A Frozen 3 Miler - Golden Gopher Style

Greeting from the great white north - AKA Minneapolis, MN. I'm up here visiting some friends and counting down the hours until I go see Flogging Molly tonight.

I took today (Monday) and tomorrow off. I can't remember the last lazy Monday I had so I'm taking full advantage.

Back to the run. It turns out February in Minnesota is cold. Fortunately I had about twelve layers to keep me warm. I drove around the area next to the University of Minnesota for a bit (where my buddy lives) scouting a course. I decided on a 3 mile loop that took me across the Mississippi River and back.

Fortunately I ran with music today. Considering I'm going to the concert tonight I thought it appropriate to fire up some Flogging Molly which is in itself great running music. I'd have to say it took a good 5 to 10 minutes before my brain stopped shouting "Damn it's cold, damn it's cold, ..." But fortunately I found my stride just before the end of my first mile.

The main reasons the run was doable was a lack of wind and sunny skies. I dig running over bridges / along rivers so it made for a scenic run too. Best of all I felt like a Slumdog Millionaire when I got done.

My reward after a thankfully hot shower was several cups of Joe at the Overflow Cafe on University Ave. where I type this.

I'm contemplating my next races - both on the schedule and not.

Signed up for...
Shamrock Shuffle : 8K : Chicago, IL : March 29, 2009

Considering running...
Bay to Breakers : 12K : San Francisco, CA : May 21, 2009
Bix 7 : Davenport, IA : 7 Miles : July 25, 2009
Run for the Schools : Iowa City, IA : Half Marathon : Early October, 2009

Very long shot...
Chicago Marathon : Chicago, IL : Marathon : October 11, 2009