RELEASE!

Today I realized something.  I've been running indoors since the beginning of December.  Last year, I rarely ran inside.  A series of dangerous windchill days (such as -45F), a new schedule with 4:30 a.m. wake up calls for 5:00 a.m. gym sessions (alternating days with Rob to keep the motivation going), and lots of black ice on the roads have all contributed to my lily-livered running.  However, the marathon schedule waits for no one.

Today, the realization hit that my long run next week is 9 miles.  That is equivalent to 54 laps around the track at the gym.  Gross.  So, I laced 'em up and headed out the front door for my first winter run in awhile.  It was cold, and the added layers of clothing weighed me down, but it felt great.  My lungs got to expand with the cold air.  The ice fishermen and I exchanged hellos as I passed the boat launch (three times).  It was a great release after many indoor only days.  I even got to wear my old favorite shoes (trying to keep the newer ones clean for awhile).  Today felt old school.  Winter isn't so bad.