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Building my Base in the Snow

April 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

ERNC Ski Trails

Cross Country Skiing ERNC

The Eagle River Valley got over a foot of snow this week which made running outside a bit difficult. Running indoors on a treadmill is not an option  (well it is, but I really hate running on treadmills), so I head outdoors even when it is snowing. I did wimp out one day, but later that same evening, I went cross-country skiing.

When running in deep snow….

  • My pace is slower – to maintain an upright position (read as not falling) my pace automatically is going to be slower. Also, running in deep snow simply takes more effort. I am about an 8:30 – 9 minute miler (hope to improve that this year) but in the deep new fallen snow, I am more of a 10-12 minute miler.
  • My Running stride is shortened – my average running stride can be around 1.0-1.1 meters, but while running in the snow, it can decrease to as low as .8m (per my Garmin).
  • I engage those stabilizer muscles more by unintended isometric exercises- It is a given when running in deep snow. This is definitely a plus being that my hip stabilizers tend to be on the weaker side.

Even though my pace and running stride (as well as cadence) are important factors that I evaluate and analyze (to death), I am not going to stress out over it for now.  I am still getting a good workout and building aerobic capacity and strength. In fact, I was able to go out running on Thursday and felt slightly stronger on the Eagle River hills.

Week 2 of building my base:

  • Monday    3.1 miles    29:59
  • Tuesday     2.9 miles   34:39
  • Wednesday Skiing today – too much snow to run!
  • Thursday   3.15 miles  32:46
  • Friday and Saturday – I took these days off due to returning to work. I work 12 hour stressful days with a 45 minuted drive each way so getting up early to run or running after work is just really hard, but I am going to try to run at least 3 or 4 miles on some of those work days.  We’ll see how it goes – not ready to make that commitment 🙂
  • Sunday  5.24 miles 50:30 – pace was a little better today due to the melting snow and clearer roads.

Running weather is improving, the road today was clearer, and I have even been able to shed a layer of clothing this week!

I’ll continue building a base, but I want to start training for Her Tern Half Marathon in a couple of weeks.  I have also signed up for the Lost Lake Run lottery and should find out if I am in on Tuesday. Other runs I am considering on my way to Chicago are the Alaska Distance Classic and Skinny Raven Half Marathon.  These are all fun races and having other goals along the way helps to keep me motivated.

What races do you have planned for the spring/summer?

What training programs do you use?

Happy Running!

 

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Sharing the challenges that I face while training for marathons in my 60s! I'm determined to reach these goals while also meeting life's demands and spending time with my awesome and very supportive family! Read More…

