Windy!

It's 30 degrees, but there seems to be some unwritten weather rule that the temperature must match the wind speed because the wind was about 30 mph.  So it was quite chilly in one direction but nice in the other.  First I went all the way down to the river bank as a warm-up through the snow drifts.  Then I ran along the Dalton Highway.  The conditions were great on the road.  I ran back and forth from the mile post 411 to 412 until I reached 5 miles.

Last night I discovered the stepper machine in the hallway at work.  I really need something to get me through the boring slow weather nights at work.  I used it every hour after my weather observation went out.  I did 12 minutes of hill climbing each time for a total of 840 floors, 8 times for 96 minutes. I was pretty tired after doing that all night.  But it seems like a great way to prepare for the Great Wall Marathon and Mt Aconcagua!

Short Run Today

I just wasn't feeling like running today.  I was going to just take a rest day, but decided that I was too restless to stay inside.  It wasn't terribly cold, 22 degrees, but was pretty windy down the road.  I just couldn't seem to come up with the right combination of jackets, windbreaker, sweatshirt, gloves, hoods, hat etc. I kept adding and taking away layers.  But it did feel better than doing nothing, I suppose.  After 2 miles I just gave up!

Maybe it was the spectacular scenery that failed to inspire me!

Colleen Lake Run

Finally a day good enough for a run around the lake.  It was fantastic.  29 degrees with about 15 mph wind.  Earlier in the day it snowed about 4 inches and was horribly windy.  I was so surprised to see it suddenly clear up completely.

I was still too slow but definitely faster than any other day this month. 

Dalton Highway Run

I ran along the Dalton Highway today.  First I ran/walked all the way out to the Sagavanirktok River.  In summer you can't do that because at the end of the trail where I usually run, the road has been discontinued and there is a branch of the river running through it.  But now it is frozen so I ran all the way out to the river.  The snow and drifts were so deep that I was breaking through a lot, so ended up doing more of a walk than a run for that part.  But I've wanted to go check it out.  The light was really flat, so after I went out there, I had to stick to the highway so I could see where I was going.

Sagavanirktok River

I definitely run better along the road, than the trail, so probably get a better workout when I stay on it.  But the trail is nice and totally away from traffic.  Usually there isn't much traffic, but today there were more trucks than usual.  But there is much more traffic when I run in Deadhorse around the lake.  So even though I prefer the lake, I feel less in everyone's way when I'm out on the main highway.  It's quite icy out there right now and I sure need the ice grippers. 

Spectacular Day

The wind calmed down and the sun came out. 10 degrees and beautiful.  The blizzard yesterday created spectacular patterns in the snow.  I ran 5 miles, but my time wasn't too great.  I was too busy taking little breaks to take pictures.

I registered for a 35K trail run in China for November.  It looks tough but so incredibly beautiful!
Wuyi Trail Race

100 Miles This Month

I only ran 6 miles today, on the treadmill. Phase Two outside right now, 40 mph winds and blowing snow.  I hope I can get to work tonight!

View from my window!

I'm trying to get myself in tip top shape, not just for marathons but to climb Mt. Aconcagua in January.  I'm keeping it as my inspiration image!

5 Treadmill Miles

It's still below zero with significant wind, so ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  I've decided to finally climb Mt Aconcagua in the Andes.  I registered to climb the Ameghino Valley Route with Aventuras Patagonicas.
https://patagonicas.com/expeditions/aconcagua/ameghino-valley/

With that goal in mind for January 2020, I need to increase my fitness training. It definitely gives me a fitness goal more than simply marathon running.  I am currently registered for 18 marathons for the rest of 2019.  But I want to add some significant weight training and of course some climbing as soon as I get home from the flat lands here in Deadhorse.

One of my favorite sayings is "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours" By Richard Bach from Illusions.  I'm keeping that in mind as people tell me I'm too old to run marathons and climb the highest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

I've got this!

ACONCAGUA MOVIE 2018 SEASON from Rodrigo Mujica on Vimeo.

Indoor Running Again

It's beautiful outside today.  Sunny and clear.  But it's also -6 with a windchill of -14.  Even with that, I considered running outside and toughing it out.  But then I remembered that we had 5 inches of snow fall yesterday, so the place I run, would be drifted and covered in all that snow.  Probably not conditions for a good workout.  But the treadmill was good because I was able to force myself to run faster than on my last few treadmill runs.  So far 88.87 miles this month.  I hope to run at least another 50 miles in the next 10 days. 

