1: Mile one, hard part done. I talked myself into going out to the door by promising myself an easy four miler. After I finished that, I figured I may as well go one more since I was awake and warm(ish) anyway. It really is the starting that is the hardest part. Everything gets easier as you go but you gotta get out the door.
2: Eyeballs freeze at nine degrees. I learned this on accident. Seeing how my eyes were the only part of my body not covered in double layers, they were already more exposed. But being constantly pooled in a thin puddle of tears is just asking for trouble. After a while one finds that the eyes become glued completely closed as eye lashes crystallize. This makes a minor hazard for running, as vision is typically preferential to running blind, but the ice does quickly melt with reintroduction of heat.
3: After five, the world's alive. Although it sometimes seems like I am the only one who is awake when the world is dark and cold, I am surprised to see just how many good people were up and about. I even passed one other runner with reflective tape and head lamp glowing; it warmed my heart. But I also tip my hat to all those who start early and brave all conditions to satisfy whatever demands--job, family, life--are placed on them. It is good to know that the world is full of hard working people who are up and about when it seems more reasonable to be sound asleep. And even though I can't really see them, I feel on connected to all these morning people with their little glowing lights that cut through the he dark.
So tomorrow, when you are out before (or after) the crack of dawn, pick a rhyme to sing to yourself while you run. Hopefully it will help you to stay motivated, or not to be so lonely, or maybe just to smile. Just remember to keep those eyes open so they don't freeze shut.
