Weigh In Day.

Personally, I don't like doing this. But according to the book I'm reading about running nutrition, I should be weighing myself at least once a week. So, I announce Friday to be weigh-in day. It follows Thursday, which I typically try to make my long run day, and it precedes the weekend. Normally, I'd dread Monday and getting on the scale, but now since my eating is under control, and I don't over indulge in the weekend cocktails anymore, it shouldn't scare me that much. Still and all, Friday is a good day because it sets my up for my weekend activities and will dictate what I can and cannot do, or should do, as far as a workout goes.

I also bought an Ormon Body Fat Tester. This the one they recommended in the book I am reading. I have been wanting to get my body fact checked for a few years now. And, I still intend to. But this is good for a rough estimate. If you had asked me cold what my body fat percentage was, I'd have answered 16%. But that is more like a goal percentage. I wish it were that low. According to my Ormon, I'm checking in at 18.5%. It seems that 2 more percentage points shouldn't be too hard to hit.

My weight? 117.8. I'm happy with that number this week. Late last year I contracted an awful stomach virus. Because of it I dropped almost 5 pounds. I was at the lightest weight I had been in years at 114. By the time the New Prague half marathon rolled around in May, I was able to keep my weight between 115 and 116. I truly believe that I ran that race at the pace that I did because of my weight. I have not been able to match it since, and I have gained a solid 2 pounds. Again, I know it doesn't sound like much, but when you are small to begin with, it is quite a significant percentage.

According to Matt Fitzgerald, author of  Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners: How to Fuel Your Body for Stronger Workouts, Faster Recovery, and Your Best Race Times Ever "..the addition of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight was shown to increase the energy cost of running by 3.5 percent. This loss of economy would turn a 40-minute 10k runner into a 41:28 10k runner." Again, doesn't seem like a lot, but double it for a half marathon, and it explains some of the differences I had in the half marathons I ran this year.

Now, perhaps I'm being a bit anal about this. After all, running is about the run. And I do enjoy "the run". But with the run I am achieving peace, serenity and the love of the run. But I like to have something to reach for. Not only do I want to run a marathon in 2013, but I'd love to beat my New Prague half marathon time. This is going to mean better nutrition, fueling, and watching the body weight.

Now you know why I'm weighing myself once a week.

It's also going to mean recording what I eat, so I'll be returning to My Fitness Pal for that, starting tomorrow. I'd like to attempt to get back to 116 and try running a few 10k's this winter, just to see what the difference is between now and being at the lower weight. But, the key will be getting the proper nutrition in and losing that weight at the same time, while allowing myself enough calories to maintain my highly energetic lifestyle.

I'll keep you updated!

Losing it with style!

Hmmmm...ya think? I got a new brain shroud today for the milder days since this is clearly a "wash everytime you use it" piece of attire. This one is rather pretty...and neon. The color is called Sunshine of your Love. Love that! Here is what the hat looks like.

Pretty, huh? I went with the shroud today because it was 27° when I left the house. I was thinking "Oooooh....warm!" Turns out it wasn't as warm as I thought.

The first half of the run was wonderful. I was headed south for the first 5 miles or so. I wasn't quite sure how far I'd end up running today. My intention was to take the route I wanted to take when I ended up running 16 miles. This time, I decided to run it in reverse, or clockwise...thinking that I'd find the road that I missed the first time.

Everything started great. At about mile 4.5, once again, I passed a questionable road. But I was sure that the road I was on turned into Beard Ave. so I stuck it out...but the road began to wind around to the east and I started to get a little panicky like I was going to end up running longer than I had planned. Eventually I came upon a golf course that I remember seeing on the map so I knew I was still headed in the right direction. And there it was, up ahead...Beard Ave. Yay!

On Beard, I hit 6 miles, so I refueled with a GU gel. I only took a half of one, this time...much easier on the tummy. I also realized that they are much easier to consume when you DON'T have braces. This is a plus! I need to figure out this whole nutrition thing before I decide to run my marathon. I gotta say that I feel instantly better after ingesting the gel, but that it doesn't last long. I felt like I should have had taken more at mile 9. I'll have to try this next time. Perhaps taking a half dose every three miles instead of holding off until the first 6. The problem is, when you run in the cold, you seem to have way more energy. Or at least you are fooled that you do, because you aren't sweating or huffing and puffing as much.

Coming up to mile 10 was rough. I was considering throwing in the towel at this point. The breeze had really picked up out of the northeast and I was in open territory. My face was getting cold, and I was running too hard to pick up the gaiter around my neck and put it over my mouth. I took a few sips from my electrolyte drink and carried on.

Despite the few hitches today, I still managed to run a half marathon...about 13.25 miles. But when I got home, I was very cold. It took me an hour and two cups of coffee until I felt my body temperature regulate itself. This tells me, I should have had the extra layer from the waist down. I only wore one today, thinking it was warmer than it was.

I also wore my new Athleta pink top for this run! It looked rather stunning with my new Brain Shroud and Gaiter. Maybe my running thing is turning more into a style thing rather that a running thing? Nah...but it never hurts to look good!

My husband's reaction when I was done: "You ran a half marathon? You're a f***in lunatic. And you can quote me on that."

Weather: 27°. Partly sunny turned cloudy, breeze out of the northeast. I'd judge it was 8-10 mph.
Clothing: Sports Bra, White Champion long sleeved shirt, Athleta Pink half zip, compression long pant, Brain Shroud, tubular neck gaiter, Brooks Launch sneakers, Isotoner lined gloves.

Refining the cold weather run.

So, what valuable lessons did I learn from Saturday's cold weather run?

First, that I need to wear thicker gloves. The Lucy's just aren't cutting it for temperatures below freezing. Granted, I'm pretty certain that I have Raynaud's syndrome, but the ensuing tingling and discomfort is not fun. So today, I opted for the fur lined Isotoners.

Ah! Relief!

Also, like my Grandma always used to say (God rest her soul)...

"Cold? Put a hat on!"
"Still cold?" Put another hat on!"

Well, two hats are pretty silly, but I did exchange hats to a thicker one. Funny, I bought three of these hats at Target two years ago on clearance. One in gray, black and creme. Had I known they would be so great for running, I'd have bought them all. They keep me warm, yet allow my head to breathe. This way I don't get all sweaty and feel like I need to rip it off mid-run. Today, I didn't get that "I'm cold" feeling at mile 4 like I have been. Could be the hat!

Finally, every time I see these on clearance at Target I buy them. They are the Champion C9 shirts in an X-Large. The big ones are great for putting over your winter running clothes, especially if they aren't neon. Most winter gear comes in black or gray. So you must wear it. But it kind of surprises me that people who run on the road would choose black or gray yet not add any color for visibility. I know, because I've seen them...almost too late. My husband has as well, and has told me a thousand times and if not more that he is glad I wear neon. You'd think those runners would have just a bit more sense not to wear a color that matches the surface where they run. Needless to say, a little pop of neon may just save your hide.

Weather: 20°, mostly cloudy, stiff south breeze.
Clothing: Under Armour Base II thermal layer, black leggings, dark green mock neck lined top, neon covershirt, grey hat, balaclava, Isotoner lined gloves.