Monday, December 28, 2009

LIMITED OPTIONS

Holidays used to be a time when I was able to use my time off to ramp up my training. That wasn’t the case this Thanksgiving or Christmas. Last week started off with 3 runs and 3 skis in the first 4 days, then the holidays arrived – along with the snow – and I only managed 1 more ski the rest of the week. I finished up with only 23 miles of running, but also had 60K of skiing, along with a foot of snow shoveling. The important part is that we had a great Christmas and now I’m refreshed and ready to take on 2010.

While I do love all the snow, especially for skiing, it really sucks for running. I’m not sure if it’s because of the timing with the holidays and/or the weekend or the sheer amount of snow, or what, but none of the local sidewalks are plowed. With a new work week, I’m hoping they get plowed today, but I have a feeling we might not see pavement again until April. Anyway, that really limits your options when it comes to exercising. You can do loops around your neighborhood, drive somewhere, hit the treadmill, take the day off, or strap on the skis. Whatever the case, I need to make a better attempt as the New Year’s holidays approach.

On a sad note, RIP Cindy Brochman.

I pulled today's Quote of the Day off of a comment by Tim O'Brien on her Caring Bridge site;

“Do not stand by my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond in the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle Autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry:

I am not there, I did not die....."


3 comments:

RICK'S RUNNING said...

Try running in X/c spikes and look on the bright side - snow means you can even run off road at night, because the snow reflects light and it never really goes dark- COOL :]

Jean said...

We got a ridiculous amount of snow here. They tried plowing the trails and sidewalks in my neighborhood, but whatever vehicle they use isn't heavy enough or powerful enough to remove the snow. The paved trails now have a nicely packed 6-inch base...they should groom them for you cross country skiers! :)

Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Beth said...

It's been tough to get out but it looks like you've done a good job getting the miles in on skis. Thanks for the advice about the Loppet. I will for sure try to get up front. I need to practice some more before then!