I have shifted my focus recently to train for a marathon which is coming up on the 19th of January. The training isn't really any different for me but the mental focus is. I have been really slacking on the miles, which concerns me and I know that it is nobody's fault but my own. I need to stay focused and hit the pavement. Some days/nights it is just so hard to find the energy to go run when it is barely above zero degrees or less. It's always nice to have someone to run with which keeps me focused on the days where I do have someone.
The other problem I have is distance. I firmly believe that running in the cold weather takes so much more energy. I feel exhausted after running 6-8 miles when it is 4 degrees. My body is trying hard enough to stay warm let alone make it through 8 miles. I have backed off on mileage for this purpose. I do take advantage of the warmer days and I take the really cold days off (-10 or less).
I cannot afford an injury at this point in time. Running in the winter poses many threats, with muscles tightening up and ice to slip on. Most of my runs are at night which makes it so much harder to avoid the ice and difficult terrain. I have not slipped yet (knock on wood). I love the feeling of being outside and running.
I shaved my face recently and surprisingly enough it has not bothered me. I have a face mask that actually feels more comfortable now with a smooth face as opposed to the burly beard I was sporting. These last 4 weeks of cold weather have seemed like forever but I know I still have at least 8-10 weeks left of it (which will get me through mid-March). Once that weather turns over to hit at least 30 degrees you can bet I'll be hitting the roads like crazy. It has truly been a great experience thus far training for this ultra marathon.
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