Yesterday Porter & I ran our December run, the Freezer 5K. It was a great run to benefit the Buffalo Police PBA.

Every year I could probably comment that the weather is weird, this year is no different. Yesterday was about 35 degrees, so running in my winter leggings and my most fantastic Sugoi pullover (thanks guys) was the attire of the day (w/Cuddleduds vest). The pink gloves were left in the car. A choice I wasn’t sure about until after the first half mile. Fingers were chilly, but nothing that pulling them into my pullover wouldn’t take care of.

We were looking forward to the run. The Freezer 5K is a flat out and back run to the lighthouse at Erie Basin Marina. Running along the water is my favorite. On this day, the weather cooperated – it was warm (for mid-December) and maybe a slight breeze. Just what we were looking for. The finish is easy, just down from Laugerhaus 95.

The swag was nice. A soft long-sleeved t, some General Mills cereal and our winner – the Mentholatum Softlips. Having something on my lips when I run is like a woobie… that warm fuzzy that makes the run easier. Mouth breathing can be hard on your lips. Getting my breathing under control is a work in progress. Until then Softlips or Burt’s Bees are my go to.

After the run we went back to Buffalo Iron Works, a place we enjoy. We were graciously served donuts, pizza, cookies, chips and yummy chili along paired with water & Flying Bison beer. Nice, very nice!

The best part was we joined the Buffalo Luna Chix for this event. Always fantastic to make new running friends! Even better was, walking to the race, we came upon a favorite friend. Enjoyed sharing the run with her!

Personally it wasn’t a great run for me. Having said that, I believe any run you start and finish is a good run, but some are better in terms of fitness and feel. Between giving my foot time to heal and life in general, I haven’t been running. You could tell! Usually we would have passed on the run. Not being prepared and all. After running the half, being prepared is relative. With a base level of fitness, running 3.1 even when not as prepared as you might like, is doable, gets you out and running/socializing/etc.

And now… the recovery!