Week 1: running in the snow

I'm following a 16-week training programme, as outlined in "The Non-Runners' Marathon Trainer", so my training officially started last week, Monday 4th January.

Basically, every week, I need to do three shortish runs (ranging from 3 to 8 miles) during the week, and one long run on the weekend. The weekend runs start at 5 miles in Week 1, and work up to 18 miles near to the end. It's still a far cry from the 26.2 miles of the marathon, but people seem to say that if you can do 18 miles in training, then you will be able to do 26.2 on the day. So here's hoping...!

We've had a few inches of snow on the ground over Christmas and the new year and I was a bit apprehensive about going out running. Not that I can't take the cold, mind you, but the last thing I want is to slip and break my ankle in my first week of training. But now I hope it snows for weeks more, because let me tell you, it was wonderful. I didn't need to worry too much about slipping: I just had to watch my step a bit, and ran on the road in a few parts. But mostly I was in the park, which was beautiful, all silent and white. And of course, running through the snow, with the odd nod of respect from passers-by, one felt rather proud that one was braving the elements!

So the miles slipped by easily, and I ended the week thinking: hah, this marathon business is going to be a piece of cake!!

Runs for Week 1:
Day 1: 3 miles
Day 2: 4 miles
Day 3: 3 miles
Day 4: 5 miles
Total this week: 15 miles