I'm doing Cool Running 5K program: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/142.shtml
This may as well be a 10K program, because it is 12 wks long, 5 days/wk,  and builds up to 6 mi distance by week 4!  In fact, I'm in week 4 and tomorrow is my first six mile run, which will be VERY long, since I'm so slow.  I am using this program to build endurance and improve my speed. I will follow this plan, with the intermediate HH 10K program, which will finish at my first 10K race on April 10.

I was supposed to do my first 6 mi run this morning in the park, but it was just too darn cold here in N. Alabama. At run time: 26 deg w wind chill of 16 deg.  I'm sorry, that is too cold for this ex-SoCal gal, when I'd be worrying about getting chills from sweat, etc.  I couldn't hold off until later because all of a sudden, I'm left in charge of a charity book sale that starts this afternoon, and lasts until Sat. nite.  So, I'll move my 3 mi Sat run to mid-day Fri, and try to fit in a longer run on Sat, either outdoors or at the gym.

Ok, I'll come over to this thread (I'm more used to forums where the threads stay open for months, rather than starting a new thread all the time - easier to bookmark, etc.)

Reposting here last night's post to the old thread:

Hi all,

I'm not sure what's happening to me - I got done with work unexpectedly early today, and my first thought was 'I can make it home and go for a run outside while it's still light!" *

So I did. The sidewalks and intersections here are a mix of packed snow, melting snow, and slush, but I managed to get in a 4 mile run around my hilly neighborhood. I felt just great. Something about getting to be outside in the light, instead of on treadmill on a dark winter night, just lifted my spirits and my running pace. Leaving the house at approx 4:10 and doing an out-and-back route meant I got to watch the sunset over the mountains, something I never get tired of.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Chris

*Who is this new Chris and what has he done with the old one?

Hi Chris!

I am in MA, north of Boston, and the weather here also gets pretty gnarly. I have been running outside in freezing and sub-freezing temps with gusty winds and all, but I'm very afraid of running in slippery surfaces. I feel like the cold is manageable but the thought of running on sidewalks covered in snow/slush/ice is just terrifying because I'll have no control. Do you have any tips?

I'll be heading out for my long run of the week soon and I'm glad the ground is dry and clear now, but I think we'll be getting some precip later today. I hope to be done with my run before it starts.

Thanks!

I have used the yaktracks as well- I like them-but they have 2 limmitations to be aware of

1)- they WILL pull off your shoes if you go up steeper hills-like sledding hills?- they will just pull and stretch and the next thing you know the yaktraks are up around your ankles instead of on the soles of your feet

2)- they have some durability issues-last winter I went through 2 plus pairs-primarily walking dogs-2-4 miles a day x 7 days a week on a mixture of sidewalks & snow covered trails

my suggestion is to keep your eyes open for the yaktraks on sale- my wife picked up a pair last year for $19- at that price i wish she had bought  3 or 4 pairs

I used my yaktraks this morning running in freezing rain(BTW- if you are considering yaktraks, you KNOW what I mean by freezing rain!)- they worked great- I was running on a towpath that is crushed limestone-which had frozen-and now had about 1/2" of water & ice laying on the top-and there was a boardwalk about 200 yards long that is even slippery when just dew covered-yak traks handled the whole thing perfectly

when the winter gets a bit worse I am going to switch to screw shoes-which is basicly a pair of running shoes that you shoot some sheet metal screws into from the bottom. I am a roofing/carpentry contractor by trade-so I of course own plenty of cordless drills and buckets of  zip screws,LOL Even if
i need to change the screws everother day I am good to go from now till eternity, LOL

knee was feeling pretty good- just bad enough that I wasn't tempted to push my pace too much beyonf my lung capacity

todays run was 3-1/2 miles-which is as far as I have run with this venture into running( the farthest i have run in the past is about 4.2 miles and THAT was 2 years ago)-so we are now at the outer limmits of how far i can CURRENTLY run-and I will say I did give a passing thought to puking the last 200 yards or so-but kept it down.- looking forward to next sundays long run-for which I will make a better breakfast choice.

I am going shopping now because

A)- I am very hard on clothes and most of my clothes are literally warn out

AND

B)- the new,THIN stephen deserves some nice " grown-up" clothes

most of my decisions and money for the last 20 plus years have  gone towards  paying for the best education I could provide for my sons( so they could get the education  i didn't)- that tuition paying obligation is about over now-and it's time for some nice things for my wife and I.!- she took me shopping yesterday-but today
I am on my own.- funny- there isn't a steep roof in town I am afraid to climb- but shopping solo at a mall in December????- that takes some 'nads on my part I think

Later,

stephen