Just completed my last run of 2010.  It was a fine run to commemorate my biggest year of running in over 20 years.  To begin with, this 4.5 mile jaunt in 10°  with 15 mile an hour winds allowed me to exhale all the allergies from my sinuses that I picked up earlier this week in Austin.

The year of running began in similar cold and snowy conditions, but I’ve gained experience on proper cold weather attire.  I dressed in a Reebok Compression long sleeve jersey that my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas.  Compression gear is awesome.  Over that I wore a loose fitting fleece pull-over and then some Under Armour Cold Gear.  So three long sleeve tops and then some running shorts covered with a pair of Under Armour Cold Gear running pants.  I also wore some running gloves, fleece running hat and sported 3 days of fashionable facial stubble in recognition of a recent 1000 mile drive from Austin to Longmont.  But the star of my running ensemble were the YakTrax I received as a Christmas gift from my brother-in-law.  Click on the picture for a close-up.  These rubber and metal treads simply slip over your shoes for added traction in snow and ice.  I ran over a combination of packed snow, fresh powder, sidewalks and pavement.  My trail running shoes provide sufficient stability over snow, but these metal coils gripped the unctuous patches of ice with confidence.  I can’t wait to try them on the muddy trails this coming spring.

Today’s final run of the year did more than work the allergies out of my system.  It served as a figurative exhalation of auld lang syne.  Running, as well as writing this blog, helps me to introspect the day, week or in this case, an entire year.  I felt good about my accomplishments in fitness, and considered my goals for 2011.  I’m excited.