Snowy Run

Today was the day I was doing my "long" run.  I'm training for a couple of half marathons this spring.  I ride on my bike trainer during the week and then do my long runs outside.  I'm starting from scratch, so my long run today was 5 1/2 miles.  I've got a ways to go, but it was good enough for this week!

I was looking forward to my run this afternoon.  I love the time alone, the quiet thoughts with myself, listening to fantastic music, but I was a tad intimidated by the weather.  Just a few minutes prior to me going outside, the sun was shining, the snow had ceased, it was a beautiful afternoon for a run.  But, as I stepped outside, the sun had gone behind the clouds and the lake effect snow was kicking in.

"No problem," I thought, "I've run in snow before". And, I have, back in WI when I was training for my first half marathon.  My great friend and running partner, Jessica, and I ran in a snow storm and it was no problem.  Only this time, I didn't have my friend with me to help pass the time, to talk about recipes, or how the kids were doing, or about our latest projects around the house.  But, today I had the Dixie Chicks Live! 

I just love their music.  Whatever your politics, Emily has a beautiful, strong voice.  And, hearing Ready to Run, Truth Number Two, and Sin Wagon gave me that extra spring in my step!  Even though my calves felt tight and my thighs started to ache at the end, and there are way more hills here than in Wisconsin, I managed to stay motivated, but my time was still slow.  I keep telling myself that I'm still getting into it and not to worry (my pace is over a ten minute mile...yikes!)  But, the snow on the roads made it feel like I was running through sand on the beach. 

Here's me after my run.  I wasn't as soaked as I thought I'd be.

 But the snow, oh the beautiful snow...everything was so still and the flakes were falling in almost slow motion.  It was gorgeous eventhough I had to wade through ankle-deep snow when cars came by, and I had to duck my head down to keep the snowflakes from pelting me in the eyes.  And, now my neck is sore.  sigh...but, it was a good run.