i can do it... I CAN DO IT!!!

Well, Winter is here, and man is it letting us know. This week I ran both inside and out. I found out this week that I do prefer to run outside. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill inside LA Fitness, and felt like I was going to die. It was soooo hot in there. The nice thing about running outside is that, yes. It is cold at first and you want to turn around and go back to your warmth, but once you get running and have your layers on, it is enjoyable. And the eventual sweat keeps you cooled as you run in the crisp wind.

On Thursday though, I ran outside, in 32* weather, and felt as if I were going to die. It was sooo cold. Somehow, I got past that and did my 3 miles. I didn't map it, so I'm not sure if the cold made me run faster or slower.

Today was my long run day.... 9 miles!! I am soo proud of myself for being able to run that far. It is now the farthest/ longest I have ever run. I ran it in 1:23:45. Is was under my intended time of 1:30:00, so that's great! I wasn't sure where I was going to run, but I had an idea. I did my usual path for my short runs, but then I kept going until it lead me to a path in some forest preserve.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/57592140

This link has all the information you care to know about, like elevation, pace, my path ect. 

I am really starting to feel good about my training. I can honestly say that during my run today, I didn't feel tired. And no, I'm not trying to sound more mighty than I am. I honestly felt really good. I think my legs were getting really heavy, but endurance wise, I was solid. I think though, that I really need to get new shoes. Maybe specialty shoes that are made for long distance running. I love my shoes, but they are wearing out, and just nike running shoes. I'm going to start looking. Any ideas, I would gladly take. 

As usual, tomorrow is my cross training day, and I think I am going to give swimming another try. If I don't like it again, I will figure out other ways to cross train. Thanks for reading. 

Until the next run, 

cody!