Ice Ice Baby

I awoke this morning to an email announcing a 2-hour delayed start of federal work in the DC area today. This was immediately followed by my turning off my alarm and sleeping for another hour and a half before taking the dog out and hitting up the gym. Once Dubs and I were outside it became perfectly clear what the delay was about, not that I didn't already have an idea of the conditions given the freezing rain started falling last night while we were out seeing The Social Network. It was playing for dollar movie Monday at the Arlington Cinema 'n Drafthouse. Great movie, by the way. The dog slipped a little bit before veering into the grass and dragging me a couple of feet down the sidewalk. I got her to this little grass plot across the street from our building and by some miracle she did all of her business very quickly. I hate mornings when I just can't get a good walk in with her but it was not worth the potential for injury this morning. I then did some strength training and rowing in lieu of a run.

So speaking of runs, my attempt at 20 miles again this weekend went much better than the previous weekend. I only finished 19 but it was only because I started feeling some pain on the outside of both my shins and in my left foot a bit. I figured it was wise not to push it so I cut off the last mile and walk-ran mile 19. I was pleased that I had been averaging a 10:30 pace up until the pain started to set it. Not to mention I still have many weeks until the marathon and I already feel well prepared. This week is a light recovery week with a short 8-mile run on Saturday. I'm also into my third week of strength training via The New Rules of Lifting and I have to say I'm pretty pleased so far. The exercises are challenging and effective while not being overly time consuming and I can already see some new definition in my shoulders and arms. My legs on the other hand...

So as much as I am enjoying this marathon training so far (honestly, I really am!) I can't say I'm completely pleased with how my body is handling it. I've gotten to the point where my thighs are snug in many pairs of my pants because of muscle bulk. I feel strong and powerful so I'm not too worried about this but I keep thinking it would be nice to not have to worry about what I am able to wear.

Overall it was a great weekend. We got the bathroom painted but I'll save the details/photos of that for a separate post. After 2 years of light beige and white we finally have a room in our place with some color. Most of my hopes for the NFL playoffs became reality with the exception of the Bears killing the Seahawks. I can't say that was surprising though. Hopefully the Pack can manage the Bears this Sunday. I'd love to see a Packers-Jets Super Bowl.