That feeling of feeling

Today it was 27 degrees when I started my run at 5:20, and 25 degrees when I finished at 6:10. Above zero! This is big news, it was almost Florida hot in the great state of Minnesnowta. Okay, I shouldn't get too carried away, but it was nice not having to wear two jackets, thermal tights, and a hat. Of course, when there's a good foot and a half of snow on the ground and it warms up even a little bit, you get the snow melt. That kind of sucked a lot since St. Paul doesn't do the best job of shoveling off their footpaths in the winter. But nonetheless, it was nice not having to thaw out after a run. For example, on Sunday I went 14.5 in -2 degree temps (not windchill), and after I got back I couldn't really do anything. It even took me a while to lay on the couch because I was literally frozen. I had ice everywhere, it was great. But I mean, today I came in and I had sweat dripping down my face, and usually those are icicles.

Also on Sunday I went computer shopping with my grandparents. Their computer crashed a few days ago. Actually, the motherboard went bad. I offered to replace the motherboard for them, but they said they'd rather get a new computer. A new motherboard would take a while to get here anyway. So we went to Best Buy, and then Staples. I might have mentioned before that I work for St. Thomas' tech support department, and unfortunately my granddad pointed that out to everyone in the store when they asked "do you need such and such a support package?" That kind of got on my nerves, but whatevs. So he picked out a computer and a wireless printer and we went home. After 4 hours of shopping though! are you kidding me?

Anyways, I networked the wireless printer, fixed his wireless router, and set up his computer. I also recovered the data from his old hard drive and put it on his new one. You know what that would have cost him? $425! for an hour and a half of data recovery! that's highway robbery. I should start my own computer repair shop. Honestly though, if you have a computer question, you should let me know, since I do that stuff for a living.

I'm watching the show "I used to be fat." I think that show is hilarious. Maybe that's not the right word- amusing, there you go. Let me explain myself though before you go and tear me a new one. I think its great that people are getting into shape. Thats great, good for them. What's funny is when they're surprised getting in and staying in shape is hard work. There's a reason they call it "letting yourself go." I think a lot of that is how I was raised though. I'm a big fan of the "play the cards you're dealt" philosophy.

But anyways, I'm rambling, and I've got to find my phone that I lost earlier today.

Ice, ice baby

Its cold. Every day I've said that, and the next day's colder. Today, I had to do 10 miles because I felt bad about skipping running the past two days. In my defense, I was feeling pretty crappy both days. Yesterday (Wednesday) was by far the worst; I couldn't keep anything down and was rushing to the bathroom every 10 minutes and got no sleep because of it. I still don't feel the greatest, but I'm not in that bad of shape. For instance, today's run I had sloshy stomach throughout the whole thing, and I felt like I was going to puke my guts out for a while, but never actually did throw up, even though I gave myself ample opportunity. I hop you weren't eating when you read that. Anyone want to play doctor and tell me what's up?

Anyways, when I started my run it was 4f, and when I finished it had warmed up to six degrees (not windchill, actual temperature). Supprisingly though, it wasn't that cold- except when I went across the Hennipin bridge- that made me wish I was dead. I wore two layers though-three on my legs. I went wind briefs, thermal tights, and running shorts on my legs, and a Craft Nordic Ski wind blocker long sleeve fitted mockneck, and a softshell jacket over that on my upper body. I was actually kind of toasty. My "beard" froze too, which was pretty legit- had icicles dripping down and all that. I wish I had taken a picture.

Also, this kid in my psychology class who goes to Hamline and runs cross country for them released this mix tape called The Fly Away a few days ago. I'm not a huge fan of rap, but his stuff is pretty good, especially for a debut album. His name is Ellis Cleve and you can download The Fly Away here. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Second, one of the runners I used to coach at the Courage Center, Krista Pylkki got a really nice article written up in the paper about her. Krista's a Paralympic hopeful in the 400m and currently holds the 400m world record in her disability class. Right now, she's in New Zealand competing in the IPC world championships for team USA. I'll explain how elite level disabled sports work in a later post, but the fact that she can compete at this high level just blows my mind. I had the honor of competing in track and swimming, as well as coach Krista, and you'll never meet a harder worker. Link to story

How to: Run in the winter

**The idea for this post was stolen from Cole over at The Art Of Running. This is kind of an addendum to his post, so check his blog out for more!

Dealing With the Weather

• If you're planning on doing an out-and- back, make sure you start running against the wind, that way when you come back the wind is at your back, not in your face. I ignored this on my long run on Sunday, and the sweat on my shirt froze so it took like 20 minutes to get my shirt off after I was done
• Be cold. Make sure you're chilly when you start running, because you're going to heat up quickly. Make sure you wear less on your lower body than your upper body, and use a hat sparingly. Contrary to popular belief, you don't lose most of your heat from your head. Also your hands are slow to warm up
• Chances are, if there's cold, there's snow and ice. Invest in a pair of trail shoes, preferrably with gore- tex or something of that ilk. Or you could get a pair of yaktrax, although I've never had a pair so I can't comment on them
• If you're a dude, wear some wind briefs. My rule is sub- 30f and they go on. They get a little toasty at times, but its better than not being able to have kids ever.

Don't get hit

• If you're running late, or know you may be running when the sun is going down, wear a headlamp. Seriously, this is the best investment I've ever made. Its not uncomfortable, and cars can see you a lot further out than normal reflective strips
• Count to three after you see the walk light while crossing intersections. Black ice and unplowed streets make stopping distance exponentially longer. I usually like to push it when crossing most intersections (eg. If there's no car coming, I'll cross, no matter what), but I wouldn't think about it in Winter
• Run on the sidewalk or pedestrian paths. If you have to run in the street or on a bike lane, make sure you're as visible as possible
• Cary some form of identification in case you do get hit (God forbid). I have a Road ID that's linked to an online database with all my medical info. Even better, carry a cell phone if you can
• If you're running at night- and this is just a general rule- don't wear headphones. Its safer and more fun because you can sneak up on people