Monday, January 4, 2010

Grrrrr....



Jan.01, (THAINDIAN NEWS) According to Chinese astrology, the year 2010 would be the Year of the Tiger and the cycle would begin on February 14, 2010 and would come to an end on February 2, 2011. The Year of the Metal Tiger is said to bring in prosperity as well as ushers in many other positive transformations.
The Tiger represents the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which comprises of 12 animal signs. According to the ancient Chinese mythology, Tiger symbolizes courage and it plays a pivotal role in keeping away the three prime disturbances of a household which include fire, thieves and ghosts. At the same time, this year being at the Year of the Metal Tiger, it is being predicted that the Tiger would add the element of courage and the metal part would provide the necessary determination and resolve to achieve the goals that are set for the year. Moreover, the Chinese astrology has described the Year of the Tiger to be ‘tumultuous, hard working and vigorous year.’

In addition to being the year of the Tiger, for me it is the year of running. And snow. And running in snow.
I made it through  my first week of cramming for a 50km...Yahoo! It was tough going- the temps this week have ranged from -22 to -30 (today). We had had a lot of snow fall over the Christmas season and the trails have not been plowed so the footing has been brutal. I was so happy D did a 16km run yesterday on the same route as me so he would experience it. Now he knows why my legs are so tired!!
Today I had 25km on tap. It was -30 when I started out, but I was not cold. I had many many layers on and the only exposed area was my eyeballs. My eyelashes were forzen together but I didn't really need to see anyway. I wear my camel back under my jacket so it doesn't freeze up, and normally that works great. Unfortunately today I didn't tuck the valve in deep enough after taking a drink and it froze up. I knew it would eventually thaw if I put it back next to my skin so I wasn't too worried, but about 15mins later my ipod stopped and I realized it too had frozen up! With the prospect of no water AND no music, I decided to wrap up at 10km and do the rest of the run indoors.The last 15km on the treadmill was pretty boring, but I made it through. (thanks to 2 episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer on DVD)
So week one is a wrap and I am pleasantly surprised that I made it through 90km and am feeling pretty good. Hopefully this continues as the miles increase...

8 comments:

Nadeen Halls said...

Come out here and do some running ... you could fly out and camp out here one week when D is on the road. We've had some snow but it's been pretty warm. We would LOVE to have you ...

Missy said...

You rock it, running in the snow. Hell, it's 15F outside and I won't run in it! Happy New Year, Tiger!

Kelly B. said...

"I didn't really need to see anyway"
Okay...that made me laugh!
Run, Amber RUN!!!!

Julie said...

You are such a total stud -- all that running around on crappy trails is going to (and you are totally kicking ass as it is!)

90km week....check. Next. :) :) :)

Way to go AMBER!!!!! :) :) :)

Julie said...

I am trying to channel you and get my act together and go out for my run -- you are layering up and pounding out the miles, and avoiding the tready....

It's fricking cold here today but not as cold as what you've been running in....I'm really trying to channel you right now!!! :) :) :)

Keith said...

The snow makes a big difference. Monday I did just under 10 K on a plowed path, all was good. Today's 10 K was about the same speed, but took a lot more out of me. Darn my neighbours and their slack ass sidewalk shoveling!

Nice kitty. Is that a new pet for you? Amazing workout schedule!

Julie said...

OK, I bundled up and ran outside. I was so layered up I was actually......warm! GASP! LOL!!!

Amber Dawn said...

Nice work Julie! I was really warm too, the worst part is trying to see through the eyelashsicles!
I soooo wish you lived here so we could run together!

Nadeen- I wish! ha! Although you wouldn't know it from this blog, I do run a business and have classes to teach- I can't leave them!