Blizzard Training

We had a really tough Minnesota blizzard today with horrible freezing wind and snow. So, I thought, what better way to try out my new running jacket than run in this storm? With looks of disbelief from my wife, I got suited up and darted out the door -- jaw firmly set, running headlong into the snowy abyss.

As I trudged down the road, in what was already 6 inches of snow, I had to keep my eyes squinted because the flakes hitting my face really hurt. I decided this workout was more crazy than wearing shorts with bare legs in the 12 ° F for my Christmas run with the co-workers yesterday.

However, I resolved that this adventure would make me tougher and stronger -- a better runner. Not to mention the excitement of being the only living person daring to be outside; other than the snowplow driver I met up with toward the end -- who stopped to see if I was either stranded, or heavily intoxicated.

Yet, I must admit, this run would have been a complete disaster if it had not been for the wind proof C9 running jacket I picked up at Target for $30 yesterday. The jacket was just freaking awesome! That freezing wind would have cut right through any clothing I usually wear and chilled me to the bone. But, with this jacket on, the wind couldn't touch me. I felt completely protected. While my face was frozen into a mask of immobility -- complete with frozen eyelashes and ice caked stubble beard; my body never felt cold. Even more impressive, the only thing I had on underneath was a base layer shirt.

Even better yet, the jacket is very lightweight and allows for complete mobility. I didn't get overheated, and the full zipper provides many options for ventilation. It is exactly what I had been looking for!