A Mini Milestone-A Cold Winter's Run

Another challenge has been given to me. Endurance Nation (EN) has challenged all members and non-members alike to a running challenge.

Rules:

• Thursday to Thursday, from 12/25 to 1/1.
• 1 point per mile run.
• 1 additional point for each hour run (whole numbers only 1, 2, etc.)
  
• 1 additional point for a run in sub-32 degrees weather.
• 1 additional point for each mile run at (or above) Threshold Pace (10k pace).
  
• 5 bonus points for running all 8 days of challenge.
• Note: This runs on the honor system, please only post your actual run results.

This IS A BIG challenge for me. I really dislike cold weather...Yuch! I'm a big wimp; I just don't like training outside when the temperature is not to my liking. And that usually is something below 60 degrees. By the way, I have never ran outside during the winter.

On Christmas Day, I was in Rockford,IL at my parents house. Temp was 2 degrees with a wind chill of negative uber degrees. You got to be kidding! If you could have opened up my head, you would have seen a firestorm of activity---my brain was simoutaneously talking myself in and out of the run for the day. Yup, I ended up chickening out. There's always tomorrow.

December 26, I woke up to an ice storm...streets were like an ice rink. The weather announcers were warning every one to stay put...don't travel. I ground myself again. By afternoon, conditions were better but I was out and about and had another Christmas get together to attend. No running this day.

December 27, Ed got me a Garmin 305 Forerunner for Christmas. By now, I'm itching to give it a try and to finally run outside during winter. Well, it wasn't going to happen on this day. The temperature was in the 50's BUT it was pouring rain outside and fog so heavy that you could not even see 25 feet in front of you. Doh! Still no points to log.

December 28, I was back in Rockford for yet another Christmas family gathering. I had only 20 minutes to get in a run for the day. It was 20 degrees. I layered up with all the clothes I had brought and headed out the door with my new Garmin. I got in 2.1 miles, at an average of 10:20/mile pace. No, I didn't shatter any records! But I did get my butt outside and ran in the cold. There is a first for everything.

Because I ran 2.1 miles and the temp was sub 32 degrees, I was able to record a measly 3.1 points with EN. I guess that's better than 0 points. So far, I'm on the bottom of the results. Hopefully, I can improve upon that.

Anyway, on the upside....I LOVE my new Garmin. How cool...and how did I not live with this invention before? Thanks Ed!

Updates:

Gingerbread Competition: No results yet...I think my Mom is stalling. She doesn't want to declare a winner for fear of hurting someone's feelings. I believe she thinks if she waits long enough, every one will forget. I'm sure Keith wants to forget the whole thing.

Reg and RA: She's feeling better with the drugs. Her aches and pains are slight and she is able to do normal activities with very minimal pain. She's unable to drink alcohol while being on this drug--which is hard for her. She's not dependent on alcohol in any way but she does like an occasional drink when the mood strikes. Who doesn't like a beer or glass of wine once an while especially when out with friends? I know it would be hard for me.