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Oh these hills!! I have advanced on my run/walk cy Oh these hills!! I have advanced on my run/walk cycles to a 4:1 ratio and my 4 min runs were up the hills!! Good training right? Swipe to see what happens every single time I put my mat down to do my exercises.  #ilovetorun❤️ #runalaska #runnersover60  #hillrunningishard #runningpartnerneedsarest
The wind died down today so we took a nice little The wind died down today so we took a nice little snow shoe up the mountain. The scenery was beautiful, just hard to capture it.  #snowshoeingadventures #snowshoealaska  #chugachmountains  #crosstraining #opt outside alaska
It’s been hard to get anything done or even thin It’s been hard to get anything done or even think about running with all that is happening in the world🥲 but I managed to get down my icy driveway to run on the dry roads. Super windy!!! I had a really hard time on the hills  against that wind. But I got it done and I increased my run/walk to a 4:1 ratio x 7 so I am happy about that. #runnersofalaska #runalaska #runwalkrun #runnersover60 #ilovetorun #buildingarunningbase #windyalaska #crazywinterweather
Sonja - @nurse_sonja_ak - and I had planned to cel Sonja - @nurse_sonja_ak - and I had planned to celebrate in memory of my Mother on her birthday but I had minor surgery that left me down and out longer than I had expected and Sonja ended up positive for Covid. But, despite that look what she did! She is so talented and creative. She remembered Mom as someone who was always stylish. She took pride in her appearance. A specific memory inspired Sonja to make these beautiful clay earrings! How special is that? My Mother would have loved these. #inmemory #rememberingyouonyourbirthday  #neverforgetyou  #bestdaughterintheworld❤️ #talenteddaughter❤️ #clayearrings #madespeciallyformom  #thelittlethings❤️
I’m obsessed with the sun finally clearing the m I’m obsessed with the sun finally clearing the mountains. Haha sunshine during my run is so nice. It wasn’t that bright today but it’s still shining ❤️#sunnydaysarehereagain #runningonsunshine #run #runnersover60 #runak #optoutside
My running views have just been awesome. I am inc My running views have just been awesome.  I am increasing my running time 3:1 this week. Keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well🤞 #runwalkrunrepeat #runnersover60 #backtorunning #buildingarunningbase #myrunningviews #runak #kneeosteoarthritis
Running with knee OA is interesting. Take yesterd Running with knee OA is interesting.  Take yesterday, my knees were bothering me a little, to the point that I wasn’t sure if I should run. But, I thought… give it a try, see how it goes. I can always just walk. And it went great! I even added an extra run/walk cycle to the program. And today I have absolutely no knee pain. I’m even running up and down stairs (when I need to go up them) trying to create some pain (I know sicko) but nothing??? Go figure! Nothing has changed. But hey, I’ll take it! #runningwithosteoarthritis #kneearthritis #runnersover60 #runwalkrun #kneepain #nokneepaintoday
Yay, the sun was briefly above the mountain for th Yay, the sun was briefly above the mountain for the first time since November! We will be gaining about 37 minutes of daylight this week! It’s the little things 😂  It was a beautiful Alaskan day but it was very cold!  I took a rest day today.  #restdayforrunners  #runnersover60 #olderwomenrunners #runak #winterwonderlandalaska #winterwonderland #readyforspringtime #optoutsideak
I wasn’t feeling like getting out today but my h I wasn’t feeling like getting out today but my hubby convinced me to go out for a ski. I did need to get in some cross-training so off we went. It actually was really nice to get out. Isn’t that usually the case?  #skiak #skieagleriver #crosstraining #optoutside #getoutside  #getfit #winterwinderland❄️
My running views today. I think I am finally settl My running views today. I think I am finally settling in to being back home and appreciating the beauty of the state. Don’t get me wrong though, I would be in a flight back to HawIi given the chance!! #runak #myrunningviews #buildingarunningbase #backtorunningagain #runwalkrun #winterwonderland #chimarathon2022
I’m not sure that I should go on vacation especi I’m not sure that I should go on vacation especially if I am going to have such a hard time adjusting back to the cold!  I’m beginning to believe that the cold and dark is not good for my health. It was soooo nice in Hawaii!! I’m still getting out for my runs and bike rides but I have been slow to get back to the exercises and stretching.  I’ll get there! #backtothecoldweather #runak #buildingarunningbase #crosstraining🚴#winterbiking🚴❄️ #fattirebiking #runnersover60  #keeponkeepingon🏃‍♀️
We are back to snow and ice. While we were away th We are back to snow and ice. While we were away the temps warmed up to in the 40s causing everything to melt just so it can freeze over once the temp drops!! Please send me back to #mauisun . We did get out for a bike ride today so it wasn’t too bad I guess. The new snow made conditions a little tolerable.  #winterinalaska #snowandice #fattirebiking #winterbiking #ilovemyfattirebike #ilovetorun #running2run #getfitalaska #optoutside
Hawaii Vacation Hawaii Vacation
Another awesome day in Hawaii with @nurse_sonja_ak Another awesome day in Hawaii with @nurse_sonja_ak  and fam! #vacaywithfamily  #familytimeisthebesttime💕  #hawaiiansunsetsnevergetold
Fun day at the beach! Even found a boardwalk to ge Fun day at the beach! Even found a boardwalk to get my run in. #familyfun❤️❤️ #spendingtimewithfamily❤️ #familyiseverything
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