Winter Running, Runner's World Challenge, What are you thankful for?

Hello again everyone, and thanks for reading my blog.

Winter Running
Winter Running, for me, is a totally new challenge.  My son (14) and I ran a 5k yesterday, and I may have underestimated the unpredictable Minnesota Fall weather.  At 6am it was 48 degrees and completely calm, and at race time it seemed to still be nice enough for shorts and t-shirt running.  As we took off, the wind came up and the temp fell at least 5 degrees during the race alone.  Things went fine, but I was very cold when I finished.  Maybe the weather also played a positive role, in that my son and I both put up a Personal Best in the race.

Forward to today.  I took off for a run around the lake I live on, with the temperature in the mid-twenties, but the wind chill sitting down at 5 degrees F.  Thank goodness for the under armor (not a product placement) running pants I bought a few weeks ago.  With a hat, gloves, three shirts, and my long pants, I think I was set up just about right.  However, I don't know if I would want it any windier, or colder for such a run. 





Runner's World Challenge
Just heard (via facebook) yesterday about this challenge.  And for me, I always need something to keep me going - some kind of a challenge.  http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/2012-holiday-running-streak?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-RunStreak

Their challenge: to run at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.  What a cool idea!  And, based on today's run, I may have to squeeze in some Tread Mill time once in a while.  Good luck to all of you who decide to take the challege!!!


What are you thankful for?
I am sure that we all have something to be thankful for, even if it sometimes takes us a few minutes to ponder the question before answering.  For example, I am thankful that it's only one more week until this Movember thing ends and I can shave off this facial hair (although it does come in handy for winter running, and it doesn't slow you down a bit!).  If you haven't heard about this, check out www.movember.com .  It's all for a good cause.

I am also thankful for running.  This great past time has only come back into my life about a year and a half ago.  I am nothing short of stunned at the number of opportunities to race just in our little area of the state.  There's a race about every other weekend from the end of March to Thanksgiving Day.  Pretty amazing season, and a lot of very hard working people to make it all come together.  Add to that the fact that most all of these races are for some good cause, some charity that is worthy of our dollars.  Nice work everyone!

But most of all, I would say that none of those things even come close the how thankful I am for the love and support of family and friends.  Thanksgiving is a day where we all get together and have a great time eating, chatting, napping, watching football, and making darn sure that the next generation knows and appreciates their extended family.

Thanks again for reading my blog!

Stu