1 month down...

Hard to believe that we are 3 weeks into 2018.  Hope all is going well with your training or off-season, which ever you are in.  We started out the month in freezing temps, had a brief thaw, then freeze and now another thaw.  Not sure which I prefer.  I don't necessarily like the cold, but it's easier to run on frozen trails than wet slushy ones. 

Despite the negative temps at start, Germantown Gem had a good showing. I pulled out my most colorful hat/scarf.

Photo Credit: Event Photos By Tracy

 I ran a bit slower than last year (when it was in the single digits), but came out the other end as overall female winner.  I kinda feel bad, as I was in 2nd till the leader missed a turn, but it was clearly marked.  I will admit, I pushed the pace the last 3 miles when I took the lead. 

The weather the next week was crazy, we started the week with sleet and by Thursday, it was almost 60 degrees.  Friday, it rained all day and turned to snow by late afternoon.  I finally broke out my microspikes and went for a beautiful run on Saturday.  Breaking the trail in places.  It was a winter-wonderland.

By Monday, it was snowing again...

We started thawing out again as the week went on.  Today it was in the mid 40's and the trails were a bit squishy after a day of bright sunlight.

We did get to fly a few times this past few weeks...mainly proficiency sorties, as we have both need our IFR approaches. 

Next up in a month is the Mount Mitchell Challenge on 24 Feb in Asheville.  40 miles, 20 up the mountain and 20 back down.