Happy New Year!
I didn’t run today. While it’s expected for most runners to start the running year off with a “first run of the year,” I needed to take a rest day. I ran 31 days straight as part of the Stride’s Running Streak for a total of 282.9 kilometres in December. As well, I reintroduced HIIT and weights back into my training.
I’m tired.
My final run for 2017 was with a few runners from the Running Room group. I’ve been joining the groups for their Sunday rights for the last couple of weeks. It’s been both fun and encouraging. I love running with new runners and hearing their stories.
In fact about four years ago, I interviewed one runner named Les, who was training for his first half-marathon. Fast forward to today and he’s run at least a dozen half marathons, a marathon or two and 50K. I was happy to see that he had kept running. Awesome!
Sunday’s run was so bloody cold! It has been crazy cold all week. For the first time, I ran on my treadmill five days in a row. It wasn’t fun at first but the more I ran on it, the more I got used to it. This is why I bought the treadmill last year – to step up my winter running game.
The running streak had its ups and downs. There were days when I did not want to run at all. But I made myself do it and I am better person for it. (At least that’s what I told myself.) It feels good to be running consistently again. My body now craves running again. (Even today I would like to run but I know I need to take a couple days of rest.)
My first race this year is in 19 days – River Valley Revenge. I am signed up for the 25K and I was tempted to change to the 50k. But this cold weather put out that fire really quickly. A 25K run will do just fine! Carleigh and Jon have signed up for the 5K race so it will be great to have them waiting for me at the finish line. I miss the days when Carleigh was my cheering squad at the finish line!
I am really looking forward to running on the trails in Edmonton. I have limited running experience in Edmonton so I am excited to explore the river valley. Since I only have three weeks to go before the race, I have to get in a couple solid 20K runs. Now that the weather has taken a warmer turn, I should have no problem.
I’m really looking forward to my 2018 running season. I’ve already signed up for six races. Yes six! I will tell you more in a later post.
Have you signed up for any races yet?
What are your 2018 running goals?
Good going, Crystal, so nice to hear that you are craving the running again! It took awhile but it’s just gotten the same sort of cold here in Ontario but I haven’t had the opportunity to get out for that “frosty” look yet, too busy with Xmas! Nice mileage, btw, am jealous! Happy New Year!
I think it’s pretty incredible that you knew you needed to stop and you did, pushing the peer pressure of New Year’s Day aside. Also fantastic is bringing HIIT and weights back in! And big yay for getting your mojo back!
Though I don’t comment much (trying to change that!) I read all your blogs and love the photos. I look forward to the Edmonton trail pics to come!
Happy New Year!
Thank you! I’m the same way with blogs. I read but don’t comment. Happy New Year!