Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 8, 2026. Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
By David Phillips
Several years ago, when I was running in Rochester with a group of friends, the trail around Silver Lake was so icy we had to run in the street, which brought us closer to the homes lining the south side of Silver Lake. As we neared Broadway Avenue, we heard the sound of someone call out “help” from one of those homes.
When we got closer, we saw an older woman on her side on an icy driveway that sloped to the street. She had gone out to check her mail and fell on the ice, which coated just about everything that day. She didn’t appear to be severely injured, but the ice on the slope of the driveway made it impossible for her to get upright again.
We helped her back into her home and asked if we should call an ambulance or contact someone who could help her. Her son lived nearby and after he arrived, we felt she was in good hands without any apparent repercussions from the fall.
After admonishing his mother for going out in the treacherous conditions, he thanked us and then said, “And, what were you people doing out in weather like this?”
We laughed sheepishly, unable to come up with a good answer. We went on our way, still laughing among ourselves that, yes, it was crazy to be out there trying to run on the ice-coated pavement.
However, that diagnosis hasn’t stopped us from continuing to go out in all kinds of conditions, whether it’s ice, subzero temperatures, rain or fog, to get our miles in.
In a way, we have almost the same unofficial motto as postal carriers:” Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” That incident resurfaced in my mind around the time of Spring Valley’s Christmas on Historic Broadway. I organize a winter fun run called the Frozen Feet 4k for the celebration. This year, we had warm conditions that melted snow and even brought some slight rain before a cold snap prior to the Saturday of our celebration. The warmer conditions were zapped by a sudden cold front, leaving a coating of ice throughout the city, while the cold snap meant the temperature during the celebration hovered around zero, with the feel-like temperature dipping well below zero.
I shortened the course to just one mile due to the ice and extreme cold, but still wondered if anyone would show up. I shouldn’t have worried, as runners make up a pretty dedicated group of people. We ended up with 12 who braved the cold and ice.
I decided to contact them by email after the race to see why they came out in the poor conditions, which kept other people from even venturing outside the house for more low-key events that weekend.
Three runners from Spring Valley responded. They did a good job summing up the various reasons to get out in terrible conditions during the 11th edition of a local running event that supports the Kingsland Youth Football program.
“I have participated in every Frozen Feet run since it started,” said Pam Phillips. “The cold does not bother me, but the icy surface was an issue this year. It’s a nice addition to the Christmas on Broadway celebration, and all proceeds go to a local group.”
“I love attending small-town running events to support local organizations and fundraisers — it always feels like one big family gathering. I’m an avid runner and participate in multiple races each year, but running in smaller communities is my favorite,” said Angie Gensmer.
“I ran this race because I haven’t missed one since I started running, and because I truly believe you can run in any temperature with the right attire — especially for a shorter distance. I duct-tape the toes of my shoes to help keep the heat in and the water out, and I wear multiple layers so I can peel them off as I warm up along the way.
“This year’s run was definitely a challenge, but watching everyone who showed up at the starting line made my heart happy. Some were dressed in Christmas attire, others in full overalls — but everyone had BIG smiles, ready to take on the challenge together.”
“I would say, I need to keep running for my physical health and my sanity,” said Bill Mettler. “When the weather is really extreme, I like the challenge of it. I like doing things that most people won’t do.”
Bill also answered for his son, Paul, who ran through the ice and cold: “Paul would say, ‘Dad made me.’”
As a PS, Mettler joked, “Also, I’m trying to keep up with Dave Phillips.” I’ve probably provided enough evidence to prove that may not be a wise goal.
Cutline:
Frozen Feet race runners line up at the starting line Saturday, Dec. 13, in downtown Spring Valley. Runners quoted in this column are Paul Mettler, left, and the three runners on the right, Angie Gensmer in Santa suit, Bill Mettler and Pam Phillips.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
