Hypothermic 10k Feb 22, 2026

Canada lost the gold medal game just as we were leaving the house however we were still proud of them and the shirt provided a welcome extra layer in the -19 temps.  Et voila.

As you can see, we are most excited to take on 10k in that cold.  I can't remember the last time we ran in that.  Other than planning layers it's better not to think about it and just do it.

This year the start/finish/food is at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club and we are running on the lovely pathways by the river up into Fish Creek.  The sun vanished quite quickly after the start, I think we were in fog quite a bit.  

The pathways are mostly packed and loose snow and there's a small stretch of gritty road.  I have my Nanospikes on again in case of ice underneath.  I am definitely winning at pants.

It's beautiful but bitter in that cold.  The river is warmer with little clouds of steam rising from it.  It's possibly making things colder and more humid.  

I am most excited to see the turnaround as I thought it was by the water stop 600m ago.  My glasses fogged over then froze so I can't see a thing out of them. 

Tina is sweeping the 10k, bless her it was so damn cold out there.  I don't think they should have had a water station in that cold either.  It was survival.  The windchill was -24.  

A portion of the outbound course had the wind behind us which was actually quite 'nice' but after turning around it gets very windy and horribly cold.  My water bottle freezes completely.  

I am quite delighted not to drop my phone in the river during this photo attempt.  

The last stretch of road is eternal.  Strava says 11k in 1:36.19.  I was just pleased not to be last.

Going inside to the cozy clubhouse is so good.  The buffet is stellar and they have amazing hot strong coffee.  

Grange Hill moment.

Another awesome Hypothermic yeti medal.  I love it.  It was a great morning, even in -19 (which was offensively cold).  Oh, and there were 55 people in the 10k this year vs 12 last year.