Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Back From Florida and Ready to Feel Like Alaska!

It is good to be back and yes I did find a way to finish the Disney World Marathon despite having two legs that stopped working after mile 22. It was all heart that is for sure and it of course all goes back to the weather. The heat and humidity hit at about mile 18 and with the blazing sun, I didn't stand a chance. I have a family and they will always come first and I am really big on heat safety and so I humbly forced myself to slow down from a seven minute pace over the first 17 miles to an 11 minute pace for the final six miles. The humidity at one point was 96% with a runner's feels like temperature of 90 on the hot pavement. I had no choice to go to plan B and then went to plan C when cramps started. I want to the thank the two nurses that ran out to me and put bio-freeze on both of my legs when they saw the writhing pain I was in. I felt like an NFL player being fixed up so I could finish the race, and finish the race I did. I finished about 2,200 out of 14,000 runners which is still in the top 14%, so I was very proud of this. I finished in 4 hours and 1 minute. I will share more about the race later. Nature is about to put us all through a marathon of its own. The best part of my trip was spending time with my family and seeing my Mom, Dad, and brother who were all doing wonderful. Check out one of the highlights of my trip!


Take a look at those scrumptious tiger shrimp my Mom made. I think I miss the great seafood in Florida even more than the beaches! Now today is cold with wind chills falling just below zero but it is only an appetizer of the main course of cold air that is moving our way with a second clipper. It may cause you to lose your appetite once you hear how cold it is going to get. First off we need to be ready for much more in the way of snow than we have seen over the past couple of weeks. I see a one to three inch snow over most of the area although points south toward Interstate 70 will likely see an inch or less. I think most of us will average out to about 2 to 2.5 inches of snow and today up in Miami County and Fulton County where they had 2 to 3 inches of snow last night it caused huge trouble on the roadways today. This could be a preview for us on Wednesday. I have the snow beginning after 5 a.m. and tapering off in the afternoon. The second and bigger concern will be not just the cold but the dangerous cold on the way. I have wind chill values close to 35 below zero by Thursday night and actual lows near 14 below zero which can cause frostbite in only 10 minutes. Travel will not be recommended without a winter survival kit beginning tomorrow morning. I will be back to go over some basics and let you know if any records will tumble like the temperatures.


67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike you needed help like that story from magic school bus where they went in and cleaned the muscles of the person running with a mop so they could finish the race. Glad your back. Steph had her hands full. We were glad to have her while you were gone.

william in remington

Anonymous said...

Glad you're back Mike...nice race too!.........Mike, what are your thoughts on this: NWS has us for 2-4 inches here in Laf. // Accuweather.com has Laf. on the border line between 1-3 inches and 3-6 inches...thanks for the analysis...also...when do you believe looks to be possible for our first big snow of the season?

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!!! Yes, Fulton County had more snow than most of the WLFI viewing area. It was amazing how the cut off line was so noticeable this morning as I was driving south on SR 25.

South Bend is talking about the lake effect snow machine kicking in tomorrow night. This may cause problems for Pulaski and Fulton County. Let's hope not!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Glad your back Mike and glad you finished the race. Been pretty busy here on the blog, lot to read.

Anonymous said...

Hey all watch out for ice! My whole deck out back is covered with ICE! Be careful!

Mike glad to hear you have a good race! Sounds like you had a challenge? ;-)

How did it feel to come home to this Cold wild Indiana weather??

I'M starting to feel bad for all the snow lovers!

Justin in lafayette

Anonymous said...

welcome back mike, we sure missed you, let it snow let it snow

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Mike on a great race. I was following your race online and knew something happened when your pace slowed dramatically near the end. Heck, I couldn't even ride my bike that far.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Mike, what weather to come home to:-)

This approching clipper reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode "Midnight sun" anyone remember that one???

Anonymous said...

KATIE...did you get my email? not sure i had the addy right and I aksed you to respond. Just tell me this..I remember the first part of the addy, but not sure...was it YAHOO or something else?

MIKE...we are really glad you are back! Congrats on the race, more so for using your head, realizing you needed to slow down.

