on Friday.  I chose Sunday as a recovery day because my right arm and hip continue to hurt from the fall on ice.  Ended up with 36 for the week.