I guess I'm getting many of the different aspects of running checked off my list in one week. I realize that I won't get through this whole runner's checklist for awhile, but it seems interesting to me that I can run in cold, flurries, flooding, in 2 different states and tonight, in the dark. It wasn't completely dark, I mean, there was a streetlight here and there and some car headlights that would go by every now and again. I guess much of my running will be in the dark due to the time of year and the time that I get off of work. It's an interesting experience if you haven't done it before. Much of my attention during the run was taken up by making sure that I wasn't going to trip over something. It kinda took my mind off of the running portion of things.
Jason had me wear his Garmin Forerunner tonight when we ran. There is a strap that goes around your chest to measure heart rate, and then a watch type piece that you put on your wrist that syncs up with satellites to measure distance, elevation and time during your run. You come home, download it all onto your computer, and then it spits all of this data out to you, including a really cool highlighted map of the area that you just ran. (As seen below)
I can't believe that I'm saying this, but conditions tonight were pretty good compared to our run this past Saturday. No wind, 29 degrees with wind chill also at 29 degrees. We ran 2.25 miles in 35 minutes, mixing in some fast walking and some sprints in there as well. My lungs felt like they wanted to explode after doing the fast sprints around the track at Millersville University, but otherwise the 2.25 miles did my body good. Millerville's track was even more bizarre to run in a night, without all the stadium lights on. (I'm used to be there with a noisy crowd of people watching Penn Manor High School football and Marching Unit)
While fast walking at one point during the run, Jason says, "At least we are spending time together." I'm sure that I'll be thinking that in 2 months or so, but right then, no so much.
you go Kirsten, no easy thing, but you got a good trainer. and I'm proud of you!!! love ya' Dad D.
ReplyDeleteThe cool part is that running in the dark makes you feel like you're moving faster than you actually are, so enjoy the illusion! Especially fun when you run on an unlit track. Feels like you're running in outer space.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work! Starting running in the winter makes you hard core, and when springtime comes around, it will feel sooooo much easier!
Jen