OBJECTIVE
13 mi.@ 7:46-8:36

ACHIEVED
13.42 mi.@ 8:44

6:38 AM 25° 60% 2 mph

There was some question of whether this run would be happening this morning. The weather has been unseasonably cold here for the past few days with temperatures lower than the Houston area has seen in 14 years. I understand this is all relative and the temps aren't that cold compared to what runners in northern climates are facing. But I'm convinced there is a physiological change that occurs in one's body to acclimate it to the environment it's living in. I don't know what it is ... thin skin, thin blood, oxygen content of blood, whatever, ... it makes 20° feel darn cold to someone who's lived here for 10 years!

I got a text message last night indicating there were second thoughts among the group about running this morning. Even though I had a few reservations about our early run, I pushed them aside and responded that I planned on running. After a brief back-and-forth, it was concluded that we'd run as scheduled. So our band of a few brave souls - Augie, Michele, Josh and me - gathered for a slow roll in the cold. Michele and Josh are tapering for next weekend's Houston marathon. For me, it was cold at the start especially my hands (despite 3 pairs of gloves ... I decided this was actually working against me by keeping my fingers separated; I need running mittens!) but it turned out to be a decent run. My legs felt okay. Any time we turned toward the north there was a cold wind in our faces but I was happy that Paige let me borrow her gaiter which proved the perfect shield against the wind for my face.

PRE RUN
oatmeal w/brown sugar & 1% milk

POST RUN
hot chocolate, hot cakes w/maple syrup, ham & poached egg on English muffin & water