It was my first experience running in snow.
Saturday (the day before the run) was the preparation day. We went to a party at our friend Mubarak, where we were served some excellent food, and I carbo-loaded to my heart's desire. Some were amused by the idea of carbo-loading, when they saw me help myself to the third serving of the fudge bar. If they had the context, they would understand. The context that I was preparing for a tough 17 mile run the next day, in snow, cold, and at a decent pace (for me).
The plan was to get into the run in the morning, and be done by noon, so I could watch the Patriots game with friends. But I left the Saturday night party at midnight, which left me no option but to delay the run for Sunday afternoon, so I could get some good sleep. I gave up the cozy game gathering for a cold snowy run.
If I could run fast, I still be able to watch the later part of the game at home. I started the run on Sunday at 2:30, and was done in time to watch the third and the fourth quarters (which were the most exciting anyways). I had enough left in me to watch the Giant's game as well. Then to bed at 11 PM like a "baby would sleep". What a day it was Sunday!
The run itself was easier than I expected. I was expecting to hit the wall at around mile 15 (and be in pain for the rest of the run), since I was spending more energy than usual in snow and cold. Those fudge bars the previous night helped, and I finished the last mile at a strong 7:30 minute a mile, for an overall 9 minute a mile run. I was worried about my shoes getting wet, resulting in frost bite. The shoes did not get wet, as the snow was dry.
I could have run on the paved road to avoid snow. But I never run on the road. I do not want to put my life in the hands of distracted drivers.
There were some great views, that I came across, and stopped to capture with my cell phone. These views are ordinary during my regular runs, but stood out in the snowy contrast. I marveled how much better could the Patriots game be? Most people watch sports on TV everyday, preferring to stay in their cozy warm homes. Only a few appreciate the beauty of the wild winter, and I am proud to be one of them. Thank you Marty Stouffer, my favorite wild explorer, and thank you PTV/NTM for airing his show "Wild America" when I was in high school.
Much thanks to Mahmood Sharfi, Amir Khan, Hamayon Mujeeb, Masood Shaikh, Asif Khan, Bill Bannon, and Irshad Siddiki for their contributions to the cancer research. Due to such generous friends, I have reached the half way point of the $4000 goal.
Please keep donating at rundfmc.org/2012/zubairk.
