Need Gloves

Took the bike out for a spin - froze my hands and lower arms. It was around 58f and cloudy. But I should have noted the Wind Chill Factor! Riding faster did not help. I really do need some decent bike gloves!
Re: 100 push-ups “…if for some reason you struggled with the program, I would suggest either retaking the initial test or repeating Week 1."
I opted for repeating Week 1 as my initial test is 0-5 rank. (Real man push-ups.) I did complete Week 1 but my form was not A1.
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Wind Chill Factor Calculator
Run Less, Run Better

Juneathon Day 9
Biking 6.18 miles
Push-ups 2,3,2,2,3

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Ways to Avoid the Rain

This time of the year, I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to avoid running in the rain. If you live in the Northwest, you know what I’m talking about.
I get cold and miserable! I have to keep wiping off my glasses so I can see the path. My long ponytail ends up looking like a rat’s nest.

Possible:

• Keep an eye on the radar screens at Weather.com or AccuWeather.com. Wait for those large clusters of dark green or yellow to pass.
• Overdress in rain gear. Every time I do this – it stops raining.
• Lather on the sunscreen. (Reverse psychology...)
• Run at the gym. (My very last option.)

Impossible:

• Click your heels three times and repeat, “It never rains when you run.”
• Cancel your run.
• Wager a bet with your runner partner – bet that the rain will stop.
• Don’t run in the Winter or Spring.
• Run with a Rihanna umbrella.
• Move to Tempe Arizona

Eugene, Oregon Rainfall:

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Braving the Cold

Looks Like a lot of us runners are braving cold weather!



Map National Weather Service
If you don’t see your name on the map today – mention it in the comments
and I will add you.

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Seasonal Adjustments

Do you adjust your running timetable to the changing seasons?

This article - The Fitness Almanac - suggests we are influenced by the seasons – just as other animals are.
I tend to train in harmony with my race schedule. Next year, my big race - The Eugene Marathon - falls on May 3rd. So I will start training January 1, regardless of how I feel or the weather. But perhaps I should be choosing race dates by my energy levels.

The article highlights each quarter:

1. Winter – A time for introspection. Evaluate last year’s goals and then prepare for fresh expectations. “Energy level is moderate.”
2. Spring – A time for rebirth – renewal. Try out something new. “Energy level is intense, upbeat...” (So a good time to race.)
3. Summer – Heat can slow you down. Siesta anyone? This is a good time to try new cross training activities. (I want to go Kayaking next year.) “Energy can be playful to lethargic.”
4. Fall – Time to reap your awards of training. Make decisions on what worked and what didn’t. “Energy – seeking satisfaction.” (I love the Fall and the return of cooler weather. It’s my favorite time of year to run!)

What’s your favorite season for running?

Image map
1. Silhouette, 2. Spring Flowers, 3. It's SNOWING!, 4. Fall Forest

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Listen to the Seasons

The Fall is here, but where cold, blustery weather should have been this morning, a mild day with sunshine appeared. (Trust me, if you live in the Northwest and it’s November – you pay attention to the weather.)

Today’s run along Beacon Drive...

I am thankful for long winding country roads
with no traffic.


I am thankful for sunshine
and happiness.


I am thankful that each footstep
I take – I am not alone.


I am thankful for all the years
I’ve been able to run.
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