Nice job Julie! I'd make the suggestion on their FB page to offer alternatives for beverages. Most likely is taht the poeple you spoke with didn't know where it was. Volunteers often don't have any clue beyond their small scope ... or some employees.  Sounds fun.

Sue-I think the marmalade marathon should be your amazing event.

Good morning early birds!

No run yesterday - needed to recoup from Warrior Dash and travel.   Today, I see the Chiro for him to put Humpty Dumpty together again, and then an indoor run with RB #2.  I'm hoping for 4+ miles on my way to a 10K.

Lisa - funny enough, I decided to send a lighthearted note to them through their "contact us" link on their web site.   I got an almost immediate response.  It was pleasant, personalized and let me know that they're aware of the need to provide an alternative.   I was pleasantly surprised.

Camille - I did mention that there were other reasons to offer an alternative.  I tried to keep it lighthearted so that it wouldn't come across all high and mighty... lol

LC - thanks!  It was a blast.

Y'all have a GREAT day.

Just a quick question-what is the correct site for Karnel's event?  I have  this one http://karnelsamazingevent.blogspot.com/ but there are no pics there and no comments.

Morning all,

Julie, great RR yesterday! Sounds like you and your friend had a great time.

So the RD for Mount Mitchell posted some pictures from the trails taken this last week on facebook here. I guess I better get past my wimpy cold weather/ice/snow issues fast. And let's all pray for a 2.5 week heat wave to hit North Carolina and melt some of this crap before I get there!

camille, here is a link to the event page on facebook: Linky

Laura, from last night I think you asked where I was going this week. Scottsdale, AZ. It's not Maui like a couple years ago, but it will do. We apparently only do Hawaii every five years. The nice thing about our annual and midyear meetings is that a lot of our members are quite wealthy and expect nice, resort-type places for the meetings. This one is at The Phoenician, which looks pretty darn nice online. DH loves our annual meeting - a free place to stay in a warm climate in Jan/Feb, where I am busy so he is free to ride his bike all day.

Gotta get a few things done this morning. Back later for more personals.

karen

Karen-looks like a pretty run.

Pic above was the one I took on saturday of the tree I mentioned climbing over a few weekends ago.  Climbed over it again last weekend. Will be climbing over it again a couple of times on Saturday.  Although since we're getting more snow it might make it easier to get over.  I kind of have to jump up a bit to sit on it then swing legs over.  A tad blurry since I thought maybe keeping phone in ziploc baggie would help protect it from single digits. guess it worked since the phone still does.

I'm thinking that one of my mantras will come in handy for you...  Either the poetic "I have never yet. A single run met. Which I've regret."  but more likely the unpoetic yet effective "Suck it up buttercup."  Yup. I love my running in the snow.  Really.

Major tip:  Wear fleece OVER your fluids.  Do NOT use a handheld.  Trust me.. I'm basing this upon the folly of others, not myself. Wearing a backpack outside of top layer... the hose WILL freeze. Water freezes easier than Gatorade. I would encourage the use of a Nathan backpack over bottles. You're not going to be wanting to have to open and close them after awhile.

Others... Carry chapstick somewhere accessible but not where it will freeze. If you see a porta potty use it. Not likely you'll be wanting to step off trail to go behind a tree. Double layer socks (if you don't have Smartwool yet, buy some). If you don't have a balaclava or buff yet, buy one. Keep Gu close to body so that it doesn't freeze. (this is sad that I have learned all of these the hard way.)

Heat wave to melt the snowpack??? No no no.  That means slush and you do not want to be running on a crust of snow covering a foot of slush.  Or if it melts then refreezes and snows on top the joy of running on icy ruts covered by thin layer of snow.  Not bad for 10 miles or so but even I ditched the trails last weekend for risk of slipping on the snow covered paved path.  Luge run does not equal fun.

On the other hand.... if you have solid snow. Hang back.  let others pack it down.  Packed snow is heavenly to run on.  Loose powdery snow freezes your feet after awhile. Let the macho guys pack it down for you. I've been first on the trails. Feet freeze. Later on though they're great with numerous footprints to aim for.

So... who wants to come and run trails with me this weekend??? in the snow??? really, it is fun.

11.7 miles for me.  Added some extra because I have an early flight tomorrow so I needed to get some extra stuff in there as I doubt I'll do my normal run and get to the airport for a 7 am flight tomorrow.

Julie love the RR.  Agree on alternative things to drink!

Carol that is so cute what Aly said about the cookies!

Karen thanks for posting the link!

Lisa....or my tip for running in the winter....DON'T!!!   Yep, officially in my slump, I don't even want to go out to drive to the gym in the morning...darn snow, darn cold, darn darkness.  This is my evil twin who shows up every year about this time, we don't like her!

Ginny