January 3, 2008 - Thursday - Happy New Year!!!
4:00 pm - 20 minute run - 21 degrees(wind chill 7 degrees) - wore thigh socks, leggings, fleece pants over that, two more pairs of thin socks, sports bra, Sugoi cling hoodie, long sleeved shirt over it, hat, a hoodie on top of that

Today was my second 20 minute run - much harder than the first - possibly due to the fact that it was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra. My body felt fine. Even without a lot of specialized clothing, I've got this layering thing down pat. The thing that got to me was my face. By the end of the run, it was burning with the cold. I never thought I would utter this sentence, but - I need a balaclava.

The run itself felt much harder than my first 20 min., but I think that had to do with my choice of scenery. I took the outside paved loop of the park, instead of crossing back and forth along the interior paths, which is a much more scenic experience. I couldn't distract myself as much in that context. I also couldn't get away from the fact that nearly every person on planet earth runs faster than me. It started to get kind of funny.

I was definitely experiencing some fatigue in my legs early on, and I'm beginning to think that that's just a phase of exercise that I have to pull through. When I got tired, I willed myself not to stop or walk. In the worst case scenario, I would jog extremely slowly, but I wouldn't walk, and I wouldn't stop. Once I felt better, I would pick up the pace and get a move on. I always have so much energy at the end of the session. I'm going to experiment with different snacks, etc. pre-run. I also wonder if it's too early for ice baths...

I can't believe that, less than 4 weeks from now, I'll be running 5 miles! What? I should sign up for a 5K. I guarantee it'll be an extremely slow 5K, but I'm still running it.

Have to run tomorrow, because I missed my Wednesday run due to a deadline. That means going three days in a row, but I think it will be ok. Sunday will be a complete rest day, and besides, Dean Karnazes says I can run up to six days a week. There's nothing like referring to a complete freak of nature for a handy second opinion.