Starting 2012 Off On The Right Foot, Then The Left, Then The Right ......

It was a beautiful Winnipeg morning for a Barefoot Run at the Park

 

What can I say I decided to start the year off with a bang for 2012. A yearly tradition of some of the more crazy of the Winnipeg running community (which I understand I seem to fall into) is to take part in a unsanctioned fun run on New Year's Day. The run has a few names like the 'Frosty Nipple Run' or the 'Frozen Nipple Run' or what I think is more appropriate 'The Polar Bare Run'. Basically it is very quick loop around the Formal Gardens of Assiniboine Park (approximately 700 metres) and then another quick sprint back to your hopefully warm and waiting vehicle. This is all done in as minimal of clothing as possible, I call it the runner's version of the Polar Bear Dip. When I say minimal clothing I mean it, the majority of the runners were decked out in bathing suits (bikinis for the girls  no I was not looking I'm a happily married man thanks as well as speedos for the guys), there was also an assortment of other minimal wear as well as myself and another gentleman who were dawning the mighty kilt. In true spirit of the event, I was also going to run it barefoot as well.

Now to set the stage,

It was 7:00 am on January 1st, 2012 and I woke up with a start,
because I was to go on a run to do my part,
as I looked in the closet it was soon determined to be found
that I had no running clothes anywhere around
so with a grin and a smile my mouth did so built
I pulled out my trusty HHH tartan Sport Kilt
For I knew that I would be running almost nude
and because no one there was a prude
my trusty boxers left behind would be defermental
to me running true Scottish style regimental
also the look would not be complete
if I had any coverings for my feet
so barefoot I went for that scamper in the park
and boy I was sure glad I was not running in the dark
So around the Formal Gardens we ran
only two sleeping friends were missing that would be Ed and Dan,
With a kick of my heels and with a sparkle in my eye
I picked up the pace and no I am not going to lie
My barefeet were rather toasty, for that matter quite warm
and yes I do know this is not the norm,
but as this run is best know as the 'Frosty Nipple'
I was sure looking for the opportunity to get my hands on a nice warm 'tipple'
Happy New Years Everybody.

Sorry for the corny poem, but it has been one of those kind of days. The Frosty Nipple Run was a blast and I look forward to doing it again next year. I think I shocked a few people this morning but I do believe go big or go home. I did get a few comments including the usual ' I wonder if he is wearing underwear under that'.  'Of course not' was my answer with a smile that would not be very Scottish of me now would it. As usual the 'Holy crap he's running barefoot' comment was running rampid but that is ok I get it more times or not, whether it is cold or not. By the way for the record it was a balmy -7 degrees Celsius with a windchill that was dropping it down to about -20 degrees Celsius, not my coldest run but definitely my coldest run with little to no clothing.

I have to sent a big 'hello' to my friends and running partners, Cathy and Aldo who braved the cold to run as well. Also to the other runners who have made a tradition of this, I look forward to next year.  Hope to see you there, it was a blast and a great way to start off a new year.

Cheers and Happy Running.



Cathy and I posing after the run, yes it was a tad chilly but well worth it.

Also note Cathy's hair blowing in the wind there was crazy swirling wind

that almost blew my kilt up and gave the girls behind me a free show. Who says the full moon cannot come out during the day.