Snow Run 2009

Last year I ran in the first annual Lumijuoksu (Finnish for 'snow run').  I had been looking forward to this year's event for quite a while although I only knew the details a few days ago.  Even on a few days' notice I decided to run.  It went quite well, considering my lack of meaningful training since early September.  In fact I came in a little under a minute faster than last year.  I ended up second in my age group (out of 2 I think, there weren't many runners this year) and won a loaf of Finnish bread (above).  I had hoped that our 'warm' spell would continue for the run, but the weekend windchill dropped down to the negative 20's.  The run is part of Heikinpaiva, the annual Finnish-American festival, so there are many other fun events going on such as the wife carry and the boot throw.  Unfortunately, by the time the awards for the run were over we were frozen stiff and headed back home.  Like last year it was a very fun morning.  To anyone who's in the area, I would recommend checking out the festival even if you aren't up for a run or competing in any of the other events.

Ashby all suited up for the cold.

That's me in the black to the left of the bank sign.

Nearing the 'Finnish'.

Home stretch!

Almost Done!

Rounding the corner to the finish line.

The Wife-Carrying Competition.

Spring?!?

You know when you've been through a winter at Michigan Tech when the sight of mud scares you. The parking lot I keep the Suburban in is not paved, and over break it was warm enough to melt the ever-present layer of ice that used to cover the lot. As I pulled into the lot, I saw dirt there for the first time and thought to myself 'I'd better be careful, don't want to get stuck in the mud.' A moment later, I realized that the chances of getting stuck in the mud were far less than dropping a tire (or all four) through the snow pack in a parking space and needing a tug to get out (which has happened). I've gotten so used to driving on snow and ice that it's a strange thought to not have to worry about sliding around.

It seems that spring really is on it's way up here. Looking at the forecast, temperatures are on the rise with temperatures above freezing becoming ever more common. The snow is melting and in a few places you can see the grass (or the dirt where grass used to be). I don't remember ever wishing spring would come before. At home, the snow never stayed long enough for my taste. This year I am ready for spring to come. This winter finally gave me my fill of snow and winter weather. I really enjoyed it while it lasted, but I'm looking forward to all the things I'll be able to do outside again, like running, or even just going for a walk.

Snowmobile First Test Run

Today, I finally had the chance to get my snowmobile out on the trails.  I only took it about five miles total, and stayed within about two miles (walking distance) of campus.  Everything went very smoothly.  It seems that the repairs are holding up wonderfully.  Ashby enjoyed the ride as well, so we'll have to venture further next weekend.  For now, though, it is just good to know that the old 'Cat works properly.

Lumijuoksu

Today was the first annual Lumijuoksu, held in Hancock by the MTU Track & Field team.  Lumijuoksu means "snow run" in Finnish.  Of course, I can't pass up any opportunity for an open 5K run, even in the middle of January.  The run lived up to its name, with snow falling steadily for most of the morning.  Temperatures were in the -3 to 4 degree range, depending on who you ask, and wind chill was as cold as -26 degrees F.  The run was through downtown Hancock and the route passed snowbanks that were taller than I am.  I don't think I stepped on any pavement for the whole race.  Well, it was a snow run.  I made sure to bundle up in many layers and to leave no skin exposed.  As it turns out, I wore the right amount, only mildly overheating near the finish.  After getting my coat and snowpants back on, Ashby and I made our way to the awards ceremony.  It turned out that I won the 14-19 age group.  All in all a very fun and rewarding run.  It was definitely like nothing I have done before.

Snow

It's been two weeks now since I came back to Tech after break.  In that time I haven't driven anywhere, until today.  I believe it has snowed every day since break.  When I got to my car today, there was about a foot of snow on and around it.  Luckily, after about 45 minutes, we got the car out onto the road and from there it was smooth sailing.