Long run - such as it is in February

I find that I do better with a training plan and so, with hopes of a 100 miler in my future, have started being a bit more disciplined about my running. Today's schedule called for 14 miles. For that matter so did last week's plan but I opted for shorter due to the temperatures and trail conditions. Today was a bit warmer, 9 F by one report, maybe up to low teens even. Sun was shining and the wind wasn't much of a factor. I opted to run an out and back on a local snowmobile trail. There are plenty of hills on this course (one takes less then 10 minutes to run down and twice as long to climb back up). We had an inch or so of snow yesterday and more earlier this week. With the warmer temps footing was a bit soft in spots. Great strength training, right? On the way back I added a few miles of single-track trails, some well used by hikers/bikers/runners others not quite so packed. I am grateful for a friend who joined me as it allowed for good conversation and a chance to catch up with each other.

Stats for today's run:
 - 14.05 miles
 - 3:02
 - 1,289 ft elevation gain
 - 1,255 calories (not sure how much credit to give that data)

I was really hungry by 12 miles despite the two gels (E-gel - 150 calories per packet) I consumed during the run and, for me, a decent breakfast of oats, apples, craisins and a bit of maple syrup, prior to the run. I finished the last two miles trying to distract myself from focusing on my grumbling stomach. As with last week I used two 5 oz flasks to carry water. The one in the left zippered pocket of my pack actually stayed quite warm. The one in my right, open, pocket was a bit cooler and starting to freeze at the valve.

Tomorrow will be a shorter run of 6-8 miles. Four will be with my daughter (she is training for a 25K trail run in May) and the rest on my own. It is predicted to be much colder, with highs below zero. I keep reminding myself when it is this cold that the sun is getting stronger and days are getting longer.

OKC

Finally got out with some of my recent knits for a photo shoot:

Mosaic Hat

I am working on polishing up this pattern for publication. Once I have it finished I will post a link. 

Mosaic Hat and Vertical Striped Mittens

I have several versions of the pattern for these mittens in draft form, yet another one I need to finalize and publish.

Vertical Striped Mittens v4

Wingspan - Northshore color way (Three Irish Girls)

 I enjoy knitting this pattern, a lot. This is my third Wingspan, first in this yarn.