A Brisk Winter 5k & Chrissie Wellington Retires?!

Ok, I'll admit it.  It's January.  I'll also admit that I live in the northern hemisphere, far enough north to have plenty of experience with all four individual, very distinct seasons.  But in my defense, Mother Nature has been rather indecisive this winter.  


I got up this morning for my typical round about 3 mile run and saw it was fifteen degrees out.  A couple guys who work for my apartment complex would tell me on my way out that their car reported it was actually 6 degrees out.  Oh-well.  I've been out in colder, right?  This can't be too bad, right?  Tell that to my face while my eyes tear up and they freeze to my face. 

 The first half mile was brutal.  The air was cold to breathe and my face was burning from the cold. I debated turning around at the one mile mark and just making today a quick 2 mile run.  When I got to the mile mark though, I had warmed up enough to make a left turn and head up the hill into my meander through the back roads.  Overall, the rest of the run was great aside from the dog that scared me around 1.5 miles.  I much prefer having a dog bark at me a mile down the road so I know it's coming; NOT having it bark just as I pull in front of the house where it so cleverly had blended itself into the bushes out front.  Not cool!!

Anyways...  I tried out a new headband today too.  It's a very thin Cannondale headband that I figured would be great for cool days (not cold ones), but it work beautifully!  No more running with the bulky, non-athletic winter headband.  Thanks Cannondale!!

On a different note...

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Chrissie Wellington is taking a break from Ironman?!  Read it HERE. 

I heard that from a friend this morning and after laughing at her, I slipped into surprise and denial.  Why would she retire or take a break now?!  Maybe because she's at the top of her game and she wants to be remembered as such; "Quit while you're ahead."  Or maybe she has other aspirations aside from Ironman.  Well, I looked it up and wouldn't you know, it's true.  Hopefully she doesn't turn this break into an early retirement, but I understand her desire to boost the image of women in sports, take some time to enjoy the Olympics, and such.

There is less than a slim chance, but Chrissie if you're reading this, you've been and will always continue to be such an inspiration to so many people.  Your presence in this sport has only helped better it in more ways than can be named.  I wish you the best in whatever you do in 2012.  If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know!  Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you rock out the 2013 season.  (You are coming back in 2013, right?)

This throws a bit question into the mix though...

Who's going to be the 2012 womans Ironman World Champion?

Place your bets!  Will Carfrae be back for a second win?  Will Dibens be healed and be able to repeat her lead from 2011 and this time, hold onto it?  Or will someone else rise to the occasion? 

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Questions

1.  Do you have special winter running gear that you absolutely love?
Even below zero, I only wear my running tights, running shorts, long-sleeve dry wick, wind breaker, running gloves, and a headband.  The new Cannondale headband is my favorite piece since the old headband was so bulky.  I'd like to replace the windbreaker, but it's cheap and serves it's purpose.

2.  Who's got your bet for the woman's 2012 Ironman World Championship?
I like Carfrae's odds.  Second in 2011, won in 2010, and 2nd in 2009.  However, I'd like to think that Dibens would have won last year if it wasn't for her injured foot.  If I had to guess right now, I'd go with Carfrae, but I'll wait to see what the early season brings.

Swim fast.  Bike smart.  Run hard.