Walking (and Running) on Sunshine

Thank goodness we don't always count on long-range forecasts. A week ago it was predicted that the weather for the Point Bock Run today would be a high of 14 or 16 degrees. Was not looking forward to that, believe me.

But despite a few inches of snow overnight, today was sunny and balmy 20 degrees. Very little wind. And that makes all the difference in the world!

Road up to Stevens Point with next-door neighbor Mike and neither Cindy or Jim opted to be in the cheering section. Can't blame them. 20 and sunny is still not stand around outside weather – unless you have to or you're an idiot who signed up for a race in the wintery-est winter to date!

My nephew Colin and his wife were running it, too. Yes, he is fast in race cars and on foot!

The race is so popular that they cap it at 2,000 participants. And they get that many signed up in less than an hour on New Year's Day. Part of the draw is that after you complete the 5-mile trek, which starts and ends at the Point Brewery, you get free beer in that big ol' tent on the right. I knew at least another dozen runners there between work, previous work, church, Assumption, cousins-in-law, etc.

This is actually the starting line. You can see the word START way off in the distance. It does take a minute or two to get to the start line, but it's chip timed, so that makes no difference.

I was prepared for anything. This did help me breathe in the cold air better. But by mile 3 or so, I had to take it off. I was sweating!

Some encouraging spectators along the route. You can see the slushy mess in front of them. The most part, the route was clear. But there were a few spots like this that made me glad I wore my YakTrax.

Traction was not my problem. My lack of training was. But I knew that going into it, so my expectations were realistic. I told neighbor Mike I would be ecstatic if I finished in an hour. That would be a 12-minute mile pace which isn't bad for walking part of it. Well, I surprised myself and under an hour! So there was much rejoicing!

We celebrated with beer (and root beer) after the race – and nice dinner out with our supportive spouses!

Tonight the temp is dipping down below zero and tomorrow calls for a high of 6 degrees. Thank you, Lord, for squeezing in this one nice day for us!