The Final Freeze of February ... Hopefully

This is usually the last hard month of winter in Northeast Ohio. "Usually" being the operative word, as there have been years when we've had major snowstorms well into March. But let's stick with the usual.

The bunker has been stocked with blankets, warming spirits and the occasional chocolate stout. After a brief warm-up, an extended cold snap has refrozen the North Coast. Knowing that heat rises, I've often retreated to the attic to practice the fiddle, rather than venturing down the icy roads and sidewalks to run a few miles.

Yes, it's February now, and I have yet to run a step, but let's remember how well I started off the New Year. Here's January's statistical rundown:

• Total Miles: 21 miles (7 runs)
• Total Time: 3.7 hours
• Highest Weekly: 9 miles
• Average Weekly: 5.25 miles
• Average Pace: 10:24/mile
• The Monthly Dif: We're starting over

These numbers far exceed December's stats and put me on a good footing for 2013. Now, if the weather would cooperate a bit.

The good news is that the temperature is supposed to get up into the high 30s tomorrow, which may help break my hibernation cycle and allow me to build some momentum again. Maybe Punxsutawney Phil's prediction will be correct and spring will come early, but after last year's snafu I'm wondering if he's a year behind.