This post simply contains the running data for 2018 from Garmin Connect.
Author: ps401t3 Page 5 of 6
I had planned on just doing an 8-mile run… but a flooded road changed that plan.
It’s not a bad thing that I ran 11+ miles, I’m just glad I had the day off, and I had the time to do it!
The end of 2018 left us with at least 2-inches of rain in less than 24 hours, thus causing a lot of standing water and some flooded roads.
When I went out on the 1st I expected some water obstacles, I generally know which roads flood, so I was happy to see the roads in the first few miles had already drained back into the ditches. However, about 6-miles in there must have been some restricted drainage leaving a small river still flowing over the road between me and home.
I could have run through the overflow, but I’d rather not! Of course, there is the danger of how fast the water was moving, not really knowing how deep it was, plus I would have been soaked and still had about 2 miles to go.
I had the time, and there were options, they all involved several additional miles.
As I turned around to take an alternate route, churning the alternatives over in my mind and wondering if I was going to have to make other accommodations based on what might be ahead.
It was nice to see the other roads were clear on my first option and no other changes were necessary. It made the first day of the new year just a bit more exciting.
Photo by Sindre Strøm on Pexels.com
This morning (12/28/18) it was 51 degrees at 4am, by the time I arrived home from the morning run, it was 36 with a windchill in the upper 20’s. Yesterday, it was in the ’40s, raining, with wind-gusts over 25 mph. We’re all over the board for the weather in December!
Yes, I know, it’s winter, get over it! I’m not complaining, I just have to find the right clothes to wear. I’m fortunate to have a space to manage my running “wardrobe” and make selections as each day brings its own variation.
I love it when my choice of “gear” actually aligns with the situation. In the windy-rainy scenario yesterday, it was warm enough as the standing air temp was around 45, yet it was raining, and the windchill was in the ’30s. I desire to be warm and dry around the head and torso as long as possible. The legs and feet just have to accept collateral impact and are not usually a problem if the upper body is well kept. How wet the feet get is a potential problem and has to be continuously monitored.
Moisture management – the rainy day in the ’40s presents the challenge of not getting too sweaty, needing to stay appropriately warm, and not let the cold wind and rain in. I selected a sleeveless cotton layer first, then a polyester short-sleeve, covered by a polyester long-sleeved shirt. Then externally with a St. Jude ballcap (reduces rain on face), UnderArmor gloves, and my Work n’ Sports Waterproof jacket. I was ready as I stepped into the blustery darkness.
8.8 miles later I arrived home with a comfortable torso and really wet feet and hands. The beautiful thing was that the external polyester shirt did a great job as a moisture barrier, the cotton shirt was wet from sweat, and the middle polyester layer was almost dry. This jacket has done a great job against the elements and has held up well with all the arm motion and activity.
Enjoy the outdoors and find ways to stay comfortable while facing the various elements.
In Central Illinois the roads are grids, most of the property layout is in one-mile squares. Running in Southern Indiana, it’s hard to find a straight path! It begs the question: Did they just pave the old horse trails? Even US HWY 150 between Shoals and West Baden has so many twists you may need Dramamine. It could be fun on a motorcycle!
The map above is one of the routes I’ve established for my 8-9 mile daily run. It’s quiet and beautiful country through the woods, farms, cottages, and fields. Very little traffic and an occasional horse or Amish vehicle can be seen. Actually, the Amish wheels and horseshoes do make enough noise on the quiet country pavement to hear them coming about the same distance as a motorized vehicle.
If I have to identify a few obstacles, they would be dogs and hills, with dogs really being the obstacle, the hills are exercise-variety.
Being able to break from the daily routine routes is motivational. Regardless of straight grids, hills or country twists and turns, I am grateful to be able to experience the outdoors while running!
We’ve heard this said numerous ways, as in:
- I’m running for my life (being chased?)
- I want to run for my entire life (accomplishment)
- Running is my life (or focus)
- Do these things, and you can run more/longer (competitive)
For me, running is one of the key elements that keeps me vital. Genetics, poor life choices, time, and circumstance are all influencing my physical presence and yours. Running has proven to be a significant asset in my journey to live out my purpose.
Several studies have pointed out the benefits of gut health and the impact on our longevity based on our personal diet (which is what works best for our body). Similarly, there have been studies showing that physical exercise like running can actually extend (rebuild) the age shrinking telomeres in our DNA structures.
I see running as my fountain of youth, regardless of what life brings, I’m doing what I can with the body I have to keep up with the changes and challenges being thrown at it.