Winter runs

There's something about winter and running that I love. Maybe it's because only the hardcore runners do it, maybe it's the brisk feeling you get when you're out in the cold and all bundled up. Either way, it's quite enjoyable.

I got myself a new pair of running shoes today; same shoe but newer model (Saucony ride 3's, I figured if it ain't broke don't fix it). I needed a new pair since my knees were hurting whenever I ran, and, recently, I started getting a weird pain in my hip after trying to jump a few benches and trash cans on one of my runs.

After getting this new pair, I felt obliged to try them out... though I didn't want to tread on mud with them right away, so I went to the gym. I also want to see how I stand in time for the Peterborough 1/2 marathon next month, so I figured it's a good time. I was not impressed by the Legends Centre Oshawa running conditions. All the treadmills were taken when I arrived, and I was told I was not allowed to run on the track. I did some lunges and leg lift things as a warm up on the track instead. When the treadmills finally became free, there was a sign on them that said something like "please don't stomp loudly on the treadmills." I mean... I understand that you can make a loud noise when running, and you can make a point of making a loud noise. But comon... when you're getting tired on a run, you will tend to be louder. I feel like this is giving someone peanuts in shells, and asking them not to make a mess while eating them.

comon.

I finished 5.75 miles in 42 minutes, with the first five miles at a 7:13 pace (8.4, 1.5 degree incline), then I sped up to 9 for 1/2 a mile, and to 10 for the last 1/4 mile. Using some funky online pace calculators, this gives a 1/2 marathon time of 1hr 36 min... which is less than my time of 1hr 39 min of 2 years ago. I'm tempted to set a time goal, but I know this is not a good thing to do... I however would like to make a dent in my time from two years ago.