This is a good time to remind all of you readers to NOT do anything dangerous to add heat to your home during this prolonged cold snap. One night we can survive but when it doesnt get above zero during the day the house stays bitter cold.

This is to last all week. I have not seen -20* since the 80s.

ALSO be sure to let your faucets drip a pretty good drip, or even a small stream, especiall in rooms where pipes are on the north of west walls of the house. Believe me the cost of the water is much less than frozen or burst water pipes!

Another tip is this about your car--bring the battery in the house at night for easy starting in the morning!

LOL..I just gave my grandson and family this pep talk...listen to an old lady who has "been there, done that" :-)

later...

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

Way to go Mike on finishing the race. Heck I would've keeled over after about a block. LOL.

Anonymous said...

Thanks MA! I always leave the water dripping from the faucets when it this cold! I also park my car facing east NOT West..my car wont start in friged temps. And I have a new battery!

I make sure that all storm windows are closed, (old house) as well as putting plastic over them on inside! Sounds strange, but I walk around with a candle, set it in front of windows and doors watching the flame to to move
,if it does means a draft! I Then patch the drafty area any way I can!

Anonymous said...

Glad to have you back home, Mike...and glad to see you have some sense....way to listen to your body. Too many don't.

Definitely winterizing. I've got the plastic on upstairs bedrooms...makes a difference!

Keeping an eye out for the next several days...I travel for work and become no-neck after driving in bad winter weather.....

superatc

Anonymous said...

Hey all in Lafayette!

I have been looking at some things! And Lafayette already have a wind chill of around -7* degrees below!

The cold has already started!

Be safe and warm tongiht!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

I was just checking the radars, lots of blue! and yes Justin about the cold, is nasty!I have a temp of 6* where I am located.

I was taking out the trash, I was opening my gate, chain link, and my hand stuck to the metal, just slightly but still!!!! And this is to get worse!!!

Anonymous said...

Yep Dangerous cold!

Now I love the cold weather believe me I do!!!!! But I think
-30 below zero by Thursday is just to cold!

That is Frost bite weather in Ten min! TO COLD! :) I to have 6* degrees currently!

It is already so cold in the room that I have a little floor heater on! :)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Question!!!do we leave the faucets dripping on cold or hot!!!!!

Anonymous said...

We always leave ours drop on Cold!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Sure a bad time not to have heat up stairs - Old farm house. Better pull out the extra blankets

Anonymous said...

As for dripping faucets, cold is the choice. No need to let the hot water run, hot water starts with cold water anyway, but you want to make sure it is a steady drip. Another suggestion is to leave cupboard doors open to expose your pipes to the warmth of the house.

We have a big fat GOOSE EGG here in Remington! ZERO already! I watched the temp drop like a rock as the sun went down.

Becky in Monty, be careful out there delivering papers!!Let us know how you get along.

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

Hi Justin and all! WOW what weather! I do not remember such horrible wind chills!

Justin, dont use that floor heater too much, wait till blustry cold hits when you will really need it! You will run up a bill like you wouldnt believe! I know!

I have my thermostat set at 68* I am bundled up and ready for sleep:) however, I am still chilly!

Well I hope all will be safe and warm> Be careful all! And dont forget to check on the elderly, neighbors, friends!

Wind chills of -30??? good grief!

Teri in Laf

Anonymous said...

hi ya all, guess i better pull out the thermall long johns, for my paperoutes. i try not to dress to warm because i have iver half my stops i have to get out and walk up to the porch then when i get back in the car i over heat, keep me informed i will get on hetre for i go out at 2, take care and snuggle up to someone even if its a pet,,,Becky from Monticello

Anonymous said...

Thank tyou Teri! And I won't! This room is always cold! SO I have a time line as to when I use it! ;)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

LOL Becky about the pets. I have two large dogs who want to be under the blankets with me. I am worried about my poor bird, I moved her to another spot in the house, she is not happy..

Be safe Becky! Have you ever tried under aromur other than longjohns? They are wonderful! Light weight yet warm! Going to dig mine out!

Teri In Laf

Anonymous said...

after watchin Mike on the news, I will not be sending my child to school, Frost bite in less than 10 mins?? Come on ...schools make safty first!!!