Treadmill Day

Phase One weather, blowing snow, freezing rain, 10 degrees, all flights canceled.  Guess I won't run outside today! But I did eventually stumble down to the treadmill and run 5 miles while watching the evening news on TV.  Feeling very restless today.  13 more days up here at work. Then off to the lower 48 states for the Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series of 7 marathons, 7 states, 7 days.  Then Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon then Great Wall of China Marathon.  Maybe I won't feel so restless after all that!

 

Outside on the Snow

It was supposed to reach 26 today.  Well, close, it was 8 degrees.  But it was very calm.  I ran out on the trail to the river.  It was quite blown over and drifted so I just ran on the snow.  Since it was kind of deep in places, it was not a very fast run, but I really didn't care.  I just needed to get out of the building because I was developing a terrible case of cabin fever. Or should I say, Prudhoe Bay Hotel fever.  I needed to get outdoors no mater how cold it was.  But it was actually quite pleasant.  Spring is just around the corner but we won't be seeing any signs of it around here for a few more months.

6 Miles on the Treadmill

Another cold Deadhorse day.  So another treadmill day.  I had zero motivation when I woke up but dragged myself down to the treadmill.  Then by mile 2, I felt fine and ran my 6 miles.  My legs have been hurting a little so I put it on pause a few times to do a little stretching.  I find it hard to get motivated when I have to run on the treadmill, but since it's all I have when the weather is below zero and windy, I am glad to have it.

Cold!

So cold outside today.  -15 with a wind chill of -40.  Of course I'm not going out there to run.  So I ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  I was having a hard time.  Kept getting pain in my legs.  But after about 3 miles, it all went away.  I didn't run yesterday even though I should have.  So I'm not sure if that extra rest day was a good thing or not.  But at least now I feel back on schedule.  It might be warmer next week so if that happens, I'll go back outdoors to run.  The treadmill is a good workout but doesn't bring the good feelings that I get outdoors in the fresh air.  But sometimes I just don't have much choice.

5 On The Treadmill

I took a rest day yesterday after the 14 mile treadmill run.  I'm starting to really miss running outdoors because now it is way too cold out there.  It was -16 with a 15 mph wind when I had time to run.  So did another 5 miles on the treadmill.  I'm still feeling a little stiffness from the long run on Saturday.  But it was OK, better than nothing anyway.  I'm looking forward to next month and all the races I have planned. 

That cat's expression is how I felt when I saw that temperature! However, it's still warm for this time of year here in Deadhorse. 

Long Run. 14 miles on the Treadmill

That was tough!  It's too cold outside to run out there for several hours, so I had to do my 14 miles on the treadmill.  It wasn't a great run, but it wasn't too bad either.  My feet kept hurting so I had to pause and stretch a bit.  Went to the kitchen and grabbed a cookie for fuel.  I'm not sure I will have enough time to run the scheduled 20 miles for next Saturday.  That would be pretty tough on the treadmill.  But I won't think about that right now. I'm really looking forward to going home.  Only 21 more days!

5 Miles Indoors

It's very windy, snowing, foggy and 15 degrees.  So once again, ran on the treadmill. I think I might have had a better run there than I'd been having outside too.  I can increase the speed and make myself run faster.  Also, it's sure nice not to have to wear my big parka and fight the cold and the wind and the drifting snow.  Plus having to stop and explain myself to every passing vehicle as they stop to ask if I'm ok.  Although, I really do prefer being out in nature.  Sometimes you just have to make due with what you have.  Right now, the treadmill is much better than what's going on outside my window!

I thought I would make my own running inspired poster from one of my musk ox photos. 

Treadmill 6 Miles

We got a few inches of snow last night and it's snowing lightly, and kind of foggy. That combination doesn't mix well from the standpoint of danger, out on the Dalton Highway. So today I finally had to resort to the treadmill.  I actually had a pretty good run.  I think I can push myself harder on the treadmill because I can force myself to run faster.  I didn't do a lot of pushing because I was kind of tired today.  I have run every day for the last 7 days.  I was feeling a little stiffness in my legs.  But the run made it feel better.  I may not get a lot more outside running this month because I see that colder temperatures are on the way.  But I have really enjoyed the days that I did get out there.  Maybe tomorrow.

