Life is Good

Even though it's officially been winter for a month, yesterday's outing felt like one of the first true winter runs of the season. What makes a run a winter run, you ask?

Well, in Minnesota, I see three key ingredients: (1) Four layers of clothing (at least), (2) "eyecicles," and (3) lots of snow.

Ingredient #1: 4+ layers of clothing! I admit that the ski gloves may have been a little overkill, but it's better to be safe than sorry—especially when sorry can mean frostbite.

Ingredient #2: "Eyecicles!" It's a little scary the first 10 minutes or so as the eyelids begin to freeze over, but once they grow a little it actually helps block some of the wind and divert incoming snow flurries.

Ingredient #3: Snow! The 2" of fresh powder that fell last night made the typically hard and icy Greenway paths feel almost trail-like. With temps still hovering around zero, I didn't see anyone enjoying the benches though. (atop Sabo Bridge)

Ingredient #3: More snow! There's nothing quite like being the first tracks on the trail.

Ingredient #3: More snow! What looks like a field is actually the Mississippi River...

Ingredient #3: More snow! An abandoned toy, chilling out 'til summer.

Ingredient #3: More snow! Along with the snow comes the ever-hazy winter sun.

Ingredient #3: Even more snow! The irony of signs in the snow: more helpful, less necessary.

Ingredients 1 + 2 + 3 = Life is good.