January 2008

JANUARY 08
January was my first winter of living in Bend, OR. I had visited many times during the summer and winter and new that it could get cold but I must say seeing -1 degrees F on the thermometer was a bit of a shock. I actually went out running one morning and it was 5 degrees F. Luckily the winds were light and I only ran 4 miles. When I was done some of my eye lashes were froze together. I think if I would have closed my eyes for 30 seconds they would have froze shut.

January would also be my first time joining the locals for the Footzone Winter Series Fun Runs. Now the word Fun is only used for avid runners as most people would think that we were crazy for running in some of the weather we did. The first run was only a 5k so the 20 degree F Blue Bird day wasn't bad and either was the 8" of packed snow on the ground. This was a Fun Run so there were no times given just some Hot Coffee and good cheer at the end.

I also purchased a Garmin watch. Hadn't know what they are since I didn't run much in the past but after moving to Bend and talking to the many runners and seeing these giant watches on their wrists I soon realized that I had to get one. Best thing ever, tracks your course, elevation, speed, splits, calories, etc.

My goals for 2008 were to do the Pacific Crest 1/2 Ironman Triathlon and run the Portland Marathon and qualify for Boston with a 3:15:59 or better.