Training in Montana

15 miles today for Sherry Arnold, the teacher/jogger who was killed in early January in Northeast Montana. Running for a cause was awesome - it made the miles fly by. The day started off at 3 degrees so I was glad I decided not to do an early morning run as we had a crazy day of 4 basketball games. I threw the clothes in the truck figuring I'd squeeze in 15 at some point. I had a large window in the afternoon and after putting some new podcasts on my mp3 player I headed out the door, delayed but determined. After 50 steps I turned around and grabbed my jacket - glad I did as it is so nice to come in warm the last couple miles. It had warmed to 24 degrees but overcast so I wasn't sure how to dress. I ended up wearing my tights under my wind pants and after 1 mile I was dying. I stopped, moved to the side of the country road, put my jacket on the 1" of snow and stood there in my stocking feet and removed the tights, just after a truck passed me. There are few cars on this road and of course I found one. Put the tights by a telephone pole and headed back out, feeling much better. On top I had a long sleeve tech shirt, a 1/4 zip lightweight pullover, and a heavier fleece 1/4 zip pullover, then a reflective orange vest with a Sherry Arnold bib pinned on front. It was a good choice on top - I was sort of chilly into the wind but not bad, and I knew I had the jacket in case. I took an easier route and it was a good choice. Still 800 feet of elevation over the course, so not a total walk in the park, but no killer hill so it didn't feel nearly as bad. I really enjoyed it. My niece had state swim meet so I called my Mom & Dad at about mile 6 to find out how it went and spoke to both of them for 10 minutes. That was fun - I don't normally talk to people on my runs. I'm primarily a solo runner. I don't mind running with others but have only done it 3 times. Not many people around! Speaking of not many around, on my 15 miles I was passed by how many cars? Wait for it. Wait for it. Four! I love living just outside of town.

Not sure what else to say, but prayers go out to the family of Sherry Arnold. She realized a lot of our worst nightmares, of going out on a morning run and never coming home. I hope and pray all the FRB folks have many years of safe running and cycling ahead of them.

AP: 9:00; total time 2:15

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/148898180