I went back to work this week and it was tough!  Even my kids struggled.  Lots of coffee helped me get through the school day and my workouts.

Tuesday’s run felt warm compared to the earlier in the week.  It actually felt great out there.

I missed Wednesday’s workout (30 minutes).  Somehow I did not see it in my training calendar.  I was focusing and planning for Thursday’s run.  It wasn’t until 9:30pm that I checked my calendar and noticed that I had a run that day.  Ugh!  I actually felt bad for missing it and sent an email to my coach.  It would have been a perfect evening to run because the temperature was in the high 50s.

I had a meeting on Thursday so I knew I didn’t have to get to school early.  I went out for my run and it was awesome!  I did overdress and I could have worn shorts.  The goal for each interval was 10:02 and I nailed each one–even if almost all of them were positive splits!  It was definitely a confidence booster and next week I get to do 8 x 2 minute intervals.

Since I missed my workout on Wednesday, I ran on Friday after school.  Cold again.  Thanks goodness it was “only” 30 minutes.

Saturday was my last day pacing my group.  It wasn’t too bad.  It was cold and windy and there was one section of the lakefront that was covered in ice.  While it did look pretty, it was very slippery.  I walked very slowly and finally made it to the end of the icy path.  On the way back, I took another route to avoid that path.  

This week I was excited that most of my runs were “actual” miles instead of minutes.  Started off the week and the New Year with a run on the treadmill.  My gym wasn’t crowded but definitely more people than usual.

Tuesday was a rest day but I couldn’t believe that last year there were leaves on the ground!

It did warm up a little for Wednesday’s run and I actually enjoyed it!  While I enjoy running along the lakefront, I also like running around Midway Airport.  It is easy to get to, plenty of parking, and one loop is 4 miles.  Earlier that day I made my first batch of Vegetarian Bean Chili.  It wasn’t out of this word but still good.  My mistake was that I added too many beans.  Haha, now I know.  🙂

On Thursday it was sunny and that made the run even more pleasant.  Still cold but better than negative 0 degrees.

Saturday morning I woke up cold and tired.  I was supposed to meet up with a few other Oiselle girls at 10:00 for a run but decided not to go.  Then I waited for it to warm up.  I finally went out at 1pm.  I wore 2 pairs of socks, 2 pants, 2 pairs of gloves, 3 tops, and 1 hat.  The sun felt wonderful.  There wasn’t a lot of wind and that definitely helped as well.  At the end of my run I was tired and hungry.  And then I was very cold.

Another great week of running!  Sad that it is my last week of winter break.  However, I enjoyed my two weeks off and am looking forward to seeing my kids tomorrow!

Started off the week on Christmas morning with 30 minutes of running.  It was cold with lots of snow on the ground making it difficult for running.  Most of the sidewalk wasn’t clean so I had to run on the streets.  I was thankful that it was “only” 30 minutes.

The rest of the day was spent on the couch reading “An Innocent Man”.  Wow!  I finished it on Friday and it is an awesome book

It was -2 degrees on Wednesday and I did think of running outside but decided instead to go to the gym.  I really like my gym but I was bored!  It has been months since I’ve run on the treadmill and 45 minutes was way too long to run on it.  Later that day I went to see my best friend (hadn’t seen her since October) and we did some errands and her daughter decorated some cookies.

We also played “Jacks”.  Did you play that as a kid?  I did!

On Saturday I procrastinated and finally went to the gym around 6pm.  I know I said I was bored on Wednesday but today wasn’t bad.  I watched a few episodes of “Law and Order” and that made the time go by quickly.

And with that I finish December with 71.25 miles and 773.11 miles for the year.  You can read my 2017 Running Stats here.  

Started off the week with 30 minutes of running.  It felt warm and I was tempted to wear shorts.  I like running in the morning before work but don’t think I’ll continue when I have to run longer runs.

I was not looking forward to Tuesday’s run.  I had to run 10 minute warm up, 3.10 miles, and then 10 minute cooldown.  My plan was to run along the lakefront but instead decided to run around the airport.  Despite it being 50 degrees, it was WINDY.  I actually did good but know I can improve and do better.  My fastest 5K is from May 2011 (29:48 with a 9:35 average pace).

The rest of the week were all easy runs.  It also went by fast and before I knew it, it was Friday and almost time for Winter Break.  My students made a present for their parents and had fun making their own wrapping paper.  

Saturday’s run consisted of running 90 minutes.  Honestly I was not looking forward to it.  But as always, the runs we do not want to do are also the best ones.  It was in the low 30s but it was also sunny and not windy at all which made the run even more pleasant.  

Overall I am pleased with this week of training.  I felt great and actually enjoyed my runs.  Let’s see how long that lasts!  🙂

On Monday I went out too late for my run and by then it was snowing.  It wasn’t a lot but enough to make it hard to see and slippery.  I am afraid of falling in the snow/ice and hurting myself.  I did run for about 3 minutes and then went back home.  Spoiler alert:  I didn’t slip that day but did fall the next day.

On Tuesday I did some errands and hurt my ankle.   I was about to get into my car and I didn’t see that the curb was uneven.  I sat in the carseat in disbelief because I couldn’t believe it.  I had skipped my run on Monday because I didn’t want to slip in the snow but yet I fell/slipped while walking to my car?!?!?  It didn’t hurt as much so I went on with my errands.  The next day it was sore/tender but wasn’t painful.  I did think that I had sprained it but realized it wasn’t swollen and it didn’t hurt to walk.  I decided to take off the next few days just to make sure.  

The rest of the went flew by.  Work was busy but productive.  The teachers in our District don’t have a contract but we have a tentative one and will vote on Monday.  On Friday I substituted for a class and had 47 kids in my room.  There is a shortage of substitute teachers and many of us either have to internal sub or double up.  It went well.  Lots of kids but we had a fun and productive day.

One more week till Winter Break!

Every year I give 2 books for Christmas to my kids.  This year Lola helped!

I finally went out on Sunday for a run.   It was gloomy but also in the high 30s and felt great being out there.

Another week of training for the Illinois Marathon.  It didn’t go as I want it to go but life is full of surprises.  🙂