Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow.

I grew up in a near west Chicago suburb. For eight years I lived on the north side of the city, barely a block away from Lake Shore Drive. I now live just southwest of the city. So, I’m no stranger to Chicago winters. But – WOW – this was a WHOPPER.

It was the third biggest snowfall in the city’s history. Oddly enough, I was in the Chicago area during the biggest snowfall, 23.0 inches, Jan 26-27, 1967. I was a college freshman and the Millikin University Jazz Band was performing just south of the city. All I remember is that the snow drifts were up to the bus windows. It was fun.

This one wasn’t quite as much fun. Jenny and I had to clear the snow from our driveway every hour or so. We had to that for nearly 24 hours. We’d work for an hour, snow blowing and shoveling, and when were finished it looked like we hadn’t done a thing. Being out at 1am, working by the light of my Pelican HeadsUP headlight was both eerie and beautiful. When the wind was howling and the snow was swirling around it was like being inside one of the snowballs.

It may not be much about running, but I’m convinced that the fact that I’m as fit as I am because I’m as active as I am, made the effort of pushing and shoving the shovel and the snowblower possible. I often talk about how much better life is when you’re active. It just is. For me it isn’t about PR’s or even race distances. It’s about just how much better my life is because I invest in myself.

The plan is for Jenny and I to head out into the woods tomorrow for some late morning snow shoeing. THAT will be fun.

Stay warm everyone.

Waddle on, John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.