Fun night out and freezing temps!

I had the GREATEST time at the fundraiser tonight! It was called the “Ukrainian Gala” and it was a women’s only event that raised money for kids in the Ukraine. I was told it was semi-formal. I usually lounge around in fitness wear but I do love getting dressed up every now and again. Thank goodness I did dress up because this was one classy event.! I arrived to valet parking and when I walked in the door I was greeted and escorted to the most beautifully decorated table ever. My new friend Super Fast 1:24 half marathon Jess “owned” the table and had decorated and invited 7 people to be her guests. Jess is an Occupational Therapist and works about an hour away. This is the best part!! ALL of her guests were runners. She thought it would make for fun conversation to organize a table of runners. I didn’t know any of these girls since none of them lived in my town so we started the evening by going around the table and introducing ourselves. Imagine a super classy formal delicious dinner surrounded by people who only want to talk about running. I could swear I was dreaming. Jess ran in college in Madison Wisonsin. She was a middle distance runner. Her 1:24 half PR came when she was 23 (now 30). She also ran a sub 17 5K. Other than the half she ran with her husband this summer she hasn’t run one in 3 years. Her time then was 1:27. She has a 2 year old, a one year old, and is due in May. Now, I really really like her and we have so much in common (not the 1:27) but she could be a little more considerate like taking into account potential new friends needs before getting knocked up! Honestly!!! I NEED her to make me fast NOW!!!!! The other girls were also so much fun and 5 of them had run half marathons this year. I was feeling a little old as 2 of them were also pregnant and running with a jogging stroller was a hot topic. Overall, great evening and I love meeting new people especially those with similar interests!! It was very nice to have an outlet since although I love my friends dearly and they are very supportive, they could truly care less about my running!

So, I tackled the Minnesota winter and headed out for my first ever REALLY cold run. It was 9 degrees when I started with a windchill of 1 degree and a 10 mph NW wind. I decided to run a 10 mile out and back heading west and coming back east. I figured there was no way I could quit early if I did this. I drove to a secluded road that I have run on before so I could have the center of the road where there was no ice. I decided to wear my Asics Nimbus shoes because they had the most traction and weren’t as meshy as my others. I hate these shoes (no disrespect to Asics as I love many of their products). I call them my “brick” shoes since that’s what they feel like on my feet. I’ve only worn them 4 times and they have way too much cushioning for my liking. My feet did not get cold though and neither did my body. My fingers and face however were a different story! I get very claustrophobic with things over my mouth and nose so although I have 3 different “masks” I wore a hat, a neck gaiter, and glasses. Wowzers, the first 2 miles felt like someone was carving my cheeks with a potato peeler. The fingers on my left hand were completely numb. It didn’t take long to warm up though. The last five miles I was fully warmed up and other than dealing with the fogging of my glasses I had no problems. I was just going to run 10 for distance since I have done 2 speedwork sessions already this week. My legs felt crazy fresh though as I know the treadmill gives my hamstrings a bit of a break. I managed a 7:41 pace and this felt pretty comfortable and easy. It was a great run and very refreshing. It also gave me a lot of confidence knowing I could tackle the cold!

Tomorrow morning I get to head out of town with my little Reese to watch her play hockey in her first big tournament of the year. I am soo excited and so is she! I don’t know if just the two of us have ever had a weekend together. I can’t wait!!! I won’t get back until Sunday so I will have to catch up on blog reading then.

So many runners running this weekend! CIM claims quite a few namely Katie and Aron!! I know there’s more so I’ll stop naming names!! Can’t wait to read race reports! Good Luck!