Turkey Trot 2013

Today (Thanksgiving Day 11/28/2013)  I ran my annual 'Turkey Trot' (aka - run your butt off Thanksgiving morning, so you can pig out on your Thanksgiving morning - LOL): the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run 10K. It's a very popular local event, but I think the morning temperatures scared away even some of the most staunch athletes (low 20s - BRRRR!).

When my alarm went off at 6 am, I really wanted to turn it
 OFF and pull the covers over my head and SLEEP!! But I had really committed myself (and my money) to do so the run. So I staggered out of bed and proceeded with my morning rituals.  Besides I wanted to have a little guilt-free eating at dinner.

For about the first couple of miles, I was quite COLD!  Especially my hands (my gloves weren't the warmest) and they felt a little numb.  But my hands warmed up about mile 3 which was a welcomed relief.

Along the way, I met nice people - several runners who coached me through the 1st 3 miles before leaving in their dust (regrettably).   Then, I fell in with several ladies from another Weight Watchers class (on their job).  It was great walking with them because they were walking a good pace and kept me moving. 

My knees held up OK - they didn't start bothering me until somewhere between miles 3 and 4.  I took a couple of Advils before leaving the house and I think that helped. All in all, it wasn't a bad run (not a PR, but I crossed the finish line upright - LMBO!)

Official time (course clock time) - 1:33:46, 888 cal (heart rate watch); stats below from Runtastic app:

 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Magic City 5K)

This morning I ran the Magic City 5K.  It was quite cold - 27 deg at the start. I was a running buddy for Girls on the Run.  My little running buddy was great.   And fast!  I slowed her down! LOL!  But she wouldn't get too far ahead of me.

I certainly wasn't prepared to run in the cold.  I hadn't run outside for some time.  My time was not so great:  50:24 (16:15/mi).  But I finished (and I wasn't last  - LOL)!

Cardio night!

A change-up: combo of stationary bike and treadmill
* Stationary bike
15:00, 2.34 mi (9.36 mph), 102 cal (101 avg HR, 110 max HR)
* Walking on treadmill
25:00, 1.55 mi (16:08/mi, max speed 4.5 mph), 271 cal (137 avg HR)
Totals - 3.89 mi, 373 cal

Knees did stiffen up but I just paced myself.   I am hoping to do 5K and 10K this month.  I have a couple of more weeks to commit.  Just hoping I don't finish dead last. :(

Beating the Cold: Inside the Gym

Tonight was very cold.  I wasn't planning to work out.  But as I was driving toward home after filling my tank, I was approaching the gym, and made a last minute decision to go despite the cold.  And I'm glad I did:

Stationary bike - 60:00, 6 min, 236 cal

Training Schedule 11/10 - 16/2013

Sun, 11/10/13 - Pool aerobics
Mon, 11/11/13 - Strength training and core
Tues, 11/12/13 - Strength training
Wed, 11/13/13 - Cardio + core
Thurs,  11/14/13 -Dance class
Fri, 11/15/13 - Strength training + cardio
Sat, 11/16/13 - Strength training + core