First Outdoor Run of 2013

Yesterday was actually pretty nice out compared to our recent weather. There was sun, no wind, and minimal wetness outside. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and go for an outdoor run. (We have an elliptical in our basement that I use for cardio in the winter months, but it's really not the same at all.)

I have a nice little 2 mile route that I enjoy through my neighborhood, so I decided that it would be a perfect warm up for the season. I felt okay with breathing (although I tried to keep my mouth closed as much as possible since the air was so dry) and with endurance. I definitely could have kept going, although my ankles felt a little sore towards the end.

The bad part was my pace. So. Slow. (I do start my timer in the house before I actually leave since I use an app on the phone, which is on an armband. So there's maybe about an extra 30 seconds on there.)

Today my ankle soreness is definitely still there and I might have some very minor shin splints. I decided to allow myself to take the day off to rest my legs. I'll have to get used to the impact of the concrete all over again, but I feel good about getting back into a breathing and distance routine. Distance will also be a new kind of goal for me, as I have never been much of a distance runner, but I think it's something that I will be working on as I triathlon train.