Once, mabye twice a year, I have the opportunity to run at Shelby Park in the snow. Today was one of those days. We had a little snow yesterday, with no real accumulation. This morning, when I arrvied at Shelby Bottoms for my run, there was a half inch of snow on the ground and, better still, snow flurries. The lake near the entrance to the park was frozen, which I don't think I've ever seen before. I guess you'll get that when the temperature drops into single digits two or three nights in a row.
As I locked up my truck and stretched underneath a deserted picnic shelter, the temperature hovered around 18 degrees. I was warm, though, in my trusty Frank Shorter goretex windbreaker and tights, with vaseline on my face to cut the wind (an old runner's trick) and a cap on my head. I think I've had the jacket for 15 years and it's not often that I get to wear it. When I do, though, it never fails to keep me warm, with just a long sleeve worn shirt underneath it.
As I started my run, I noticed it wasn't a complete whiteout, although the trails were covered with snow. The view of the Cumberland River was nice, with snow on both banks. I saw three or four other runners on the bike path, but none on the Cornelia Fort Trail. I enjoyed the solitude and was glad I'd left my ipod at home. I finished my 6-mile run with the snow falling, then it was off to Bongo Java East for a cup of coffee to warm up. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning!
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