Most of my life, I have run in Asics shoes. In between I have tried a few other brands like Merrell, Reebok etc. None of them suited me much. The last experiment with ON was worse. I was getting hurt regularly. Switched back to Asics again. The run today felt lot more natural. I think my feet have gotten used to the gel-based soles.

Contrast this with 2015. Every month used to have at least 15 of these runs. And the speed has dramatically dropped too. Today took nearly 70 minutes.

Most of the time I could use the asphalt since the roads were empty. Other times, I had to jump on to the concrete.

Every year, at the advent of the first freezing temperatures in Atlanta, I bring out my winter running gear.

Every year, I meticulously go thru the list of things to wear before I go out for the first sub zero run. And every year, I forget something that usually makes the run a bit miserable.

This morning, when I woke up, it was 31 deg F. Brought out all my warm gear. I was determined not to miss anything this year.

Warm cap? Check!
Ear muffs? Check!
Three layers of clothes? Check!
Gloves? Check! (this is what I forget the most)
Put lip balm on? Check!
Nose cover? Nah! Not that cold.

Good to go!!

5 minutes into the run, I realized what I had forgotten! I was not wearing appropriate socks! And the shoes have those breathable material. Cold weather was making its bitter presence felt thru the lower ten digits.

I was too lazy to go back home, takes shoes off, change socks, put the shoes back on and go back to running. Just finished it as is.

Not saying I got cold feet or anything but one of these years, I am determined to get everything just right.

Half way thru the run though, I had to take the jacket off. Atlanta mornings are starting near 50 degrees but going up to nearly 80 degrees.