It's been unusually cold, for unusually long. The thermometers have been showing 10 to 23 degrees during the day for the past 5 days. Yikes! Running from the car to the door of a warm habitat and back, those were the few minutes I've been spending outdoors lately. Except today. I've run my second official 5K(the first one was in May of this year), in 22 degree weather with wind burning your face instantly. I love running and do it regularly, it's just as soon as I have to wear long sleeves I switch indoors, treadmill and elliptical are my cardio mates during colder months. About a month ago though, I've heard about this Winterfest Last 5K of the Year Run, and thought to myself "Why not? I'd really appreciate some fun challenge right now!"; signed up right before they closed it up - I was the participant #949... out of a 1000. I was not expecting the temperatures go down below 30 though, and was still hoping it will rise above 30 till the night before the race. :)

It was a fun course, amazing fireworks at the start line before the race, and then running through the downtown of Albany and the Washington Park, decorated abundantly with the holiday lights. The run was at 5pm, so it was delightful jogging through the holiday park with all the lights, sparkles, and listening to the jingle bells, adorning the extremeties of fellow racers. Some of them were in a real holiday cheer with their thoughtfully decorated outfits. :)
My upper respiratory system was not so happy during the race, neither was my face and I wasn't pushing myself at all; from the very beginning I've decided that I will not be running for the perfect timimg, rather I wanted to simply try out myself in cold weather conditions and enjoy the holiday festivities. Therefore, I was surprised when I reached the finish line and saw that I was doing 8 miles a minute. Not bad at all for a leisurely winter run. :)

And I've also conquered some other (minor and silly) fears of my own today, and I am proud of my accomplishments. Once again, I proved to myself, that I am fully capable of anything, with no support from anyone whatsoever. I would have really liked some cheer from the people that are dear to me, but I do not need it, as it turns out. I've honestly enjoyed and celebrated my little happy self today. ;)

Happy Holidays to everyone!