Hypothermic Half Marathon - Regina - RunHalf Marathon

Exceptional first half. Averaged faster than I expected to go. was going 5:30 pace for a while. Felt good. Felt comfortable. Worry about getting cold was unfounded. I warmed up and unzipped my shell in 2k.
Took water bottle with me but didn't drink. It was under my jacket and probably frozen. I couldn't be bothered to stop for water.
There were a couple of aid stations with a light, warm electrolyte drink so i had some of that. Best thing I did was put three Powergels into a flask and had my gels without having to take off my gloves.
Brilliant!
Stopped at 7k briefly and had some gel. Had some drink at 11, 15, 17k.
Stopped thrice on way back to have gel. I was starting to fade.
Lots of problems with my balaclava. It was completely frozen (condensation) and wouldn't stay up. I had to pull it over my eyes!!!
I was worried about my cheek freezing. And I was getting a scary burn in my lungs.
Right leg was a little funny for a while, but beyond that all systems were go. I slowed down considerably on the way back, but I was more worried about having an asthma attack.
That distracted me and threw me off my game.
Running mostly in no-mans land. Passed quite a few people and was passed by 4 or 5 including Verna who was in from Calgary.
What really messed me up was that there were no markers on the last 5 k (back side of lake) I was sure that I missed a turn, so I became preoccupied with figuring out if I should double back (that's where a couple passed me. I got off the path and ran on the road, thinking that I should head in another direction. I must have lost a minute or two there.
Finished strong. It was a little warmer in the last 3 km and it was sheltered from the wind.
That wind - especially by the dog park ("high", shelterless elevation) was brutal. A number of runners walked that part backwards. I was too busy fighting with my stupid balaclava to worry about that.

I was plugged in to podrunner podcast. 160beat tunes. Was the perfect soundtrack to my run. No thinking...just beats and sounds. Excellent.
This was a damn good run!

Aside from the last five Km the volunteers were on course and excellent. Kudos to them for being out there in that windnsnow and Cold!

Have a second balaclava.
Not run in anything colder than -20 when there is wind
Not carry a water bottle - or drink more.

Stretched. Had some juice. Changed. Waited for Highwaydog and Rod to come in. Had a huge brunch :)
I'm glad I brought a change of clothing. I was soaked! My clothes must have had about 5 pounds of water in them!


Frozen balaclava. Wind. Poorly marked course.


Despite all the hassles, this was a personal best race for me at this distance.
I always felt strong and in control - although a little worried about frostbite and bronchitis - wasn't an issue.
Will never use plain gel foils on a long run again. Flasks are the way to go!
I came I saw I ran like a fiend!
I am windnsnow!