"Stone Cold"

Today's Run: Linear Trail: 27 degrees. 4 miles; Splits: 9:26; 9:33; 9:32; 9:31; 38:02; 9:30 per mile average (snail's) pace.

Cold temperatures, the end of a sinus infection, and a ten day layoff = running at a pace that I ran at when I resumed running 3 1/2 years ago. I have nothing, nada, zilch, zero, good to say about today's run other than I somehow completed it. I wanted to ease myself back into running after a ten day layoff and having just recovered from a sinus infection. Ease myself I did, but by a ridiculously slower than molasses flowing uphill on a cold Connecticut day run. When I began my run, I immediately got a "WTF" reaction from my legs. After all, they had gotten used to 62 degree temperatures in Las Vegas along with leisurely strolls along the strip. How dare I expect them to move faster and in below freezing temperatures? Never mind the fact that portions of the trail were covered with icy slush...and that certainly wasn't a warm Vegas breeze blowing in my face when I turned and headed back at mile 2. Nothing beats "slush running" with a cold breeze blowing in your face as your toes turn to stones. (You can't spell stones without "toes"). Speaking of stones, since when did my running shoes with less than 100 miles on them feel like they're made of concrete?! So yeah, it was a stellar day of running. But hey, I did it. It sucked, it hurt, and it wasn't fun. But I'm back to doing what I love to do... Running. Nine weeks to lose the concrete shoes, shake off the cobwebs, WD-40 the running rust, regain my running mojo, and compete in the New York City Half Marathon. Life is good. As far as a training program, I may use Hal Higdon's Intermediate Training Program (Thanks, Lindsay). Or I may just wing it. I'm not sure how anal I want to be training for a half marathon. Also, I'm low on time, but at some point will update you on my Las Vegas Price is Right adventure. Lastly, I truly admire the few faithful followers who continue to comment on my blog despite the face I'm WAY behind commenting on yours. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!! You guys are the best. Hopefully I can catch up this week on your blogs.