Four weeks, four snowstorms. It may not sound like a lot to some- a northern Vermonter, for example, might pause in goat-milking only long enough to snort dismissively at such weather. But around Philadelphia, that’s a lot of snow. Everyone’s weary of the whiteouts, especially those of us who leave the warmth of our home in footwear designed not for shoveling but for running.

According to my sources, recent snowfall can be blamed on the ire of a jet stream, which, as far as I can tell, is some sort of capricious weather demon.

But there is good news. This week’s storm (for the storms will continue) is only supposed to bring about two inches of snow. The jet stream must have been appeased somehow- somehow perhaps involving dancing and chicken-sacrifices.

Original map courtesy of phillyweather.net

I hope that this will allow for some overdue miles. Training should start with a 35-40 mile week (I’m a cautious optimist), and from there I can grind my way upward in mileage until I feel ready for the next meaningful race. Snow spirits allowing, of course.