ORN: I went crazy and ran through downtown rather than doing my usual RiverWalk thing. I needed to mix it up because the thought of running my usual trail had me feeling like skipping my run. I ran 3.1 miles in 30'29", which was slower than I felt. But I guess stopping/slowing at all those cross walks played a role in that. It had the effect, I noticed, of being something like a fartlek workout. I'd come to an intersection, have to slow or stop, then take off to cross the street. Then, propelled by my momentum, I might run faster than usual halfway through the block until I would decelerate to the next intersection. It probably wasn't an orthodox fartlek workout, if there is such a thing, but I'm tagging this one speed work nonetheless.
I'm so glad the weather is cool now. Running in 40°-50° temperatures is nearly perfect for me. I don't mind colder, but the hot temperatures of spring and summer sap my energy too much. Cold weather helps keep me on an even keel and keeps my sweating down. I also think I run faster in the cold, and I think if I spent enough time with the data I could prove that.
Don't get me wrong. Cold rain sucks, and November is typically a rainy part of the year where I live. It also sucks getting out of a roasty-toasty bed and my flannel pajamas and into the dark, chilly morning air. Running in the cold under a bright moon and sky full of stars rocks my world, but breaking out of that comfortable, snuggly cocoon of Bed is something I often fail at. That's why I haven't been doing my long runs lately. Bed has a strong gravity field when it's cold out. I hope my winter-time running group starts up soon. I'm much better at keeping commitments to other people.
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