Saturday, March 28, 2009

T-minus 4 Days ...

Saturday was our last TEAM run before the big event on Sunday (just 4 days to go!), and Mother Nature made sure it was unforgettable. Here lately I've been spoiled with sunny spring weather in the 70s -- I've even dusted off my flipflops and stashed the sweats in the back of the closet.

Weatherman warned that a cold front was moving in Friday afternoon, but I didn't pay attention. I left for work in short sleeves ... and nearly froze my butt off walking to my car that afternoon. The temps had dropped 30 degrees in a matter of hours, with me waking Saturday morning to a windy 34. Dang it. I went digging through the laundry pile trying to find my fleece pullovers. (Don't judge me ... sure, they were dirty. But, a little smell was worth the sacrifice so I wouldn't freeze to death.)

Layered, gloved and grumpy, I huddled with the rest of my TEAM while we waited to get started. After quick announcements, we were off ... straight into 20mph winds. Grrrr, I kept thinking to myself, keeping my head down and hoping that the four miles would go quick.

About a mile in I started to notice stuff hitting my face. It was dark so I couldn't make out what it was. At first I thought dirt, but it was too soft. Then I thought gnats ... which made me paranoid and resulted in constant spitting. But seriously, there can't be that many gnats. I could catch a glimpse of something in the glow of the street lamps. Rain maybe? But my clothes didn't feel damp.

The sky began to grow lighter about two miles in, with grey clouds hovering up above. Something was blowing in all around me, so I stuck out my black sleeve to catch whatever it was. No, it couldn't be ... it looks like ... Small little crystals of ice. But it wasn't ice. It was snow. It was freaking snowing! The little ice flakes slowly turned into big, beautiful white flakes that swirled all around me as I ran. I just couldn't believe it!

I instantly forgot about how cold it was, or how the wind was making it hard to breathe, or the blister forming on my right foot, or the ten million things on my to-do list that day. There was something soo calming about it all and I wanted to keep going, as if the snow would stop if I did.

It swirled on for another hour or so after I got home (and of course I woke the hubby up to see it). It was kind of neat knowing that I got to experience it, while many others were still tucked in their warm beds. Kind of like a little secret between Mother Nature and those of us out there running ... and an amazing way to wrap up this training season!

27 comments:

That Pink Girl said...

I was shocked by the surprise snow early Saturday too! What a fun treat in late March.
Good luck Sunday at Big D. I signed up too - let's hope it isn't in the 70's!

o2bhiking said...

And you never would have seen it if you weren't doing TNT. Have a blast at your race. And please accept from me, a blood cancer survivor, my heartfelt thanks for doing Team in Training and helping in the war against cancer. Go make yourself proud, Katie! Art

The Boring Runner said...

Are you sure that it wasn't actually volcano ash? It could happen, right?

Seriously though, I'm tired of the cold weather. Phoenix, here I come!

Lindsay said...

home stretch! hope the week is going well and the legs are feeling fast :) what a cool treat for your last run. i know if it'd been snowing BEFORE i headed out i wouldn't have gone out myself. good luck this weekend!!

Benson said...

That sounds kinda nice.
Better you than me though.

Keep it up.

Unknown said...

Wow - the weather you had was a roller coaster. Warmer weather is on the way! Good Luck this Sunday !!!

Meli Palmer said...

I'd like to see you that calm and happy running in the 6 inches we got on Saturday. Ha ha!

Marlene said...

Lightly falling snow can be so peaceful.

3 days to go!

Sonia said...

I'm thinking better have snow last week-end than for the big race!!!!

It's coming FAST! So excited for you! =)

Dano said...

Katie, congratulations on exceeding your fundraising goal - Go Team!

Have a great time out there at the Big D. Looking forward to hearing your impressions of it. Patients, Survivors, coaches, mentors, and participants everywhere are all rooting for you!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Three days to history! Running is snow can be nice but too much in one season is a killer. Good luck.

Katie said...

Thanks for cheering me on, you guys!! I got a few chuckles from some of you (maybe it WAS volcano ash) -- and yes, I am quite thankful our flurries didn't turn into the blizzard many got, say in Oklahoma :-)

I'm super excited about the race and can't wait to tell all about it!

Elsbeth said...

GOOD LUCK!!

That Pink Girl said...

How was Big D? (besides windy!)I saw the TNT booth and thought you hope - hoping you'd have a GREAT run today!

Dano said...

Katie, I looked up your race results online - congratulations! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Unknown said...

Well, how was it? Come on girl -give us the details. A new personal best?

Sonia said...

NO NEWS = GOOD NEWS??????????????

WE NEED JUICY DETAILS!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

beautiful blog you have!:)What is your favorit drink?

o2bhiking said...

Katie - can't wait for your race report, you are keeping us in suspense to build the drama!

Katie said...

How'd it go Katie? You're such a great writer, I'm excited for the details!

Eric said...

yeah! how did it go?

Louis K said...

I don't think she is coming back... it's tough to write a blog after so many days... that's why I write mine 2 days after I finish my event... *_*

o2bhiking said...

Katie - should we give up on that race report???

Marlene said...

Hey Katie! We haven't heard from you since the marathon in April! How was it? Everything ok??

Lindsay said...

hey girl, just checking in? how did the race go? hope you are doing well!

chris mcpeake said...

And I thought the weather here sucked .. lol

Dan Graovac said...

Katie - congrats on your accomplishment...you had asked if I would have any recent updates on my blog. Well I updated today with quite a bit. Check it out: http://graovacontheroad.blogspot.com/

Enjoy and keep following! Dan

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