I’ve written about setting goals. They are so helpful and motivating, but we need long-term AND short-term goals. My long-term fitness goals for this year are the Pumpin Man Half Ironman in September and the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Good. But I needed a closer goal. So last week, Bob (my husband, who is running the Boston Marathon in April) and I signed to run the Hyannis Half marathon on February 24th – a great short-term goal for me, and great timing for him on his marathon training road. This will be my first cold-weather race. I have always avoided outdoor training when the temperature was below the mid-30s. A few weeks ago I ran 10 miles on a cold (high temperature of 36), damp day and discovered that I could survive and have a great time. I didn’t melt, freeze, or fail!

 

Yesterday I ran my coldest long (for me) run. When I started it was 23 degrees, and when I finished after 8 miles it was 27. I had dressed in layers and was mostly warm enough, but I discovered that (just like on my long run a few weeks ago) when my legs get cold they don’t like to move fast. I am hoping that the weather for the half marathon next month will be a little warmer than mid-20s (and that it’s dry and sunny too!), but if not, I will know to add another base layer to my legs.

 

Anyone want to run the Hyannis Half with us?