New Orleans...or not

Anyone who has been to Chicago in the winter knows how miserable the weather can be.  So, when the temps started getting cold in December, I did what any jetsetter would do: planned some trips to warm weather destinations.  I figured the January marathon in Phoenix and a February half-marathon in New Orleans would keep me somewhat thawed.  Had I known I would also be sent to Mexico for 6 weeks to work, I may have saved the personal vacations for another time but you can never get enough escape from the Chicago winter, right?    

  

Apparently, you CAN get enough escape – especially after so many back-to-back trips.  By the time my flight arrived from Villahermosa, I literally had just enough time to go home, throw some clothes in a weekend bag, and get about 6 hours of sleep before heading back to the airport.  That night, I had a hard time sleeping because I kept wondering if I could even finish a half-marathon, considering that I could barely even walk a few miles without pain.  The thought had crossed my mind to just cancel the trip, but I am too stubborn to let airfare and a race entry fee go down the drain just because I'm tired of traveling and unable to run. 

The next morning, I arrived at the airport and looked at the departure board.  Basically every flight was on time…except mine.  Normally, a delay would be fine except that I had booked my flight on cheapo Spirit Airlines and this delay meant that I would miss my connection and not make it to New Orleans until after the race. 

I interpreted this flight fiasco as a sign that I should not be attempting a half-marathon with a broken toe.  As I waited to speak with a customer service agent, my mind was spinning with different things I could say to request my money back.  To my surprise, Spirit offered me a refund before I even asked.  This was too easy.  

Riding back to my apartment, I barely noticed the cold weather.  It was just nice to be at home for a few days.