It’s cold outside. It’s been snowing the past two days. When lunchtime came today, I looked out the window. I saw a blizzard. I couldn’t even make out the outline of the mountain we live next to. The snow was heavy and wet. I didn’t want to go outside, but I didn’t have a good alternative plan. So I got dressed in my shorts and t-shirt and realized that wasn’t going to cut it. I added a sweatshirt and a hat. That seemed just about right.

I knew the sweatshirt was much heavier than the light-weight sports shirt I normally wear running, so I figured I would wind up a little more tired at the end than usual, but nothing too extreme. As I ran, the snow piled up on the sweatshirt and hat. I was nice and warm inside. Unfortunately, that made most the snow on the sweatshirt melt, which made the sweatshirt even heavier. My shoes were also sopping wet and a little heavier than normal. I think the worst part was the snow. It was blowing around and seemed to fly into my eyes no matter which direction I headed.

I told myself I would find a way to just plow through it. I would be slow, but I would make it. This would be three days in a row with no walking. That would mean something. When I got to the big hill on Ironwood, I wasn’t sure I would make it. My breathing switched from 2/3 to 2/2. I found a way to get to the top, but I didn’t seem to be catching my breath. I was on the flat, but I was still stuck breathing a 2/2 rhythm. I was hurting. I slowly worked my way back to a 2/3 by the time I was heading down the last hill. I stayed at 2/3 back up the other side and onto Mesquite. I finally started feeling good as I rounded Mesquite and headed home.

31:02

Something magical must be happening. There’s no reason I should have been that fast today. It was a battle almost the whole way. I guess I’m glad I fought that battle. That’s three best times in a row. And that’s the first time that has happened. I just hope the weather clears up and I’m able to run without the extra gear.