Deep freeze running

The deep freeze is deepening this weekend. I am leary about the planned 14-miler tomorrow. Around 8AM, we should be at a steady -10 with the windchill in Lisle, IL at the Morton Aboretum. I am wondering if my dedicated running partners will show tomorrow morning. Will they arrive? Will they be scared off? Will I have the courage to show?

Then I read about Bob's 11 mile feat inside on the mill, and I felt inspired. Wow.

Did an awesome seven miler yesterday that I am really proud of given the cold, my just coming back to stronger form and the snow/ice on the ground.

Wed - Rest - supposed to do 4, but deep freeze and schedule did not permit
Thur - 7 miles at 7:37 per mile

I was tagged by Arcaner. I'm not big on "tag" games, but I enjoy sharing goals and experiences with other runners, so I decided to play along. I am tagging Bob next, since he is a treadmill rockstar and to fulfill my responsibility to keep the annoying chain going.

1. Describe a memory from your first tri/marathon ever.

Pittsburgh, May 2001 - Hitting the wall with shame and frustration at mile 20.5... walking with my head hung low, then having some 280lb mustached dude with an Iron City beer in his hand, sporting a booming intimidating voice, yell at me with full force... "c'mon number 'whatever' ... LET'S GO!!!" I was so frightened that I fake-ran about 500 feet so as to get out of his view, so I could start walking again. Thought he was going to beat my ass if I walked.

2. Describe a memory from your most recent tri/marathon.

The thought process related to hanging on at mile 23 in Chicago to maintain BQ pace for the final 5k was surreal. I can't remember exactly what I told myself, but it was a feeling of incredible power to be able to fend off the doubts and drive through those last miles.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri/marathon?

Having to spend 3:00+ in the port-o-can for you-know-what in Va Beach 2004 was embarrassing, but mostly frustrating more than anything else. Other than that, nothing major... guess I am incapable of embarrassment when I am in a state of exhaustion after a marathon.

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri/marathon?

Pumping my fists during the last 0.2 in Chicago 2006 and making it in right at 3:10.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing tri/marathons?

With planning, commitment and the right frame of mind, and a little bit of luck, I can accomplish just about anything.

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

With the BQ under the belt, I need to finally kick this IT Band issue and stay healthy in '07. I want to fun run Boston and take in the experience. My hope is to still hit the 1,750 mile target I set this year and run sub-3:10 in Chicago.