Blizzard this morning (Read 741 times)

Debating going out now...it's either that or go start shoveling and get as much up as I can before it changes to rain then freezes solid. Hmmm.

I'm not heading out today. The plows have started on my road, and they go fast enough to throw snow from the road onto our roof. Plows are much larger than I am. The cars that have been going by have for the most part not been going much slower. Since I'm not willing to drive in these conditions, and I'd need to run at least a mile to get to the nearest trail, and I've already made my mileage goal for the week, I'm content to stay inside and listen to the football game on the radio. I'll go outside once it warms up a little bit and shovel the driveway so that there isn't as much to shovel later when the temperature goes up and it turns to freezing rain. Cross training is good.

PS. I don't know if you recall, but I met you at Joan Benoit Samuelson's talk. I brought my 15-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Thanks for telling me about your website - I really enjoy it, even though I'm not at the marathon level YET! It's great getting local news about running along with great advice. I'm also getting your tips by e-mail now.

Teresa, yes, I remember you! I'm glad that you are following the website! As for where to go from your area, I highly recommend heading over to Twin Brook or Bradbury Mountain and running on the trails. The snowmobilers haven't spent much time out on them yet, so the traffic has been a non-issue. You'll also build a lot of strength by running in the snow which will help you come Spring. Just be sure to give right of way to any skiers that are going by, and at Twin Brook you might want to stick to the north trails where the trails are not groomed quite as well. (Also, be aware that pedestrians aren't allowed on most of the trails at Pineland Farms when there is snow down. The skate skiers move too fast on some of the turns and it isn't safe to be running on snowshoeing, so it provides a good reason for them to ban the slower folk. This also keeps the trails in better shape for the skiers.) I'm paranoid about getting hit by a car. In 4 or 5 days or so you'll get a newsletter issue that talks about when I got hit as a kid when I was out running. If you are on the roads, be sure to wear bright clothes that will stand out against the snow. I am not hugely familiar with the streets in Yarmouth. I've met up with the Dirigo guys quite a few times from the high school, and we've run down to Cousins Island and Little John (good hills!) and one time went towards Pownal (where I got lost and wound up a block away from Bradbury before finding a way to turn back) but none of those streets really lend themselves as places to avoid or places to rush to for running. If you are in Portland, then the Boulevard and Mackworth Island are usually worth running on. Depending upon how well they've been cleared you might even get to break trail through the snow. If you are running the roads, I recommend getting some stabilicers or drilling some sheetmetal screws into your shoes. When I lived on Munjoy Hill, that's what I did and they kept me on my feet. In another month or so, the lakes should be frozen over and you can start running on them.

I'm going for a walk when the CBC curling game gets to half time - it's pretty much a white out up here in Belfast... Also Blaine, I don't know if I even thanked you for recommending running on Mackworth Island - it was awhile ago - I remember it was in the 80s A

This thread is useless without pictures.

This thread is useless without pictures.

Here I am, from the dining room window, heading down the driveway in about 6-8 inches fresh powder: And coming back from the run, trying to re-use my footprints: Ah, that was refreshing: (Photos courtesy of my 10 y.o. daughter.)

Although I don't haved photos to post I made it out. It was a tough run, but certainly one of the most interesting of the year. There's something compelling about being the only runner or person for that matter on the street. I love days like these. It's the opposite extreme of a 3:00pm summertime run when it's 90 degrees and humid.