Woke up at “oh dark thirty” (that’s military for freaking early).  Quick bowl of cereal and fill the thermos with coffee.  Load up Mongo and head out in the chilly dark (37 F in Austin this morning).  Rode down to the 3M Half Marathon course to cheer on my step-daughter.  I set up somewhere between 5 and 6 mile markers on Shoal Creek just south of the Steck intersection.  This seemed to be a popular viewing spot, there was a big crowd cheering.

Just like last year I almost missed Melissa in the crowd of runners, but managed to pick her out in time to snap a picture and yell encouragement.  Looks like she was on a 1:50 pace, which is warp speed compared to this tired old man.  She was looking strong but I don’t think the ambient temperature was to her liking.

After she passed I hopped on the bike and headed over to the bike/ped bridge that crosses over Great Northern to get some more pictures.  And then home to get warm.  In general I was comfortable, but my toes got a little cold.  Need to shop for some good wool cycling socks.

This ride was a good test of my new thermos.  Got this gem at REI.  Carries about 15 ozs and fits in a standard bottle cage. The remnants of my coffee was still warm after 2 1/2 hours in the cold air.

Hey, does it count as coffeeneuring if you carry your own?