I wasn't planning on writing an entry for a few more days. But this weather, and our Saturday morning run in what some might call a blizzard convinced me to add a short entry.
Suffice to say it was the worst snow and most slippery footing we've ever had on the roads of Barrington in the 12 or so years I've been running out there. They usually plow pretty well, and quickly out there. But there's not much you can do when it's 
been snowing all night and the snow is still falling heavily through the morning.
I called my running partners on the way to our meeting spot to tell them I was running late because of the roads. It turns out I was the first one there. Four of us made it out. Only one canceled, saying he didn't think there was any chance we would run in that weather. Oh yeah, we did. That's the problem with training for a spring marathon when you live in Chicago.
My three friends are not planning spring marathons, so they probably deserve much more credit than I for running that day. We actually kind of like it when the conditions are really challenging. It makes for better stories later. Nevertheless, we quickly adjusted our goal from running 12 and a half to running 10 miles. And it was slow.
They say you get a good workout when you are concentrating on your footing, and trying not to fall. I'm sure that's true. But it's slow. We should have just never started the watches. For example, one split I paid attention to was the last mile. We did it in 8:30. The week before, we did the same mile split in 6:30. There was just no way to run much faster than that on Saturday.
That's the reason I am having a hard time with setting my sights very high for the Boston marathon in April. I can get the long runs in, but the speed work is a challenge. It can be done on good days outside, or on a treadmill, but it's hard to predict.
In any case, Saturday was an adventure, and the rest of the winter promises more adventures. I can hardly wait. I guess.
Meantime, in my real job, it's been pretty interesting covering politics these days. I read with interest Rick Morrisey's column in the Tribune about the Cubs and their number one fan in Illinois, Governor Rod Blagojevich. The gist was that the Cubs are embarrassed by that fact with all the scandal associated with the Governor.
I was thinking that the running community is probably equally embarrassed. The Governor really is a
pretty serious runner. I've talked to him many times about his marathon experiences. He's also competed in the River to River relay downstate. And he's been pictured running from home a number of times recently by the reporters camped outside in his neighborhood.
On one hand, when I have a lot on my mind, one of my favorite things to do is run. And the Governor, no doubt, has a lot on his mind. On the other hand, he should probably put on some gloves and a hat next time he goes out in 25 degree weather.
My friend, Dave Zimmer, owner of Fleet Feet Sports, used to proudly mention that the Governor shops at his stores. He is in the stores frequently, and buys his shoes and running clothes there. Last week, when he left the house for a run in front of the cameras, Dave told me the Governor was wearing all clothing bought at his stores. But he did not say it with pride. It was more of an ironic little mention.
Speaking of Dave, he posted a hilarious video of a movie clip on his facebook page. It's of Albert Brooks going into a running shoe store to start running after a break-up with his girlfriend. The sales person is "Super Dave" Osborne. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz7Sk8mhQ7k&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1407906982&ref=nf&feature=player_embedded
Anyway, the week ahead promises more winter running adventures. Get out and experience them. See you on the roads.....
my dad uncle mark and tom look cold and wet. Hope to see a picture of you in your blog soon!
wojo's daughter morgan
Posted by: wojo | January 14, 2009 at 06:48 PM
John, does my name ring a bell? BYU? Dianne?
My sister saw this and forwarded it to me. You look the same.
Posted by: Paige | January 15, 2009 at 09:49 AM