26.2: Miles, or Degrees Below Zero

First, let me say that I am really excited to have been chosen as one of this year’s “Rookie Bloggers.” As the weeks progress and the PUBVCM approaches, I’m sure that you’ll find out more details about me and my running. For now, I can tell you that I am a middle school science teacher. I took up running only two years ago, at age 46. At age 47 I ran the local GMAA Labor Day 15K as my first race ever. I've stayed away from the 5k’s because I’m not at all a inside the house. The only exposed skin I have is around my eyes, and by the time I’ve gone ¾ mile, my eyelids have icicles on them. Not just normal icicles, but ones that would make Yukon Cornelius proud. Come to think of it, as long as I’m on a Rudolf theme, perhaps I should mention that my nose is now probably redder than his ever was. All of this may sound ridiculous, but the more ridiculous part is that I do this for fun, and actually enjoy doing it. I started running just two years ago. I honestly don’t recall why. If I had to guess, it would be to lose weight. Yes, I lost some weight, but while losing weight, I found that I lost something even better- When I run, I lose myself. The sound of my breathing and my feet hitting the ground mesmerize me and the miles just fly by. Well, usually they do… but when it’s 8° outside, the only thing flying by is my desire for more tissues. I haven’t begun to work on the “snot rocket” technique that most runners utilize. Perhaps I’ll try this technique when spring comes and I can finally pry the frozen balaclava off of my face. In the meantime, my training schedule waits patiently to be picked up again tomorrow…