Little Victories

Half Marathon training Week 2

If I'm being completely honest, Katie is on week 2 and I'm probably more on 1 or 1.5.  I'm running with her on the weekends but we train separately throughout the week and she's definitely been more committed to the program than I.  I think my "half marathon veteran" mindset is screwing with me and I'm just praying it doesn't hurt me in the long run.

We ran 4 miles yesterday and I am continually proud of Katie and the progress she's made. After the run yesterday we talked about the longer runs coming up in the next month and she remarked how strange it is to think of 4 miles as "nothing" when even one mile was a chore a short time ago. As I expected, she's pushing me now when it was the other way around.  I'm looking forward to the race and I'm enjoying my training but frankly it's too freakin' cold outside.

The majority of miles logged since 2011 began have come on the treadmill and I loathe the treadmill.  I don't feel like a runner when I'm on a treadmill, I feel like a hamster.  I like being warm and I like running but I just can't reconcile my feelings with my options.  I'm ready for sun that not only shines but warms.  I'm ready for spring.

Now that I'm thinking about warmer weather I'm also thinking about global warming and how much energy it takes to power a treadmill.  Throw a hamster into that mental mix and here's my idea: a human-powered "treadmill" that not only powers itself but gives energy back to the electrical grid.  Hook up all the cycles in a classroom to a cache of batteries and you could store quite a bit of energy.  I guess if I'm going to feel like a hamster, I should take it to the extreme and put my legs to good use.

So here's to the sun and to warmer temperatures on the way.  Until then I'll just keep running outside as much as my body can stand.

Ryan