Jog for Your Life

Ray, Brandon and Kary after the Willow, AK marathon.  Dec 23, 2012

-20°- -30°!!!!

Ray and Brandon endured 28 miles (a little bit farther than a marathon) the day of Winter soltice at freezing temperatures.  And, I mean freeeeeeeeezing!  At the starting line it was -20°.  During the race, it dropped to -30° at times.  Ray had all the right gear, food, hydration, etc to move forward.  He and his buddy finished strong under the bitter conditions  (5 hours and 15 min)

I greeted them at the finish while a friend of mine kept the kids inside.  

 Ever since Ray and I ran our first marathon two years ago, we became "free."  Free from chronic fatigue, free from back surgery pain, free from doubt, fear, worry of setbacks in the previously mentioned afflictions.  I'll always remember when I crossed the finish line after running 26.2 miles in June of 2011.  I called Mom on her mission and my first words to her were:  "I'm free!"  The joy and rejoicing I felt was exhilarating.  I knew that I could move forward with my life and know that my body was healed.  I believe in miracles.  I believe that we can overcome setbacks and arise stronger.  So, whatever challenges may be before anyone who reads this blog; press forward, be committed and success will come.

 Here I am after my 5 mile run yesterday at 5°.  Don't you love my frosty hair?  You know my face mask is way cooler than Darth Vader's.

Today I ran 7 miles on unplowed sidewalks that had 4 inches of snow.  Always a mental challenge.  I was so happy when I came upon some parts of the trail that had been plowed.  As I finished my 7 mile run, my friend was waiting for me at Alcantra (Mom and Dad know this trail), to go for a 4 mile cross country ski.  So, I quickly switched my running shoes and laced up my ski boots.  It was actually a nice combination to run then ski.  My legs enjoyed the gliding motion and it was nice to share good conversation with my friend, Emily.  

Sidenote:  Studded running shoes for Mari.....go to a local hardware store, pick up  3/8" sheet metal screws (only a few cents a piece.)  Get 20 and put 10 in each shoe.  Local running stores should be able to show you how to do this so they are put in the right places on your shoes.  I can also take a pic of mine so you can check it out.    They totally keep you steady on your feet in the ice and snow.  No slippage like the grippers you mentioned.  Good luck and let me know if it works for you. 

Run strong!!