Erin Does Life.

I was nervous about running outside this morning in the cold, but all in all - I’m very happy to say it went well. Got together with a bunch of TNT alumni this morning. Great day! It was a GORGEOUS morning - the sun was out (that makes it colder, I know, but it is much better than running in overcast conditions), and the snow sparkled over the river. And you can’t argue with getting a full hour of sunshine and fresh air in January with fantastic company. We went over part of the Twin Cities Marathon course - I loved to see it sparkly and covered with snow!

Temperature: -7* windchill, 0*F straight temp

Mingus: Seemed to do pretty well. I will have to figure out some kind of hydration strategy beyond 10 miles - he starts to get thirsty and eat snow at about mile 6. Also we’re wearing through last year’s dog booties - time for new ones!

Clothes: Heavy pants - might consider another layer underneath.

Core: Really warm! I was wearing a close-fitting tech tshirt, tech long-sleeved shirt, light running jacket, my new eVent jacket (it’s really more of a windproof/waterproof/breatheable shell, no insulation, but that works really well), and my windproof vest. Next time I think I’ll go without the tshirt and see how it works. 

Headband over ears was sufficient. I used a breathable polartec neck gaiter which worked well. Thought I’d need a balaclava but I think it would have been too warm.

Gloves, though, need work - I think a good pair of windproof mittens or lobster claw mittens would work perfectly. My hands were warm but sweaty after I balled them up.

Feet - Perfect. Just my running shoes and slightly thicker quarter-length ankle socks seemed to work fine. If they start getting cold I’ll think about investing in some ankle gaiters.

I got home to some bad news though - our scrounger dog, Bonnie, who loves to eat odd things in the yard, is throwing up and can’t seem to keep her food down. She’s just miserable - she’s at the vet right now with T. We’ve been through this before - hopefully an IV-administered anti-emetic, IV fluids and a bland diet will fix her up. Poor girl : (