City Creek Canyon Training Run 12.13.14

 A few of us went decided to run up City Creek Canyon today.  There were supposed to be more, but with Christmas party obligations and the forecast calling for rain, we had a few people opt out.  Heather and I had planned on running this together, but invited our running family for those who wanted in.  We planned on going 14 miles today.

So we met at the NE parking lots next to the Capitol building before heading up.  We had Robert, Karrie, Julie, Robin, Heather, and I.

 It started off overcast as we headed to the mouth of the canyon, but started drizzling as soon as we got on Bonnieville Drive.  We didn't let the rain stop us though!  We battled rain and then sleet!

 And then the sleet turned into snow! 

 But up we went!  We weren't letting the elements keep us from getting our 14 miles in!  The wind didn't help and made things even colder!  Our gloves were soaked and freezing our hands!  But we kept trudging forward!  The gradual uphill was brutal for Heather and I!  Our legs felt so heavy because of our run up to the Living Room on Thursday!

We got to the loop of the trail where the road ended, and kept going on the trail!  It was so beautiful!  And the snow was really thick on the trail.

We had so much fun exploring!  We went a little further than this bridge to make 7 miles, and then turned back around to head back to our cars.  The wind whipped our faces on the way back down.  It felt like a blizzard!  My lips felt like they were going to fall off!

Our legs felt so heavy on the way back.  My feet were hurting from the cold.  Down the canyon definitely felt better than up!   The hurt was a different kind of pain though.  We were so glad to get down to the mouth of the canyon and only have that final mile to run.  The cars were a pleasant sight to see!  Robert was right in saying "Strange how something can be so miserable and yet so fun! :)"  It's so true!  I would have never made it that 14 miles through the elements on my own! And for some reason, the cold didn't feel so cold while I was running with my Run Aways family!  I love this group!