Damn, it's cold and windy out there

I went running in the dark, cold, windy night last night in Guilford. Tonight will be a repeat of last night, only the run will be in New Haven. The wind wasn't too bad around the green, but once I got to the fairgrounds, the wind was brutal. I still don't have any reflective running apparel/gear, even after a "train" friend told me that her husband told her to tell me that he almost hit me running up the yellow stripes on Whitfield.

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More on the Missoula Marathon

On my way out to Seattle last summer, I stopped at a Starbucks in Missoula, MT, for breakfast and coffee. I ate peanut butter and banana sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I was really there for only the coffee. It was early, and it was cold--really cold for July. Anyway, ironically, the marathon begins at Higgins and Front Streets, only a few blocks away from the aforementioned Starbucks. That downtown area is beautiful. Most striking about the city were the surrounding mountains and the preferred mode of transportation--bicycle! As I recall, it was a workday, and everyone--I mean everyone--was commuting by bike--like nothing you've ever seen before. I didn't want to leave, and that's why I'm going back!

Black bean burgers and guacamole

Jessica and I took a road trip to South Salem, NY, to buy a bottle of wine yesterday. Success! We also stumbled upon a cool produce store that was sampling about a gazillion obscure fruits. We wound up buying some assorted olives, a ginger dressing, soap, and a candle.

After running a few miles in the rain last night, we made from scratch black bean burgers and guacamole. Both came out great. The black bean burger recipe called for eight patties, but we only made four. They turned out to be too thick, but they stayed between the bread nice nice.

I've been eating like a pig lately (quality food but a ton of it). Over the last few months of 2009, I lost about six pounds, as I was under a ton of stress, etc. My running really suffered. I'm now slowly but surely gaining back the weight. I hope to be back to an optimal weight soon so that I can begin ramping up my running.

Missoula Marathon

The plan is to attempt a second marathon in Missoula, Montana, in July. Jessica is on board, too. After only three runnings of the Missoula Marathon, Runner's World ranked it the best marathon in the United States. And if you register on or before May 31st, the registration fee is only $60! Danny Britton, take note. The 4th running of the marathon will be held on July 11th, so I plan to begin marathon-specific training in late March. For the time being, though, I've got to get myself back into decent shape, running at least 20 miles per week. I took a few weeks off over the holidays and have over the past month or so slowly gotten back into it. I've been having some issues, but that's nothing a bit of non-running activity can't cure. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Jessica and I ran a few miles tonight in New Haven. I stepped in dog poop multiple times and didn't realize it until I had already done circles around Jessica's apartment. She noticed the "crap foot" and promptly removed my shoe. Damn dog owners. Pick up your dog's poop next time. (She also confessed that she thinks my favorite veggie burger in town is gross. Hard night.) I felt decent tonight. I've come to love running at night in the cold. I'm not one to take summer running for granted, so I remember dreading during that time the idea of winter running. I thought for sure that I would bite the bullet and join a gym. It didn't happen, though. Thank God.

On a final note, if you haven't read "Born to Run" yet, you should. It's by far the most fascinating and well-written book about running I've read to date. The author makes a strong case for our predisposition to run long distances at a slow pace--in little if any footwear at that. Take a look. You won't be sorry.

Till next time.