How do you like my new look? I was up 'til the wee hours last night, at the BecomeAnMM web site, designing it. I think it looks like me, especially the ear buds hanging down the side. :-)
When the alarm went off this morning, I regretted my playing around on the computer. Coach Gary was expecting me for an 8 a.m. run, so I didn't want to let him down. The huge snow accumulation we had last week is melting during the day but refreezing at night, which makes for some treacherous running in the early morning. Ah well, soon it will be spring.
Today was a long, slow distance day (LSD), emphasis on slow and not really so long. We ran 6 miles, but I walked a great deal since I have a fear of falling on ice. I should have bought some of those spikes that slip over running shoes, but didn't think I'd need them. I was wrong.
Gary and I ran with AmyBee and some other Club Runners. We didn't run together the whole time, but at the end the first one's in waited until the last one was in. We all high-fived each other. It's so nice to run with people like that!
Afterwards we stretched and did our strength work, then cleaned up and headed over for breakfast. While we were there, a guy came over to chat--he knew Mark, one of the runners. This guy was talking about the last marathon he did--in Antarctica! His name is Austin Budlong and at 26-years-old he's the youngest American to ever run a marathon on all seven continents. And he only started running marathons two years ago!
He was telling us about the race, which included climbing up a 17% grade glacier--even the front runners were walking up that one! I asked what the surface of the glacier was like, envisioning a solid sheet of ice, but he said it was kind of crunchy and there was snow in some places, which made traction easier. Suddenly the icy sidewalks I had to deal with paled in comparison. Austin said he ran past penguins and seals. There was a bird there, called a Skua, that would attack the runners if they got too close to the skua's eggs. Runners were advised to put their hands up in the air, because the bird went for whatever was the highest. I guess I could sacrifice a gloved hand for my head!
Sorry I didn't take Austin's picture; I thought about it, but decided against it although now I wish I had. By the way, he came in 15th out of 145 finishers! As Mr. Spock says, "Fascinating."
9 comments:
Wow!!! I would love to run a marathon on every continent! What an adventure! Thanks for sharing!
You look awfully jaundiced in that photo. Sure you're feeling all right? ;-)
A couple of friends have done Antarctica as well. They said it's an incredibly amazing experience, and the pictures certainly prove it!
Now that's a sweet photo, love the ear buds!
WTG on your LSD! That sounds like a very interesting fella to run with! Can't imagine running up a glacier!
I tried to become an M&M but just couldn't come up with a good likeness of myself. do they have a gummy bear site?
Now I've gotta try the M&M thing! You look so cute! Good to hear you took it easy on your 6 miler. Yeah, falling on the ice is not a good idea. ;)
I can't even imagine running on ice - sounds tricky.
Love the picture, Dori!
Great look but now all the runners want.....to taste you!
This is kinda random but I am Austin. I was the one that you chatted to after the race. At work today, we were talking about Googling your name and I found your Blog. See you at Get in Gear-Austin
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