Winter Wuss?

I'm not a big fan of winter, don't like the cold, and I don't ski or snowboard, so I really don't appreciate the snow. Sorry. Like it for Christmas Day, and that's about it. I've braved two winters of running, and actually prefer running outdoors in the cooler weather compared to the heat and humidity of summer. But in an attempt break the injury streak, I've mixing things up quite a bit since my second round of stress fractures in May.

My training plan calls for easy, endurance, base building workouts, low heart rates for the next few months. If you've read my blog for a while, you'll remember that I did a lactate threshold test in February to determine my proper heart rate training zones for running. I've always had a naturally high heart rate, so using standard calculations based on age and gender never seemed to match my perceived effort. Not only did I get my zones based on heart rate, but I also have them based on speed.

Having the speed zones is much easier to manage my heart rate indoors when not having to factor in temperature, overdressing (which I always tend to do) or underdressing, wind, terrain, traffic lights, etc. I tend to get outside, find my one comfortable pace, and not go any slower or faster. Just get out there and go. Having a training plan different than my usual running group, with varying workouts and a purpose, different goals, running on different days, it's likely to be me and iPod tunes for most of the winter, on the treadmill, even though I miss running with them a lot. Yes, I know, kinda dreadful to think about, but if I can find my way to the start line of the Chilly Half Marathon that I just registered for on March 7 injury free, and am able to continue running post-race, then my effort won't have been futile. My gym is across the street, so getting there takes minimal planning, no driving, and walking there is part of my warmup, while walking home is part of my cool-down. With the shorter daylight hours, I can still manage my long runs on mondays after work.

So, just because I'm being a Weather Weenie for the moment,

doesn't mean you are.

Last year, I bought a Road ID anklet, thinking it was an especially good idea when I starting cycling, since I typically forgot to bring along any identification with me. I recently got an email from them with some Christmas Savings... I emailed them back to see if I can pass those discounts onto you, and they obliged. They're offering 10% off any orders until Friday, Dec. 18th at 5:00 ET. You still have until Dec 14th to order for Christmas delivery if you want to purchase it as a gift for another runner, cyclist, triathlete. Plus, for every $20 you spend, your name will be entered for an Orbea bike or a Human Touch Massage Chair, a random draw taking place in early January. If you happen to win, you're welcome! Use the following coupon code when placing your order: pcHoliday293

Thanks for all the get well wishes, they seem to have helped! I took Sunday and Monday off to recover and rest, catching up with Monday's scheduled 1hr run on the treadmill yesterday morning, and my 2hr schedule bike ride on the trainer last evening. The new bike rocks, but with our first snowfall overnight, I'm kinda bummed that it'll likely be months before I can take it out on the streets. Oh well. Time to catch up and see what you've all been up to!