Haven't been able to access the forum for the past few days, not sure if it's my browser or not. Either way, it's good to see that you ladies are starting the year off well! Lots of ambitious upcoming races too, I'm excited to see how everyone does!

Bitterly cold -18F temps didn't keep Maggie & I from our first long run of the year a stellar 16miles Saturday afternoon. I was able to video several sections along the way which will some up most of my feeling/thoughts of the run so I won't be long winded here. Video is on my blog.



It was a really decent run, we had fun & managed to spend a good deal of it comfortable. Vasaline kept my cheeks from getting frostbitten and making a pocket between my mouth & the face warmer/balaclava to warm the air before it hits my lungs worked beautifully. Freezing water has been a huge issue this winter, but wearing my hydration pack under one of my two jackets worked great this time. The hardest part is actually the pavement and stiff shoes. It's harder on the joints making me watch my form a lot to make sure my foot-striking isn't hurting me. I'm used to doing long runs on trail or moving off the paved path onto grass beside the sidewalk in town to limit impact but that's all under at least 3ft of snow. That said, I'll adjust. I did last year.

In other news, my first ultra (a 50k) of the season is May 15th! It's a beautiful course on terrain I used to hike through as a teen. I didn't run back then so I'm curious to see how it will be to run it.

bikechick Welcome to the frosty eyelash & eyebrow club & nice run! It isn't as bad as it looks, is it? After a while I forget the ice is there.

Lime Don't be to hard on yourself about the recent race. 1:04 is a very respectable time and I have no doubt you'll get your pace back!