Saturday, January 21, 2012

Winter Warrior-ing


January 21 - It has been another fun week of winter running here in New England and half marathon training continues. It snowed a little Tuesday morning but that didn't stop hubs and I from getting out for another snowy run. We don't believe in shorts cuts around here. He ran with me for 1.5 before turning around to become photographer and leaving me to do the remaining 4.5. ON MY OWN. I hate running by myself and this run was a brutal reminder of how spoiled I have been for, oh, the last 10 months. No precipitation on Thursday's run, just bitterly cold wind gusts. Turns out I run pretty good when the sidewalks are clear.

Tuesday photos by hubs
Today my training partner and I met up at Runner's Alley, a local running store, to run with the Winter Warriors group. The store itself is a perfect little gem nestled downtown. We are always greeted by friendly and knowledgeable sales people and they have an excellent selection of running shoes, clothing, and gear.

Source
I'd been hearing about the WW Runs but never attended mainly because we don't live that convenient to the store. Even so, I was interested in finding out for myself what the group runs were like. Here's a blurb from their newsletter:

It's Not Too Late to Be a Warrior!
Winter Warriors
You keep hearing about Winter Warrior runs, and since there are a lot of chilly months ahead of us, how about another friendly reminder on what WW is all about?
*Group Runs (all paces/levels): Thursdays at 6:00pm and Saturday mornings at 8:00am
*Throughout the winter, each store will host try-on nightsfrom different brands, plus raffles and other giveaways!
*Every time you come to a run, you get a point.
*Every time you bring a canned good, another point!
*25 or more points at the end of the season means you score some free gear with the Warrior branding. Suh-weet!
*Have we mentioned it's a blast? Yeah, it is...cuz that's how fun we are.... 

I arrived at the store 5 minutes before 8 and found about 15 other runners already inside getting ready mostly in small groups with little conversation. After figuring out where to sign in, someone announced that the run would be about 4 miles because of the snow. I have to admit that the irony of that statement made me smile a little inside.

So, we ran with the group for 4 miles, took a short break back at the store, then went on for another 6. Even though the group was a little tamer than I expected, today's run was a blast...from old man winter! I can now say that I have experienced the following: snow flakes in the eyes, snow covered face, icicles in my eyebrows and lashes, and possibly even some frozen snot (lovely). I also learned that if you buy a pair of snow cleats, they probably work better if you wear them.

Due North Traction Aids
Today, I also completed the Twitter Road Race 5K. I loved being able to print my own personalized bib! Not the easiest day to run a race, but I did the best I could in the snow!

Twitter Road Race 5K: 30:33

What kind of WARRIOR are you?

Did you run the Twitter Road Race? How did you do?

11 comments:

  1. Like you I finished the Twitter Road Race, needed my spike/screw shoes because of the ice on the Rail Trail, still don't like 10F degrees when running, but is part of the deal when you live in Maine :-). This time of year don't usually worry about the times as much as distance, can't run fast on ice no matter what you wear.

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    1. Good job on your virtual run today! We both deserve a hot chocolate/coffee after getting out there =)

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  2. Heh, I'm the opposite, it seems - I always run solo (except, obviously, during races). Part of it is my usual Crazy O'Clock start time (not many people are willing to huff through the miles at 5am), but I also like the time to zone out & not worry about pacing anyone. But here's hoping you continue to find like-minded folks to train with.

    It sounds like you out-warriored that crew, several times over this week. Nice work ;)

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    1. I think if I had somewhere safer to run on my own, I would enjoy it more. I can't relax on my own while worrying about traffic or creeps. Be careful!

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  3. I'm actually jealous of all the winter weather you are getting up there! That photo real is great by the way. This year, I've had to leave town (DC area) to do any real warrioring.

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    1. I was just saying I wouldn't mind running along a beach, lol! I'm having fun, but man! It's cold. Hope you get a taste.

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  4. Yes! NO SHORT CUTS!

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  5. Twitter 5k? hmmm sounds interesting. Good Job for finishing. I have speed work today in an hour in Calagary...and it's really cold outside.
    burrrr :-)

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    1. Thanks! My last run was in Orlando...it was pretty warm ;)

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  6. Yay for running with a group. I just posted today about joining a running club. I am nervous for my first group run but excited at the same time!

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    1. I hope you had a blast. I love group runs, especially if you're lucky enough to get a really friendly group!

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