C-c-cold

I got out at lunch today for 5 miles, the first 2.5 of which was into a brisk wind. Chilly. Luckily, with the turnaround I had the wind at my back for the whole return. It's amazing how much wind can effect the perception of temp. It felt downright balmy on the run home.

Anyway, I was pumped with the run. It felt great to conquer the impulse to skip it because of the cold, and it felt even better to be on the VCM training program. It might have helped that I talked to the coach to get a better feel for the program. I get the sense that I'm going to learn a lot, be challenged a ton (she mentioned at various times during a 10 minute conversation, running until I puke, running until drool is pouring out of my mouth, running at a pace that I can't speak, and various other wonderful images of my future). But today rather than be annoyed/intimidated/freaked, I was psyched to have the opportunity to be pushed by a pro.

I know the downers will come, but today was a solid, solid run.

First run

I ran 4 miles this morning with a friend from Hingham who is visiting for the weekend. It was 8 degrees and snowing, but it felt great. Heck, 8 degrees is downright balmy after the intense week we've had.

I am pumped to be back on track with running. I have, per the coach, three runs to get in this week with a six miler next weekend.

Feels great.

Holy Crap

So, Mrs. VTR got me a running coach for Christmas. I will train with her Feb - April in preparation for the Vermont City Marathon (VCM) on Memorial Day weekend. It's taken me a little while to get used to the idea, and I'm pumped up for it now.

I got my first email from the coach on Friday, and my response was a combination of nervous anticipation and excitement summed up by two words, "Holy sh*t."

Here's a bit from that email, "I would like you to plan on doing a few half marathon races if possible. The first is The New Bedford Half Marathon in New Bedford, Ma on March 15th. The second is The Unplugged Half Marathon on Saturday April 11th. Please sign up for Unplugged ASAP on teh Run Vermont website, as it will sell out soon!!!!"

It's most definitely on.

Anyone interested in joining me for one of the half marathons above?