Frosty

The temperature at 8 a.m. this morning was 16 degrees, factor in the windchill and it was 1 degree above zero. Fahrenheit.

I mention this because it is the day for the Reindeer Run 5K, a very popular race in these parts. People show up in all types of costumes, some very creative, although impediments to running. I mean, imagine running 3.1 miles with a box around your middle, because you're dressed as a present.

As you know, 5Ks are very crowded and it's hard to get a PR when you're stuck behind someone who suddenly decides to walk, or trying to wend your way around dogs and strollers. I thought it wouldn't be as crowded this year because of the severe cold, but I thought wrong. Minnesota runners aren't going to let a little frostbite interfere with their running plans, although the woman who showed up wearing shorts and bare legs deserves what she gets.

The race started at 9:30, and I arrived at 8:30, after stopping at Starbucks for some pre-race nutrition. I registered, picked up my race shirt, then sat in my car while I ate my scone and drank my joe. I was dressed for the weather: two pair of tights, base layer, vest, jacket, gloves, ear warmers, neck gaiter, and hat. After awhile, I headed to the starting area, intending to empty my bladder then wait in the warming tent. You really get a sense of how cold the weather is when you drop your drawers in a portapotty.

While in the tent, I called Marcia to see if she was here. She was and we met over by the t-shirts. Her husband was with her and Nat. Also a co-worker, whose name I forgot. We hugged and headed back to the tent, which was pretty hard to maneuver through. We stood in front of a table and waited there until it was time to line up.

AmyBee was also running, but it was so crowded we didn't find her. I tried calling her at home, but she had already left. Amy and I ran the race together last year, and I was looking forward to a repeat. Unfortunately, I never did see her.

Getting out of the tent was almost as difficult as getting in, but we finally got out and headed to the start line. I spotted a celebrity and he agreed to pose for this picture with Marcia and company:

Although I lined up with the Friends of Marcia, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with them. Before long, all I could see were the antlers on Marcia's head and then not even that. So I focused on my race.

It took about a mile and a half to get into it--the cold bothered me. Last Thursday I ran 4 miles when the temperature was 17 degrees, with no wind. I only had one pair of tights on that day and my legs never did warm up, which is how I knew to double up on the leggings today. However, my gloves weren't warm enough and I had a heck of a time keeping my fingers warm. Nat had on wind mittens over her gloves and I was wishing I had a pair. Finally, though, everything warmed up.

During the race, I looked over and saw a woman lying on the ground, with her legs up. Some people were surrounding her. I don't know what happened, but I thought WWJD--What Would Juls Do? She'd stop and help, so I went over and asked if they needed a phone, since I had one in my pocket. A girl said they had one, so I went on my way. They didn't need another clueless person standing around wringing her hands.

There was no snow on the ground, since we've had relatively mild weather. Frankly, I don't miss it. I'm still trying to sell my house and it's easier to not have to deal with snow and ice. It also makes running outdoors less stressful, since I don't have to worry about slipping on ice.

This was the third year I ran this race. Since I ran alone, I just did what I could. I paced myself for the first 2.5 miles, then picked it up, going full sprint as I neared the finish line. I peeked at the Garmin and it showed my pace--8:XX. All I remember was the 8, because I was astounded. Of course, I didn't hold that pace for long, but it was interesting to me to see how fast I can run. My final time was 35:22, with the distance 3.11. The splits: Mile 1, 12:00; Mile 2, 11:17, Mile 3, 11:12; Mile 3.l1, :52 (8:06/mile pace!) Still a long way from my 30 minute goal, but it gives me hope that with some practice, I can actually get some speed and hold it.