Hitting the Snow Covered Pavement-January 31, 2010

The good thing about winter is that you have plenty of excuses for putting on a little "winter weight." It's cold outside, the days are shorter and of course the famous "the gym is too crowded" answer.   The bad thing about winter is that we typically put on a little "winter weight." I can't stand it.  I've been trying to do the 30 day Shred and eat a little better the last couple weeks with the occasional pound or two loss here and there, but inevitably, I always go right back to where I was within a couple days.   Granted, I doubt the cookies are helping, sugar-free or not!

I've decided it's time for drastic measures...actual running!  Yes, outside, in the cold, on the pavement.  My first trip out was actually yesterday, and I'm amazed I did it again today. Only 1.5 miles each time, but I think that's a good place to start.  It's taking me quite a bit longer than I think it should, however, I do think at least a minute or so is due to the snow covered pavement. I feel myself slowing down suddenly to go over some snowy areas as I'm worried about ice on the track.  Today was better I don't think I slipped at all, but yesterday I did several times, even being careful, and was afraid I was going to bite the dust at any moment.

Here's what the track looked like the last couple of days.  It's kind of fun to be running through the snow at times. I like to pretend it's like running on a sandy beach, though my freezing nose tells me it's not.

 

I'm a little nervous about being able to run during the week. It really does still get dark pretty early, and being a working mom, it's hard to choose to go for a run over spending time with my daughter every night.   There's a gym right down the street from me with an indoor track I could run on for practically nothing, but let's be frank here-not going to happen.  Hopefully something works out.