Anonymous said...

Mike,pleez stress to the schools how dangerous this weather is!!!!!

Anonymous said...

i wanna know if i hear him right, did mike say just now, -35 wind chill tomorrow night ?? if so my customers will just have to wait on their papers thursday iam not getting out tomorrow night at 2 am, please let me know if i heard right, Becky

Anonymous said...

Be careful out there, Becky and check in to let us know you are back safe and sound.

MA in REM (off to bed to snuggle with Charlie--my cat :-) )

Anonymous said...

Yes it is looking like -31* degrees below zero on Thursday night! Frost bite in LESS THEN TEN MIN!!!!!

DANGEROUS COLD!!!!!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Will schools be canceled for tomorrow and Thursday with temps like this? I know I don't want my son out in the cold, even just for a minute or two!!!

Anonymous said...

i like my snow, but not this crazy -------- wonder what my district manager would say if i call in and tell him iam not going out till daylight
Becky

Anonymous said...

Being the resident teacher...I can tell you that any public school worth its weight (in this day and age) will delay school anytime the temp is much below zero. -5 or so. I would think that if wind chills are -20 or colder...schools would be closed.

I am ready for SNOW TOO!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Glad your back Mike, we missed ya! Glad you slowed down on your race, the heat and humidity can be deadly, literally. Glad you're okay.

Anonymous said...

RS, u here, whats the # we are suppose to use when running late ?? Becky

Anonymous said...

i'm not sure but i bet it will be on our paper work tonight. I will get mine before you so i will text it to you. RS

Anonymous said...

lets try to be calm and not blow this out of proportion here. First, It will not be -30 degrees, that is about 15 degrees off. Second, places all over the upper Midwest have these temperatures regularly and there kids survive. It was -24 degrees temperature this morning in Minneapolis and kids still went to school. Try dressing appropriately, covering the face, and stay warm.
good luck

Anonymous said...

In today's world, many kids come from homes where parents are not there to monitor the child's attire. I have seen students come to school this winter in shorts, sandals, and without coats.

As far as delaying/closing schools due to the weather, many schools will choose not to close as they do not want to make-up the days later in May or June. I know at my school, many teachers despise adding any make-ups days at the end of the school year.

Anonymous said...

MA,
Yes it was yahoo.com and no I did not get e-mail.

Anonymous said...

Tipp. 2-hour delay...yes....

Anonymous said...

Hey Justin...are you seeing a possible dry slot with this storm??

Anonymous said...

Will try again katie. well, another question--it IS "45" after the initial and last name, right?

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike

Glad your back. The NWS has Carroll Co. south in a wind chill warning untill 1 pm Fri. but White Co only untill 11 am Thursday. Why the big differance in time?

Bob in Idaville

Anonymous said...

Hi all, especially ma, i got in around 7 ish, we have a deadline of 6 am, but today and especially tomorrow if it gets - 35 windchill them people are just gonna hab=ve to wait awhile.. Hope this weather keeps up atleast the snow,, Becky

Anonymous said...

MA,
Thanks for the call and yes it is 45.

Anonymous said...

I'm not Justin, but I see dryer air coming into Illinois.

Anonymous said...

so if it is really as cold as they say it will be tomorrow which i believe it to be.. can i count on school delays?

Anonymous said...

Justin do you, or anyone, have software or radar site that shows wind directions for the REGION? I am trying to get a feel as to what time the wind shifts and becomes stronger. We have church activities tonight that will probably need to be cancelled.

thanks!

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

BECKY!

glad you made it back safely. Look out tomorrow morning!!

MA

Anonymous said...

For the person who saw drier air in IL that means the front is coming in. Can you share where you got that info? Looking for a timeline on wind shift.

MA

Anonymous said...

Where are all the cranky naysayers now?

Anonymous said...

MA,

Here is a good place to look at wind, temps, road temps.

http://netservices.indot.in.gov/rwis/

You can select wind speed or what ever you want to see.

William in Remington

Anonymous said...

MA,
Try this one as well.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w4=sky&w5=pop&w9=snow&w10=fzg&w11=sleet&AheadHour=0&Submit=Submit&FcstType=graphical&textField1=40.93550&textField2=-87.14920&site=all

William in remington

Anonymous said...

