The weather report overnight called for rain, turning into snow, and then back again to rain by the morning. The chance of rain/snow around 3AM was up to about 90%, so you knew something was coming.
I figured, "no big deal. I can get up and get down to the gym for some time on the good old treadmill." No point in trying to even think about running on the road. Too cold, too wet, and maybe some snow.
I got up per my usual routine. I guess it's a little different in the winter and preparing for the gym - longer paints, no water bottle, watch is optional. Looking outside, all seemed pretty OK. Just a tiny little drizzle if anything, and certainly no snow. No wind to speak of, and with my coat on, it really wasn't too chilly as I jumped into the car, now parked in the garage.
I got to the end of my road, and noticed something funny - no traffic. Now, there isn't a whole lot of traffic at 4:30 AM, but there is usually someone up the road in one direction or the other looking to follow me down to the gym. But this morning, no one. "Cool," I thought as I took off onto the main road with my usually acceleration.
Then "bam!", the car starts to do a pretty good fish-tail spin, and I catch myself doing my usual winter driving maneuvers. I sort things out before they get bad, but realize that I am on black ice, and it's everywhere.
I've done this before, so no biggie. I make my way down the road to find, two police cars just getting ready for the eventual car accident that is going to happen, and a lightly salted road. Unfortunately, something is also going on at the gym, as the lights are out, and no one is there. Maybe everyone else got the memo that we all were supposed to stay nestled in our bed this morning!
So, no run today. But I was thinking I would walk out to the driveway just to see if a road run was possible, and certainly not. Just stepping onto the small decline in the driveway from the garage, I am immediately like a small plastic puck on an air hockey table. It's pure physics with no friction and no grip. I avoid the fall by keeping my movements small, but wow! this stuff is crazy.
Gotta draw the line somewhere, and so here I am drinking a nice cup of coffee and writing away, rather than running out on this crazy morning. Some days you just need to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. This morning, I'm turning my cards in!