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Winter Running and Trains

Good morning!

Winter is not officially here, but winter has hit from Pinehurst North Carolina too Dover New Hampshire. In fact, many states that hardly ever experience snow, are getting to see their Christmas decorations surrounded by it. Here in Pinehurst, we had a mix of rain and snow, but only have a glaze of frost to show for it today. While I have not talked with my friends in Dover yet, I see on some webcams that much of the Seacoast is white. Winter running officially begins!

Yesterday around 4pm it was raining/snowing/sleeting here, and I decided that it was as good as time as any to get my long run in. Motivated by having had my best week of both running and strength training, I dawned pretty much the same running attire that I would often wear when running the streets of Dover in the winter; a long sleeve shirt and a quarter zip, shorts, gloves and a watchman’s cap. Five years ago my rule was 20° and above, I wore shorts, but in the past couple of years, that has changed to 30°, and the temperature was 32°, so shorts it was! As I got outside and was ready to get moving, both the glove’s and hat came off, as I could tell I would not want them once I got warmed up. I was right about the hat, but my hands were not happy with that decision.

Winter may be my favorite time of year to run, whether I am in Pinehurst NC, or Dover NH. The challenge is far greater and at times it takes a bit of craziness, but the enjoyment is worth it. Whether I am running on a snow-covered road, or in sub-freezing temperatures, I find that I enjoy the beauty of winter. Yesterday would have been great fun to be with the NFLR Winter Pacers training group, as I am sure they ran through the streets of Dover with great joy! However, since I was running solo, I played Christmas music through my iPhone speaker (not in the ears), and enjoyed my running while being in the spirit of this wonderful season. If you do not think winter running is fun, find a group such as the NFLR Winter Pacers and you will quickly become a fan.

A short humorous note about my run. I am somewhat of a train enthusiast and actually collect model trains. We also have active train tracks right behind our home here in Pinehurst and that can be a bit loud at times. Well, as I was in my final couple of miles of running yesterday, I could here a train whistle in the distance and while I was about a mile from a railroad crossing, I wondered if I would be held up by the train. Normally I would not mind that, but it was pretty messy and getting dark, so my hopes were that the train would be passed before I got to the railroad crossing. As I got about a quarter mile away, I could see the red lights at the RR crossing and, so I slowed down my pace hoping to time it just right. That strategy did not work, and so I had to stop and wait. I was not bothered, in fact I thought it was kind of neat! While it was neat for the first 7 or 8 minutes, it was getting pretty cold by the 10 minute point and my knees were complaining about my over worn running shoes! I am pretty sure it was the longest train I have seen around here and I believe I waited over 15 minutes. What a great run and the train was awesome!

Winter running is back!

Have a great Sunday and enjoy the reason for the season!

God Bless!

Mike