This is my first fall in Pittsburgh. If I have learned anything so far, it is this: you cannot predict the weather. In September, we were enjoying an Indian Summer of sorts (by the by, why is it called an "Indian Summer"? I fear the reason is something terribly racist and I will feel bad for ever using the term). Then, it was suddenly winter-like, with dropping temperatures and threats of snow. Several days later, things were looking brighter and warmer. This was followed by approximately one solid week of rain. The current condition is something similar to what many people consider fall: sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s. Fall is my favorite season, even if does seem to come and go without stopping in for a drink. I'm not much of a hot weather gal and therefore summer is not my thing (nor my skin's - I am pale, pale, pale), spring wreaks havoc on my allergies, and winter with all of its ice brings out my inner klutz (last year I slipped on a particularly slick patch of sidewalk). I don't just love fall for what it is not, but what it is: leaves changing color, pumpkin recipes, back to school gear, Halloween and Thanksgiving... fall is just where it's at! Plus, fall is the runner's best friend.
Gone are the days of over-heating, severe sunburns, dehydration, and monitoring the daily temperature highs to determine when the coolest time to run is. For a runner, especially me, fall provides the freedom to run when you want without worrying that the sun will interfere. I can also easily get away without strapping a water bottle of ice to my hand for runs that are less than an hour. Fall really reminds me why I enjoy running. In the summer, I have a hard time convincing myself that I actually enjoy this running thing. The summer heat becomes unbearable, and I am forced to try and think about anything else besides running as I run. This lack of consciousness usually results in poor posture, confusion regarding my location, running into pedestrians, and a general discombobulation. In the fall, I return to a state of awareness. I know where I am, what I'm doing, and I love it.
Welcome Fall! Won't you stay for a drink or two?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunny Sunday!
I was having some serious motivation issues today. Today was the 4th day in a row that I woke up to rain/clouds threatening rain. However, the sun came out this afternoon! After I took the dags out for a walk I was motivated to get out and go run. It was still a bit chilly at the start, but I eventually warmed up. Not a great run (standard 40 minutes), but it was better than no run at all!
I decided to switch up my route so I could finish at the library and pick up 2 books I had on hold, and then take the train home. I ended up getting an additional book (the rather large, Joy of Cooking) as well as 2 CDs. I figured the train would be empty since it's Sunday and I head outbound. I was wrong. There was a Steelers home game. Packed train. So, there I stood in my running tights and lime green jacket, holding a stack of library materials in one hand and holding onto the top rail with the other. For the sake of those sitting near me, I hope I didn't smell too bad!
I decided to switch up my route so I could finish at the library and pick up 2 books I had on hold, and then take the train home. I ended up getting an additional book (the rather large, Joy of Cooking) as well as 2 CDs. I figured the train would be empty since it's Sunday and I head outbound. I was wrong. There was a Steelers home game. Packed train. So, there I stood in my running tights and lime green jacket, holding a stack of library materials in one hand and holding onto the top rail with the other. For the sake of those sitting near me, I hope I didn't smell too bad!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
First Blog in 7 Months
I haven't blogged in 7 months. I don't know if I'm cut out for this kind of thing, but I'll give it another go...
Side note: This resurgence was inspired by my friend and former roommate, Kate. If you are a random person and have stumbled upon this blog, check out Kate's website: www.kateklim.com. She's an amazing musician.
Back to running - I finished my half marathon way back in April and did a lot better than I thought/worried I would - 2:05ish (yes, all official race times end in "ish"). Since then I've moved from the flatlands of Indiana to the hills of Pittsburgh, PA. It's been quite an adjustment to my running schedule and the hills triggered my runner's knee. However, I have managed to find some less hilly routes to run, and got a brace for the ole knee. I also live close to a park that has an excellent running trail, which is nice to mix things up.
A few weeks ago I got a horrible cold (I think I contracted it on a flight from Chicago to Pittsburgh) which slowed me down a bit, but before that I was running about 240 minutes a week spread over 6 days. I was finally getting into a rhythm when I started feeling like a sac of poo, but now that I'm feeling better, I'm planning on working my way back up from this week's 175 minute total.
The Pittsburgh Marathon is in May and I'm thinking of training for the half marathon portion. I'll have to see how the winter goes. I'm too poor to get a gym membership, which was fine for Southern Indiana because even in the dead of winter, there was almost zero snow and ice. Unfortunately, living in Pittsburgh means dealing with winter, and running on the ice is not an option. I'm thinking of buying a used treadmill... at least that way I could run in my basement while watching Arrested Development on DVD!
Side note: This resurgence was inspired by my friend and former roommate, Kate. If you are a random person and have stumbled upon this blog, check out Kate's website: www.kateklim.com. She's an amazing musician.
Back to running - I finished my half marathon way back in April and did a lot better than I thought/worried I would - 2:05ish (yes, all official race times end in "ish"). Since then I've moved from the flatlands of Indiana to the hills of Pittsburgh, PA. It's been quite an adjustment to my running schedule and the hills triggered my runner's knee. However, I have managed to find some less hilly routes to run, and got a brace for the ole knee. I also live close to a park that has an excellent running trail, which is nice to mix things up.
A few weeks ago I got a horrible cold (I think I contracted it on a flight from Chicago to Pittsburgh) which slowed me down a bit, but before that I was running about 240 minutes a week spread over 6 days. I was finally getting into a rhythm when I started feeling like a sac of poo, but now that I'm feeling better, I'm planning on working my way back up from this week's 175 minute total.
The Pittsburgh Marathon is in May and I'm thinking of training for the half marathon portion. I'll have to see how the winter goes. I'm too poor to get a gym membership, which was fine for Southern Indiana because even in the dead of winter, there was almost zero snow and ice. Unfortunately, living in Pittsburgh means dealing with winter, and running on the ice is not an option. I'm thinking of buying a used treadmill... at least that way I could run in my basement while watching Arrested Development on DVD!
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