We knew going into the weekend that there was a possibility of snow and I think we were all ramping up mentally to get our miles in regardless of the weather.  For me, I ended up with another split run with 9 miles inside on the treadmill and 9 miles outside in the snow.  Due to the family’s current schedule, this will probably be how the majority of my long runs will occur as I train for the Lansing Marathon.  It’s different but not necessarily bad.  My main complaint not that I have any REAL reason to complain is that it takes so much more time.  Normally while marathon training, I would be on the trail by 4:30 or 5 am and even a 20 miler would be over before Mick and Aby most people even have breakfast.  Now it seems like it sucks up the majority of the day b/c I’m not just knocking the miles out but also doing other things during and between the indoor/outdoor sessions.  Its okay, just different.

Treadmill “Run”Way Fashion – Tough Chik Toughie Half Zip which is super light and my new favorite shirt for bumming around the house.  It didn’t even make it on the treadmill cuz I didn’t want to get it “dirty”.  I actually ran in the Blood, Sweat, Sparkle shirt I picked up on sale from Team Sparkle.  I didn’t love this tank.  It was a “little” short on me and it didn’t fully cover my bra, plus was just too narrow up top for me.  I think it’s going to Aby’s closet.  Then the BIG thing, I tried the Redemption Shorts from Skirt Sports.  I have been wanting at least one pair of shorts, particularly now that I’m running on the treadmill more.  I don’t always feel like wearing compression shorts and I don’t necessarily want to overdress wear a skirt in my dining room “gym” so when I saw that Skirt Sports dropped a line of shorts, I jumped on board to try them out.

First, that’s obviously not my bum (below).  I wasn’t that cute and shapely before children and well, things haven’t “improved” since.  But I did like how the shorts fit on me (size medium – I wear an 8-10 in pants) and I was even satisfied with how they looked.  When I initially got them, I ran around the dining room & kitchen  (yes, we make laps thru the house on a frequent basis) and I was like “NO way”.  I didn’t think they would work out.  They rode up between my thighs.  They were shorts, they “felt” like shorts and well, I don’t like shorts.  However, I gave them a run on the treadmill.  A decent run, 9 miles.  And I didn’t hate them. 

Once I warmed up, they stayed in place pretty well.  I did still have to use the Mission Athletecare Anti-Chafe but overall, they were okay.  I really liked how the spankies didn’t move.  I didn’t have to adjust them.  I just felt good with the way they “sat”.   I did have to adjust the legs of the shorts a few times due the chub rub issue but overall, it was minimal and I didn’t have any real chafing.  A little redness on the chub but not the normal “burn” that I remember from shorts.  So I now own 2 pair of shorts, the multicolored ones I wore above, and the blue pair that the Skirts Sports model is so fabulously showing off.  Not sure you’ll see me wearing them on the trail but maybe once I get used to them a bit.  If you are a skirt wearer and hesitant to give them a try, my advice would be to try them.  One pair.  They aren’t cheap at $50 but I do think they are a good quality and the material is light and airy and won’t result in your having a wad of material squished up above the chub.  I’m not sure you will love them but I also don’t think you will hate them.  I personally won’t convert FROM the skirt but I like my options and these are super cute, which adds bonus points in my world. 

The 9 miles on the treadmill in my Redemption Shorts were accompanied by the documentary, “My Run”.  I ran for an hour and twenty five minutes at 6.4 mph (9:22) pace.  It was a long time on the treadmill but the movie was a difference maker.  If you have to run on the dreadmill and have the option of plugging into a Netflix ready device, it will change the game for you.  I promise.  The dreadmill and I are not friends.  We are however, slowly learning to tolerate one another.

I was very anxious to take the last 9 miles outside, even though by the time I got out there it was blowing and snowing pretty good.  The actual temp was 18 and the “feels like” temp was 5.  It was cold.  I struggled thru the snow.  I struggled with the cold.  My feet hurt. I was slower than slow.  I contemplated going back home to the dreadmill.  But I really loved the views.

Then Sunday was for fun.  I got to go run with friends, as a light snow was falling. It totally made my day.  4.5 miles of running bliss.

Me, Susan & Nicole on the trail!

How were your weekend miles?  Did you get out to play in the snow or stay in on the treadmill? 

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **