Catching up, RINY, PPP

A little last of the year update on our awesome group of runners. Christmas has made things a little hectic for a lot of us, including me and my blogging duties, but I'll try to string a "catch-up" post together.



A few of you have asked if we run when it's cold, and more recently, if we run when it's raining and/or storming. Good question. Cold: yup. Wear layers....lots of layers. Russell sweat pants and that cotton Eskimo Joe's shirt might not be the best choice, but opt for some wicking tech material tights, or insulated wind pants, or both, and a wicking shirt next to your skin with another shirt with thermal properties with a wind breaker over that. You can always shed a layer if you need, and tie that wind shirt around your waist. Should you turn into the wind, or if a cold front moves in whilst on your run (like the past 2 Saturdays) you'll be glad to have a layer to put back on. Last Saturday, we had maybe 30-40 who braved the weather. No prob if ya slept in. It's ok to miss a run every now and then.

Don't let wet Feet Freak you out. It's not the end of your run when you step in a puddle. Unless you're wearing cotton socks, your piggies will do just fine. Sometimes it's FUN to just plow right through the puddles. We used to get in trouble for that when we were kids, so enjoy it now that you can!






Tuesday nights have been going great as well. 69 degree weather brought more than 69 runners out for 69th and Riverside for our river run yesterday. Like it always seems to do as of late, a cold front blew through right about the time we took off, so we all got the benefits of running into a strong headwind. (There ARE benefits of doing that, right???)

New-comers? Yup, we had a couple. Amanda joined us for a Tuesday night run. She has been coming to the Saturday sessions, although I have yet to catch her on camera.

Nancy also joined us for the 1st time. She was gonna lay low, but Stacy and Cindy blew the whistle on her.

Didn't get your name, but COOL SHIRT!

Pats on the back for Debbie and Carmen, who on Monday night, ran their first mile NONSTOP. This is a huge milestone for new runners, a feat that lends itself to even bigger and better things. Way to go, ladies!! You're awesome!!

More congrats are in order for Coach Kathy, who throughout her running career has always managed to be just slow enough to NOT qualify for the Boston marathon. But last Sunday, she got that monkey off her back, and squeaked in under the wire in a marathon in Springfield, MO. She had an easy time of it to, finishing with 2 seconds to spare!

Was also cool to have Mike back to run with us. Mike and his wife Diana were REGULARS a year or so ago. Mike's new career took him away to North Carolina, but they were back in Tulsa to visit for the holidays.

FINALLY, tonight is the final race of the year....one that most will probably not finish until next year. Not to worry though. You can ring in the new year while running, be entertained by a nice fireworks display at midnight, sip champagne on the run (much better than Gatorade) eat black eyed peas at the finish, hear live music (much better that dead music) and hang out with all your friends!!!

Then, New Year's Day, come back to the same spot, on the mighty Arkansas River on the west bank, and do the Polar Bear Plunge!!! Here are a few pictures from the past couple of years. Notice the swimmer on the right side of the picture!

Hope to see you all there tonight and next year!!!