Apparently running in two inches of snow is like running in sand. Tiring…and leaves you more sore.

I almost turned around about a block from the house. Something about running into 40 mph winds made me nervous for the skin on my nose. But I just blogged about determination, so I pressed on the mere .3 miles to the bike path and felt the joy of Christmas morning when I found that the city had already plowed it. I interpreted it as a sign from the running gods. Despite falling snow and chilly temps, I was supposed to make these 6 miles happen. So by the time I realized the next city over hadn’t plowed, around 1.3 miles, I had abandoned all fantasies about turning around before the 3 mile mark. The snow was about 2 inches deep, which caused me to shorten my stride and take it a bit slower. The people out weren’t quite as excited as the day before, but I gave everyone a smile and hello that acknowledged we were part of the awesome club.

I dressed in a running tank, wool long sleeves, fleece half zip, medium weight coat with windstopper, baseball hat with a winter headband over it, winter tights and gators. Typing that all out now makes me realize why I was hot! But not so hot that I wanted to shed a layer. It was my first time running in windstopper material and I was amazed at how well it worked. The snow stopped and the wind either died down or was just at my back after the turn around, so that helped my face and helped to keep me warm.

On the way back, my legs started to get tired. I assumed I would have sore stabilizer muscles today since my feet didn’t land firmly in the snow. There were a couple twisted ankles that didn’t hurt. I found that midfoot running worked best because I didn’t have to take the time or the gamble of trying to land my heels in the snow. The midfoot running is why I stood out of bed to notice very tight calves this morning. Once I got back to my city where the bike path was paved, I opened up my stride, which felt great. It was then that I realized that next week’s 8 mile run is totally attainable, especially if the conditions are fair. Rarely do I consciously relate the elated feeling I get after a long run with a sense of accomplishment, but getting through 6 miles in those elements was just that – an accomplishment.

Since it was cold and I was sweaty, I got right in the shower and did my stretching under the hot water. I planned to go to yoga a couple hours later because I was in need of a good stretch and a heated room, so I skimped on the after run stretching more than I normally would.

Though 6 miles doesn’t burn the same number of calories as the 10, 12 and 13.1 mile runs will, I thought it was a good time to get in the habit of eating a balanced, good sized meal after running. I often get acid reflux after long runs from not eating enough, and I’d like to avoid that scenario this time around. I had been craving stirfry, so I threw together a mix of all the veggies in the fridge. The red cabbage really made the pan look pretty.

We started baking salmon this winter and it’s now my go-to method of preparing it. I love salmon and, yes, I ate the whole piece.

Between running and yoga yesterday, I spent a lot of time reading Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project. I’m enjoying relating her observations to my own life and will write a review when I finish.