Holiday running isn’t easy. I just returned from my Christmas holiday and I thought I’d catch you up on how my holiday running went.
The first week I kept to my normal running schedule. We flew to Fort Lauderdale on Monday and I ran on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. All of my runs were slow and difficult. I’m sure that the holiday treats (and drinks!) didn’t help. It was also very hot and muggy. I was just getting used to the cooler weather in Houston, so running in 100% humidity and temps in the mid-70s was brutal. I was simply happy that I got out there each day and made the effort. I didn’t, however, run any day without stopping for a short walk.
Tues, 12/19, 2.33 miles, 13.28 pace
Thurs, 12/21, 3.1 miles, 14.16 pace
Sun, 12/24, 3.06 miles, 13:41 pace
The second week we went to California. The weather was definitely better there, but my running schedule went off kilter. I started out the first day telling myself that I would just run slowly and see what I could do. I managed to run 2 miles and then caught up to my hubby who was walking my sister’s dog. So I walked a mile with him. The following day I walked 2.6 miles with my hubby and the dog again, but then didn’t run until Friday! And on that run, I only managed to go 2 miles again, with an additional 1/2 mile walk. We flew home on Sunday so I missed the final run.
Tues, 12/26, 2.01 miles, 12:57 pace (then 1.03 mile walk)
Wed, 12/27, 2.6 mile walk
Friday, 12/29, 2.11 miles, 13:53 pace (then 0.6 mile walk)
I’m happy that I tried to keep running over the holidays, but I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t push myself harder. Between the impacts of not eating properly (too many good foods and not enough veggies) and the impacts of imbibing a little too much alcohol — I’m surprised that I even got out to exercise at all!
I also still need to figure out what my 2018 running goal(s) will be. I’d like to push myself a bit and get in some more mileage, but at the same time, I’d like to be able to run a bit faster for my 5k. Maybe I just need to ponder it a bit longer…
