An 8 Miler During the "SNOW-POCALYPSE" of 2010

It's currently snowing like a mother here in Minnesota. I've already shoveled the sidewalk and the steps twice today, and I'll be heading back out shortly. We've gotten 12.4 inches so far, and there is another 5+ inches on the way in the next 8 hours. Yuck. See my last Friday Funny to see how I feel about this.

Before it got TOO bad, I headed out for an 8 mile run this morning. I was going to run easy, and just put in some time. I strapped on the YakTrax for the first time this winter:

"YakTrax Pro" - with the strap over the foot

Here are some photos from my run:

Looking down the street with about 5 inches of new snow


The sidewalk with 5-8 inches


Snow developing under my hat a mile into my run


The River Road Trail was plowed! Awesome!


Blowing snow


More blowing snow - about 2 blocks of visibility


Getting a little frosty on the Franklin Bridge

My first mile was T.R.U.D.G.I.N.G. through unshoveled side-streets. That first mile was a LEG-BURNER! I felt like I was really working (like 6:30 / mile pace), but it was actually around 9:15. That's what all that snow will do to a runner!

I showed this photo of the Mississippi freezing up from during my run last weekend:

Well, here's TODAY'S version of that photo above:

Welcome to MN. This is what December looks like.

Running across the bridge was the worst conditions of the day. All of the snow from the street was plowed up onto the sidewalk. I had to run through about a 1/4 mile of 18 inches of snow!

Around mile 6


Getting snowier


Around mile 7 - ICY!!!


There USED to be footprints from when I headed out, but they had completely filled in over 45:00
(yes, this is an actual photo of the sidewalk)


Back in the porch


Snowy shoes and YakTrax

Alright, I can feel my fingers again, so that must mean it's time to go out and shovel. Again. ;)

Happy weekend everyone! Stop back Mon / Tues for a great stocking-stuffer giveaway!! Great for you or a "sporty" loved one!