What a day.   It was 15 degrees out, windchill around 0, windy snowy blizzardy day.  Perfect day to run a race.   Yep did a 5K race today.  I was hoping to get over my shin splints by now but they didnt really "hurt".  But was noticable.  So there I was getting ready for the Christmas in Vienna 5K on a day I normaly wouldn't leave the house.  We all registered in the Amvets,  only a few hearty souls went out to "warm up".  They had a nice assorment in there goodies bag evena  timely ice scraper.  Instead of shirts they gave you a choice of headband, socks, towel or gloves.  I got the head band this time, its a 3 races series so might get them all next.   I tryed to stretch out some.   finally at right before 1:30 we headed out for the race.   We joked it was group stupidity has we headed out.  The snow came down harder and comments of it wasnt a race but a survival contest.   It was an out and back course so going out the wind froze my left side on way back my right side froze.  Footing was trechorous either ice slick snow or slucsh, there was cars since traffic wasnt stopped.  ALmost run over by a snowplow.   Then I felt something go down my leg.  It stopped me for a second  has i looked to see what it was.  But the snow covered street I couldnt see anything.    I kept going and I realized somethng.  The key I had zipped up my backpocket was missing.  So I stopped again looked back and realized it was a lost cause.  I would have to call home to get the spare.   (Luckily, later found it in my pants cuff. but the running pants I had on from TARGET were only a few months old and onlybe been wore a couple times.  Who told me to shop there?) 

I finished and got back inside.  the time was 29:23 my worse in sometime but I knew with weather and road conditions and lack of running lately.   Once inside I got something to eat and some water.  They had a big assortment with chili, pizza, wings, bananas, oranges, cookies.   They also gave everyone finisher medals.  Plus I ended up with third place in my age group, most likely by default, they gave away wooden placques with a simple wood burnt engraving.   Overall I was happy and had a good time.  

Take care everyone.