Not easy getting out the door when the feel like temp is minus 15-20. Its the running you do during the most difficult of conditions that puts on the fine edge of mental discipline. If you want easy stick to treadmills or checkers, cupcake.
One of the rewards for getting layered up and into the elements are the stark and beautiful wide open spaces. Only hinted at during corn’s dominant months, the flat and endless expanses to the West and North and South reveal tempting mile after mile. And to the East, the bluffs of the Elkhorn River, with the requisite climbs out of the valley always ready to challenge.
If I thought my former dojo was beautiful in its closed simplicity and proximity, then my current shines all the brighter for its unlimited expanse.
While I’m trading pushes with the winds my dear sweet Linda has found solace in the woods astride her cross country skis. More peaceful and quiet, more physical work, the fresh laid tracks easier on the body, the venue just as dazzling on the eyes. With very similar results come race day.
Ingrid Kristainsen of Norway knew all about cross country skiing as an adjunct to her running paces. Winner of the London (4X), Boston (2X), Stockholm (3X) New York, Chicago, and Houston Marathons (2X). The only female in history to simultaneously hold the World Records for the marathon (2:21:06), 5000 Meters (14:58) and 10000 Meters (30:59). 4th in the inaugural Women’s Olympic Marathon in 1984. World cross country champion in 1988. Whew!
Winners Charlie Spedding of England (2:11:54) and Ingrid Kristainsen (2:27:51) autographed my 1984 Houston Marathon poster. Kristiansen did much of her training on skis and you can’t argue with her results. She was also 10 or 12 weeks pregnant when she won Houston in 1984, perhaps the fastest fetus ever?
And the piece that lit the fire, 34 years ago, under my Olympic memorabilia collection. The message will never change.
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