6 Miles along the Haul Road

It was 21 degrees and only a little wind today.  I can't believe how warm it's been this month up here in Deadhorse.  I ran along the trail out to the river.  I felt like doing a little exploring so I went out to the mound on the other side of the small branch of the river that cuts through the trail.  I always wanted to go over there but it's not possible in summer.  There's nothing there of course, but now I can say I've been there! I also ran through the gravel pit for some variety.  Along the road was the smoothest and best running surface, but I just felt like doing a little exploring today.  I took way to long to cover the 6 miles, but I enjoyed myself, so I don't really care if my time was slow!

Not really the Brooks Range, just a mound in the gravel pit!

This is one of the nicest views I've taken of the Haul Road itself in this area.  I love how the sun was lighting up the snow.

5 Miles Along the Dalton Highway

I almost took today off.  I woke up feeling extra tired and unambitious.  But finally decided I should take advantage of another fairly warm and calm day.  13 degrees, but not much wind.  I only ran 5 miles, but it was kind of tough. It was very overcast and the light was so flat that at times I had trouble seeing the drifts along the trail down to the river.  I ran about half the distance on the trail and half on the actual highway. I like the trail because it is totally desolate, but the road is a better running surface.  But on the road I do have to deal with an occasional truck.  There doesn't seem to be much truck traffic right now though. The road is frozen so when the trucks go by, they don't kick dust and rocks in my face like they do in the summer. 

Not much of a view out there today.

6 Sunny and Cold Miles

Once again, up and down the Dalton Highway. Icy cold into the wind and lovely away from the wind.  Only 12 degrees but not terribly windy.  I'm trying to follow the training program given to me by the Team In Training coach.  So I broke with my tradition of 5 miles every day and ran for 6 miles.  Funny how that extra mile seemed much harder than the first 5.  I think there was a gigantic psychological factor working there! There are long runs of 14 and 20 miles included in that training plan.  I suspect I won't be doing those outdoors in the wind.  I'm not so sure about 20 miles on the treadmill either, but I'm always open to a challenge. 

Beautiful Dalton Highway Run

Today was so much better than yesterday! Only 10 mph wind and 16 degrees. It was overcast in Deadhorse, but just 5 miles down the road it was sunny and beautiful.  I wore double socks so my feet didn't get cold.  I also wore my rain pants over my running pants which actually made it a little too warm, but they did a good job of blocking the wind.  So the next time it's really cold and windy, I know they will be helpful.  I'm keeping up with my goal to run at least 5 miles every day this month.  It would sure be amazing if I could do all of those runs outdoors, but I doubt that will happen.

Sag River Trail

It was really cold again today, but at 7 degrees didn't seem too unreasonable, since yesterday was the same and I had a nice run outside.  But as the time wore on the wind increased.  By the time I reached my 5 miles, it was close to 20 mph.  My feet and face were really cold. My phone even shut off even though the battery still had a lot of charge.  But it did record my run before it kicked off. I think I need warmer pants and maybe warmer shoes if I'm going to continue trying to run outside around here in Deadhorse.  I suspect I'll be moving to the treadmill tomorrow.

I ran along the little 1/3 mile trail that goes from the Haul Road to the Sagavanirktok River. In one direction it was downwind but the other it was right into the wind. I was kind of happy to be done with my 5 miles!

5 Miles on the Dalton Highway

I'm back in Deadhorse for the month of March.  It was pretty cold today, about 5 degrees.  But it was really calm and not a cloud in the sky.  Since it's the middle of winter I assumed I would only be running on the treadmill.  But it was such a gorgeous day.  I just couldn't face the treadmill.  So I bundled up and drove down the road to the place I often run in the summer.  That little road was quite hard packed.  So I parked there and ran up and down that road and along the Dalton Highway for 5 miles.  My feet got kind of cold, but otherwise I felt great and it was a wonderful place to run.  It sure beat the treadmill.  So I'll try to run outdoors when it's possible.  I think it would even be possible to run around the lake so I will try that if I get another nice day like today.