Good morning everyone – I hope you’re all staying warm amid this winter storm that’s gone through a fair chunk of the US. Your hoddler-in-chief probably should take his own advice. But instead he went out for a long run this weekend. As I’ve shared before, I’m in training for my next marathon, which is […]
Good morning everyone – I hope you’re all staying warm amid this winter storm that’s gone through a fair chunk of the US.
Your hoddler-in-chief probably should take his own advice. But instead he went out for a long run this weekend.
As I’ve shared before, I’m in training for my next marathon, which is a little more than two months out. Going through my training schedule I can’t believe I’m nearly halfway through.
Let me tell you something: Running 20 miles in sub-freezing temperatures is not ideal. This was my first of three 20-mile runs planned, and I was pretty determined to go out there. The temperature was a brisk 10F (-17C) when I went out. That made it important to dress properly. I wore two thin ankle-cut socks, over which I wore thicker and longer socks. Plus a baselayer compression pants, running shorts, a warm long-sleeve over a tank top, running gloves, a running buff to cover my head and ears, and a second to cover my mouth and nose. The little bit of exposed skin was given some vaseline.
This type of year makes me question why I signed up for a spring marathon. I knew these temperatures were coming, but I still don’t enjoy them. And it took me a little while to get warmed up, but things really clicked once I did.
But what I really enjoyed was the running route itself, which continues to expand as I increase my mileage. Saturday’s run brought me the furthest north I’ve ventured in DC yet, well north of the Smithsonian Zoo and alongside Rock Creek and up Piney Branch Valley. Incredible scenes.
Halfway through my water bottle and gels both froze. And the running buff I used to cover my mouth kept freezing, so I continually rotated it until it became a crinkly frozen piece and immovable piece of fabric.
As for the running itself, I felt very good. I’m always happy when I achieve negative splits, and my second 10 miles were right around marathon pace. Most of all the legs felt good this week and I felt I could run for at least a couple more miles.
I left home around 9.15am and by the time I finished my run two hours and 25 minutes later, Tottenham were putting on the final touches of their draw against Burnley. Running 20 miles was the better choice that day.
Fitzie’s track of the day:Kashmir, by Led Zeppelin
And now for your links:
Alasdair Gold: “Thomas Frank’s future, decision to be made and Cristian Romero’s power inside Tottenham”
Jack P-B ($$): “Thomas Frank has failed to do what he was brought to Tottenham Hotspur to do”
The Standard: “Tottenham dealt transfer blow as Arne Slot declares he ‘needs’ Andy Robertson at Liverpool”
: “Hearts stay clear of Celtic after Braga rescues late point against title rivals”
Category: General Sports
