Running: 1 Jan 2011 - Resolution Run & the end of Haitus

Well followers (if there is anyone STILL following me), today marks the end of my hiatus.  I ran in the 2011 Resolution Run sponsored by The Running Room & Bridges of Iowa, Inc.  The last time I actually ran was during Covered Bridge weekend, October 9, 2010.

Today's run was COLD!  I know you're thinking, "no duh, Myk...it's freakin' January!"  It was 12 degrees with a  rather nasty wind, which brought the wind chill down to about -2.  There were probably 50-60 people out this morning for the event.

Resolution Run
2011 Jacket

I was strangely nervous about running this morning.  I hadn't ran since October, and definitely NOT in this sort of cold.  I wasn't really sure what to wear.  I put on my polypropylene long-johns, my running jacket (this was the "garment" for the race), a hoody, windpants, 2 pairs of gloves, and my balaclava.  I grabbed my sunglasses too.  These lasted only about 5 minutes because they kept fogging over.  And of course, I had music with me, as usual.

The course was laid out very nicely up at the West Des Moines City Hall area over by Valley Stadium (check the map).  As this wasn't really a "race," the race coordinators let us all know we had route options due to the cold.  The route was a 5k, but I don't think anyone took the short jaunt over by the WDM police station, so the course was more like 2.8 miles (again, see the map).

I will admit, I walked off and on (remember I haven't been running since October), yet finished the run in 26:28.  That was long enough on a day like this.  My lungs are still burning from the cold, and I did manage to work up a sweat and am VERY glad I brought clothes to change into afterward.

As this was the Resolution Run, I resolved to change a few things about myself for 2011 while I was running:
1) Get back into a running routine.
2) Better my lifestyle and diet.
3) Spend more time with my family (running / walking / etc.).
4) Keep my blog up-to-date.

With that, I am closing this posting.  I need to go spend some time with my family on this first day of 2011.

See y'all down the road...

myk