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Securian Frozen Half Marathon

After sliding down our driveway on a coating of ice I was glad to see that the roads were in fairly good condition as I made my way to downtown St. Paul for this race.

It was a balmy 34 degrees at the start with the wind blowing at 15-20 mph, a light drizzle fell from the sky. I left the Securian building about five minutes before race time and took my place between the 1:40 and 1:45 pace groups. My goal was to run an even steady pace that would put me somewhere right between these two groups.

The race headed out of downtown and quickly joined Shepherd Road where we ran west, making our way from the river up to the bluffs across from Fort Snelling before turning around and making our way back. Yes, that means that most of the first half of the race is uphill. I quickly settled into a comfortable pace and made it through the half in about 51:20. I was really looking forward to the run back as it was downhill but it was also into the wind which at times made it very challenging.

At mile ten a Bald Eagle graced us with its presence about 75 feet above our heads, just beautiful.

I continued to run a steady pace and came across the finish line in 1:43 even on my watch, exactly what I'd hoped for. I had wanted to run this race but not push too hard, I finished strong and accomplished my goal. Now to enjoy the afternoon!

Why I Love To Run

I slipped out the door around 7:30. It was cold and dark as I headed out onto the country roads near our home. Wearing a Brooks Nightlife jacket and donning a Black Diamond headlamp I lit up the road with my presence rather than my speed.

As the light of the headlamp lit my path it was hypnotic with every step I thought I might catch up to the light in front of me but never did. It was still, it was quiet and I felt very much at peace with the world. I felt like I could run forever but I was only going four miles. It was a simple out and back, I've run it dozens of times but tonight I had to stop and check my bearings, such was the hypnotic impact of the run.

On the final stretch I was focused on the way my breath drifted across the beam of light and disappeared into the dark. It was a thing of beauty a great momentary piece of art that can never be reproduced.

This is why I love to run... although I'm looking forward to spring!