Thanks, William!! I just measured snow here, it is right at 3.0 inches but still coming down at a pretty good rate. Man, it is fluffy! I swept all the snow off deck and front steps with a broom!

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

William--those are great sites for local stats. What I am looking for is something that will show wind direction for IL. I am wanting to see the wind shift line as it comes across the state of IL. I may need to find that NWS for Western IL or Central IL, agree?

MA

Anonymous said...

Hey all.

To the one who asked about a dry slot??

I do see a little dry air but however I don't think it will do much! This system has been holding togrther rather well all night! And still is looking good now!
I think it will me fine!

I currently have twi inches on the nose! Still a light snow but big slakes! And looking at the radar I think is is statring to slow down!

My road is snow covered! All be careful!

I think the snow will let up later on after noon or 1:00pm! Around there!

Justin in Lafayette

Anonymous said...

Justin is right....the dry slot really isn't going to be a factor here. We still have 3-5 more hours of decent snow left...I have 3" new snow since 6AM.

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

MA,

http://www.findlocalweather.com/forecast.php?config=&forecast=pass&pass=currentwx&usecountry=us&region=&useplace=&usestate=il&plot=windchl&dpp=0&usemetric=

Try this.

William in Remington

Anonymous said...

MA,

Another one:

http://www.usairnet.com/weather/maps/current/illinois/wind-speed/

William in Remington

Anonymous said...

MA,

Or this one:

http://weather.weatherbug.com/IL/Chicago-weather/weather-maps/surface-winds-map.html

william in remington

Anonymous said...

Well all we have been calling for the 1" to 3" inch range and some isolated 2" to 4" inches in areas here is the Lafayette area I think it is close!

I'M up to two and a half inches!

Justin in Lafayette

Anonymous said...

Hey everybody! I Just got back from scopping out my neighbor and there was a good amount of ice in spots! Of the drive way! I was slipping all over! WHich means there could be patchy ice on the road way!

Just wanted to give you all the heads up!

Most if not all roads around here are all Snow covered!

Justin in lafayette

Anonymous said...

Yep, I was out clearing my walk, found that ice, went down, and i now I have a sore knee.

Anonymous said...

Looks like we have around 2.5 inches in Attica, although silly me forgot to set up the measuring mat last night. So, measuring on wood, which is not as good.

All I can say is that it is still coming down steady, and is about the most beautiful sight! Hubby is glad that it finally snowed, since I told him I refused to take down the Christmas tree until it did! Guess it is coming down soon. lol

How much more do you think we will add to our total? And anyone know what the roads are like between Attica and Lafayette? We have church tonight!

Annie in Attica

Anonymous said...

Hey Annie!

We are looking for the 1" to 3" inch range! However in isolated areas could see the 2" to 4" inches! For around the Lafayette and your area!

Here in Lafayette some roads are still snow covered! However here is a few road reports below hope this helps!

I-65 REMINGTON TO BROOKSTON BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
I-65 BROOKSTON TO LAFAYETTE BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
I-65 LAFAYETTE TO FRANKFORT BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
I-65 FRANKFORT TO THORNTOWN BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
I-74 ILLINOIS TO VEEDERSBURG BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
I-74 VEEDERSBURG TO CRAWFORDSVILLE BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
OTHER US AND STATE ROADS BECOMING SNOW OR ICE COVERED
SECONDARY ROADS SNOW COVERED

Justin in Lafayette

Anonymous said...

I'M already up to 3" inches here in Lafayette now!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see TSC made the decision to have a delay and have the kids risk their lives by going in later and not cancelling altogether. Kind of funny how many of the schools that did not have delays are leaving early which would only make sense, the road conditions are not improving. Let's not inconvenience the teachers by making up a day at the end of the year, it would be better to have the kids on buses on the county roads with blowing snow.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the poster above me, why did TSC delay this morning, they should have looked at the potential totals and decided to possibly have early dismissal instead, our children could be home by now.

Anonymous said...

In their defense, I would not want to be the one making the call. It's a very hard call to make.