Snow fun!

Well today's run was interesting! Full-on blizzard conditions yesterday whilst I was sat watching Boro in a bore-draw meant that it was nearly bedtime before I could actually feel my fingers and toes again! So I'd funnily prepared myself to be heading off to the treadmill this morning to try and get a long run in. I was sorely tempted to skive off and stay in bed but the fear of it being only 16 weeks TODAY until the marathon made me drag my lazy backside downstairs and pull my trainers on. It was then that I saw a couple of people out running in the snow - and so the competitive streak struck me again! No way could I wimp out and go to the nice warm gym if there were other people out running in the snow, so I got changed into some more appropriate gear to brave the elements and headed out. Now I'm not much of an expert when it comes to running in the snow, but I've found out that the nice crunchy stuff is quite good for running in and there was a nice sprinkling of it awaiting me!

Now, I'm quite used to people looking at me like I'm abit strange when I'm out running, probably something to do with the bizarre clothing combinations of clothes I wear, the shock of seeing my make-up-less face or perhaps the slightly worrying purple / luminous red colour I tend to go when out pounding the streets. Today, however, was in a whole new league. People looked at me as though I was actually insane (which I probably was I realised after the first mile or so!) By the time I got to the next town and splashed through a few slushy puddles, I was thinking I might have made a bad decision. I opted to stick to flat, straight roads to try and minimise the likelihood of breaking my neck. I have to say though that there was no danger of getting bored running in the snow, I was on high alert the whole time, scanning the floor and horizon for signs of icy patches that might lead to an embarrassing fall or even an untimely death. By the time I got to 6 miles though I'd had enough so opted to hit the beach earlier than I would usually just to get away from the stress of having to watch my every stride and having to hold back from hitting the ground too hard. It certainly was a relief to be on the non-slip sand (although there was some snow on the higher parts of the beach which never fails to amaze me!) and the last three miles went surprisingly quickly despite the monotony of running toward the pier that never seems to get any closer! There were a surprising number of people out on the beach enjoying the crisp, clear day although I didn't see any other runners so all their looks and smiles of pity / sympathy / horror were saved just for me!

Needless to say I was glad to get back home in the warm, away from the knowing smiles of people who have clocked my madness! Have been slightly pleased with myself all day though that I did go out in the snow, as though that counts as extra points somehow - ridiculous I know!

I also had some strange looks yesterday as I ran up and down the road in front of my house (in a running vest despite it being -4) whilst the photographer from the paper took photos of me for the article they're hoping to run soon. I'm pretty sure he got the shots he needed the first time but then he just wanted to make me look and feel even sillier as the local dog walkers and residents watched on in amusement / disbelief. It was only after he drove off that I realised I hadn't asked to see the photos so god only knows what they look like! I guess I'll have to wait and find out when it's in the paper....... uhoh!