Saturday, January 2, 2010

First Run of 2010

Didn't run the Frosty Nipple (too chicken), didn't run Resolution (not available), but I did manage a chilly 7 mile solo-scamper this morning. The temperature was a frosty -30 celsius (-40 w/c) so proper layering made the difference between life and death, or at least comfort and discomfort.  I snapped a few pictures with my wife's Nikon D80 in a fleeting attempt to capture the magic of the day; I hope you can see beyond the -40 and appreciate the real beauty of running on such a magnificently crisp day.  Just being healthy enough to survive the chill, let alone run, is a miracle. Happy New Year to you all.  Thanks for following this old blog; these ramblings of an aging, but passionate runner.  I raise a glass of Chilean Syrah 2006  to you, and to you, and you, and you, and you....


It's a good day to be alive and warm.  If you click the pictures they get big, really big.  And one final thing... yes, my nose is on the large side, but NOT that big. My son the photographer tells me it's just the wide angle lens making it appear potato-like!  :>)  Mike




7 comments:

podsypoodle said...

Hey Mike!
Thanks for the awesome group of pictures that you posted! I'm quite glad that I got to go on a virtual tour of your run rather than the real thing....what a freezing day. So proud of my crazy uncle.
ainsley.

LJM said...

Love love love the pics. Reminds me of my testosterone filled days running in -45. In the words of the poet Arnie, "I'll be back". Especially when I see your photos.

Unknown said...

Here's a question: It was -17 Celsius (-20 w/c) in Toronto yesterday and -30 (-40 w/c) in Winnipeg. Which city declared a state of emergency? Mike

Laurie said...

Heh Mike, great photos! Thankis for the link, i have forgotten about this blog. I admire your fortitude for the cold.....I can only do about 30 minutes stints and walking only for this gal.

Have a great week back at work.

Jen said...

Wow, really great photos! What a fun place to go running. The temps sound a little scary! And I thought it was cold here! I'm slowing learning the art of layering. Question. What do you do about your face? Do you cover your nose and mouth with anything? And if you think you have a big nose... I think I have you beat!

Unknown said...

Jen, Layering is vital. After several years of cold weather running I have it down to a science. It's ok to be cold for the first mile, because you know you'll warm up. A good rule of thumb is to run for 10-15 minutes outbound. If you're still cold, turn around and run home. That way you won't hurt yourself and you'll still get a 20-30 minute run. My stomach is always difficult to keep warm because it's so exposed and I don't like to put on too many layers because then you sweat. I figure a little cold in the tummy area is ok. Sweating is not good because it chills you down quickly when you stop or slow down. There's a couple options for the face. A good old fashioned scarf works well, but it's clunky and a little dorky looking. I use a fleece neck tube pulled up past my nose, but it gets icy really quickly and loses it insulation value (nothing like jagged ice rubbing up a frozen, raw cheek!). The best, and most expensive, is the bandana-like, neoprene face masks that has a velcro fastener at the back. The better ones cost $40 or more and have a "punch-out" for the nose so as not to constrict breathing. Some people up here use a little Vaseline on the sensitive areas such as the cheeks. A little Vaseline smeared around the eyes is great for preventing that annoying ice build up on your eye lids and tear ducts. From one big nose to another.... happy running! Mike

greentigress said...

Wow, beautiful scenery, well done on the race i was warm enough on my 10 mile -3C race!!
Wow - What a Hooter!