Denver, Colorado United States Racing Underground -10F / -23C Precipitation

Total Time = 00m Overall Rank = DNF/ Age Group = Age Group Rank = 0/

This was my first winter race. It was activly snowing, and there was already 5" of fresh powder on the ground as I walked out the door. Took a very slow, squirly ride out to the race location. I was only about 10 minutes behind my planned times, and there was only a handful of people there. I started preping everything, and started showing signs of stage 2 frost bite in my hands. Luckily I brought a thermos of scalding hot coffee. I stuck my hands in the coffee for over 8 minutes before the feeling started to come back. I sat in the truck for another 15-20 min trying to finish warming up. That was too much time to think. I don't even like skiing in this type of active snow, how is a duathlon going to be fun. Besides, I don't have the clothing to run in these conditions. With 5"+ of powerder on the ground, my summer running shoes were going to lead to serious issues over 1HR of running. I had the gear for th bike, but after one scare already, I wasn't going to take a chance. I took my timing chip back up to the booth, and went home. Overall a good decision. I am sure the people who competed has a great time, but this wasn't my day to try these conditions. Oh well, there is always Jan and Feb's races. I will admit that I did consider running in my 6lb each Sorrell boots, but decided that wasn't a good idea either. That would have been either blister city, or major fatigue factor, or both. It's not called the chilly cheeks for nothing, but it was too chilly for my cheeks today.