Cheryl's 10 Mile Hot Dash For Some Hot Mash!

Who runs a race like this?  

We traveled to the Twin Cities yesterday to compete in the Twin City Hot Dash.  A 10 mile/5K race to celebrate the Rugged Individualism that represents those "nut cases" that live in Minnesota.    Let me pause for a moment, as that remark may sound harsh....  To anyone but a Minnesotan.   I know!  Because I lived in those frigid temps for 4 years!

Beards, Plaid, Floaties.   Is this a race or a logging camp?

Oh ya!  You Betcha!

 Granted, I grew up in Michigan..where the winters were cold ( but not AS cold as Minnesota.) and the snow was deep, ( Deeper than most places in Minnesota.)  And we have Yoopers that talk funny....just like Minnesota.   Today was one of those days that reminded me of all those weird things that set the folks in the north apart from the rest of the country.

Plaid Suit!  Where is this fashionable?

Only in Minnesota!   Yes! he actually ran in that outfit

In addition to the strange accent and love of all things cold,  they also wear strange outfits.   And I'm not simply talking about plaid.   They do wear that often enough.  But how often do you see someone wearing a plaid suit?  Need I say more?

Cheryl Shows off the Jacket

Trees are warm....right?

But let me get to the race.   Cheryl ran well today,  placing in the top 10 for her age group and averaging a 7:44 minute mile average pace.  Not to shabby!

Cheryl removes  her fleece to start the race

The weather was cold.   And not simply cold like you people in other parts of the U.S. might think.  Minnesota has a lovely thing called a "Wind Chill".   Where the temp says 30 degrees.  (plenty cold enough) but then the wind drops that to 20 degrees!  And that 20 degrees seems like -20 degrees in Fairbanks Alaska! ( which actually was not that bad,  since there was NO wind in that city..and the air was very dry) But trying to explain the perception of cold vs the actual measurable number is a difficult thing to tackle.   So let me just say that 10 minutes  after leaving a warm car,  you begin to lose feeling in your fingers!  Even with gloves on!  THAT kind of cold.

Cheryl only cares how her Body looks.

So Cheryl knew she was going to be battling the cold and the overheating issue that comes with running in the cold.  With a 7:44 average,  I think she did pretty well, considering the conditions.

A new 10 Mile PR!

Running towards the finish

Have they forgotten its winter?

And now look at those people in the front!   All that exposed skin as they run a sub 5 minute mile pace to finish the 10 mile race in under 50 minutes!   To folks in Minnesota,  they pretend that every time they step down,  flames shoot up their legs!  Wouldn't that be cool on a cold day?

And legs!

Flaming feet!

This "helps" on cold days.

Time for Treats!

And More Treats!

Other than that,  there was a fairly large after party with all kinds of goodies and treats.   One of the key features of running the Hot Dash was the Hot Dish they give to every finisher.  A tasty casserole that looks like a combination of Shepard Pie and a Pastie ( Michigan references....look them up!) It was good.... as anything would be that was  hot and calorie filled on a cold day.   I believe Rachel Ray calls this "Comfort Food".

Hot Dish from the Hot Dash!

Missing:  The Tater tots.  I ate those first.

I'm not sure how comfortable it was, because Cheryl did not want to stick around very long afterwards.   She lost the feeling in both hands and the tips of her toes...so it was back to the warmth of the Subaru.   We even skipped the free beer that was offered due to the cold.   And that is really saying something!

So now we are back home.   Safe and sound with a grumpy cat who thought we had abandoned him.   He's fine now, but when we first opened the door he gave us a "what for..."   Cheryl has another trophy to add to her growing 2017 collection,  and has gained some much needed confidence after the wishy-washy 2016 season.   Let's hope that 2017 continues to offer more awesome runs as we progress.   We shall keep you posted!