Starting the Year Over

I was finally able to get in a few runs outside last week, and that was a mixed blessing.  It was great to finally get some fresh air, and to get a change of scenery and terrain - I think that is restored a bit of sanity that I was missing.  The downside, though, was that it was snowy, the roads weren't great, and it was hard.

Why hard?  After running for nearly three weeks on a treadmill, my legs weren't familiar with the size hills I have to deal with, my lungs weren't fully ready for the cold, and frankly, I've gotten used to running with a TV, not just the podcasts on my ipod.  I listen to podcasts about running and politics, as they're less distracting than music, but after a few weeks of TV, audio-only was a change of pace.

I also took the time to record a few videos and a submission for The Extra Mile Podcast.  I've been trying to get more involved in social media lately, in order to enhance my own running experience, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved.  In addition to the Extra Mile, I sent my videos to the Slow Runners Club - this is a group of ....less-competitive runners who revel in our sport, more in the enjoyment than in the competition.  Adam Tinkoff and Eddie Marathon host a podcast and website to help inspire and motivate runners of all types.

I even hosted an episode of the Runners Roundtable this week.  While I'm not the best podcaster (and as you can tell, not the greatest blogger), I'm trying to develop new skills and experiences (more on that in my next posting).  RRT offers a great chance to discuss a variety of running topics each week, and runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate.

If you're not yet involved in the Extra Mile or the Runners Roundtable, you should give the podcasts a listen, and get involved.  There's always room for more participation, and your experiences can be valuable to a host of other runners.  

Alas, snow has again returned to New York, and my long run today (16 miles) had to be done on the treadmill.  I included lots of hill work, and kept my pace down, so it went well, and was a useful run.  Fortunately, I'm a week ahead in my training, and I'll have time to re-adapt to outdoor conditions before I get to those critical 20 and 20+ mile runs.   

Between the snow and the flu that is now sweeping through my family, I'm ready for winter to be over.  So much so, that we're going to try and start the year over again on Monday,  With luck, the rest of this winter will be snow and illness free.   The groundhog didn't see his shadow this week, so we have reason to hope.