Today I feel like a real Wisconsinite, because I completed my first real winter run. Seven miles on the Ice Age Trail in the snow may not sound like much, but it was like running in sand. Very cold sand. I have to give props to Krishna for sticking with me the whole time, even though I slowed him down significantly. It was such a relief to finally arrive at the lodge full of skiers and LPTR runners.

     LPTR is the acronym for the Lapham Peak Trail Runners. They're a group of folks who really like trail running, and most of them are ultra-runners. I'm always excited to tell people about them because they've built a club that helps to make you a more competitive runner without the pressure that I've felt from other running clubs. Don't get the impression they aren't serious-- there are plenty of elite runners in the group.

     However, it is an encouraging environment, and the general attitude is kind of reminiscent of the Hash House Harriers -- a drinking club with a running problem. Running with LPTR feels as natural as getting together to have a beer with your buddies. Sure, you're pushing yourself to get faster and stronger, but once you finish, you get to join up with the group and shoot the breeze. Of course, it helps that the lodge has a lovely cast iron stove.

What better way to kick off this blog than by announcing that I have finally committed to my first ultra-marathon?  I have finally put money down on a race: the Ice Age 50k.  Here is the race site.  Krishna ran the 50 mile version with our good buddies, J&J last May.  This is a picture of them at around 6 am, just about to start on the long haul.

I took this photo near the restroom.  I still associate a stench with this photo, despite how cute it is.