Too Cold To Hold 5k

Okay, so I ventured out today. Many thoughts were chasing other thoughts in my head. I heard the weather report, a crisp 26 F and a wind chill of 19F for sunny Dallas, TX, today. However, we were running at White Rock Lake where there aren't any trees to break the wind off the water. I knew I was in for a long run, maybe not distance, but eternal in time. The winds were howling! The race officials said the wind chill there was recorded earlier in the single digits...not good for me.As I arrived, I sat in my truck contemplating actually getting out.

I have to admit, I was scared. I mean, August 1st, I had knee surgery. This was to be my first race back. I had put in some miles and pain free at that. However, none in conditions like this.So I did what any runner would do...I got out of the truck and put on another layer of clothing I had brought just in case and went to get my chip. Did I tell you it was cold and windy? I go inside the race central to hear someone giving directions as to where to get my chip...I really wanted a chocolate chip and hot coffee...but that is another story.I put on the chip and played the wait game. This is where my mind and those thoughts I was talking about came into play. I talked myself out of running this race at least 5 times. I had legit reasoning behind it too. However, the 6th time I tried, they made the call of 5 minutes to the start. So, I started to the start line only to met with a steady 30mph wind right in my chops.

Did I tell you that it was cold and windy?It was at this moment I thanked God for my mother in law...yes, my MIL! At Chrismas last year, she bought me an UA full face mask for the cold weather which I put in my jacket pocket...just in case...guess what...CASE! It was a life saver, err, lip saver!Bang! Start of the race and I am moving. Wait! I talked myself out of this earlier, how did this happen? As I see many people bobbing up and down and man in a chicken suit running I cross the timing pad. It is official, I am doing it!I hit the first mile and my calves are screaming! The cold coupled with the cold, was really taking its toll on my calves. Did I say it was cold and windy? Okay, I'll quit! At the 1.25 mile mark, I took a quick walk break for about 30 secs. and picked up my pace again. I had the hardest time focusing. So many people and in a cramped trail coupled with the C_ _ _, was not a good combo.

Finally, it kind of spread out and at the 1.5 mile mark, the elite runners came by me and shot the bird at me and my slower pace...okay, that is storyteller's embellishment. I hit the turnaround at a pretty decent split for me in my recovery and that is where the run kind of, well, took a turn. I turned into a 30mph brick wall. Yes, I was running into the wind now. I want everyone to understand this...my body is not built aerodynamically. In fact, if you picture a sail from a boat, that would be me! I am built to catch wind, not slice through it. It is not fun on the way back. My only saving graces were my face mask and my garmin. I look around and I am still passing people...with the exception of this power walker who I just can't catch...well, until the end.

This little kid was running right beside me. He kept talking to himself through the race. He was about 10 and he wasn't about to let me beat him. Every time he slacked off, I would smile only to be brought back down off my award pedestal for beating a 10 yr.old, he would pass me and say, "it's almost over!" So, I changed my focus to a Sr. Adult lady in front of me that many were passing...she became my next target to pass.With .1 miles left to go, I kicked it in gear and so did she. I kicked it up a little more and passed her. While in the passing mode, I thought to myself...Eat my dust, granny...okay, I was really thinking...how do I climb up that hill to get something to drink?" The race was over! I had made it. I was tired. I was cold. Runner's sap(cool description for snot) was frozen to my face mask. I peeled it off of my head, found a drink and a banana and headed straight to my truck. What a day! I felt great! Even though it was C&W out there, I have had a great experience and it feels great to be back. Now, the times begin to fall as the mileage goes up. Thanks for reading.