My Very Own Snow Grand Prix

Woke this morning to new snow, which meant my hopes to run the Mud Grand Prix were dashed this morning. A solstice tradition, the MGP covers about 6.7 miles on the Wildwood Trail. I've been hoping to actually run one for some time, but things don't seem to work out. Maybe this spring . . .

Still, I thought, maybe I could get in a few miles in the fresh powder. I had read enough blog posts about runners hitting the snow to know that I was admittedly being a bit of a wimp. So I started layering up - long underwear, running pants, multiple shirts, raincoat, hat, gloves . . . I felt a bit like the kid in A Christmas Story, to be honest. I hate even wearing long pants when I run, but if it meant the difference between another day at home and logging a few miles, I was going to do it. (I couldn't help but think of my new running friend who has a 5 year streak of running only in shorts, despite the fact that he runs every day of the year - yeah, I'm soft.)

Finally, putting on two pair of socks and my trail shoes, I headed out the door, not sure what to expect. It was an immediate surprise. The sidewalks weren't slippery, as long as I stayed in the snow. It wasn't that cold. (This is probably because I hard so darn many layers on!) And it was absolutely beautiful.

Fresh tracks:



I've been inspired lately by the blogger in Alaska who takes photos on her rides, so I brought my camera and captured a few of the prettier moments on the run:

A quiet chill over the Browns Ferry marsh.

Snow on the Tualatin River.

My favorite part of the trail - where I do my speedwork!

This was one of those magical runs. The snow was quiet and still, the air crisp and sweet. I was in the moment, and I could have kept running forever. I even managed to hammer out 6.75 miles, so I did get my Grand Prix in this morning. I even had a prize - a compliment from a fellow walking his dog, "Hardcore runner. I like it!"

Hardcore runner. Maybe, maybe not. But still, a runner.