I've always hated winter. There is nothing about freezing temps, snow storms, cold winds, black ice, and/or driveways in need of shoveling that can change my intense dislike of winter. I grew up in Philadelphia & southern New Jersey, moved to New England as a young mother with a toddler 40 years ago, lived through the Blizzard of '78 where it snowed 36" on my house, so it would stand to reason that I would be used to this weather. I've been in New England long enough to be considered a "hearty New Englander". New England is my home. My youngest child was born here. My children have Boston accents. My granddaughters were all born in Boston. My wife grew up here. Family is here. Still, we both have always detested the cold weather. However, runners run and I've been running outside this winter much more than I did last winter. I've survived. I hate it and I love it.
Winter running isn't for the faint of heart. It's dark out in the mornings - the only time I have to run that fits into my work schedule and my endurance levels. Jan & I ran this morning and it never gets easier. The cold grips my body, invading every muscle & bone. My face has been so badly chapped from running this winter that I've had to apply Vitamin E oil on it. (If I'm going to have wrinkles on my face, I'll get them running!) My legs and fingers feel numb. It takes 3-4 miles for my muscles to warm up enough to get up some decent speed. I wear 2 pair of everything - Nike running pants & shirts, wool socks, gloves with hand-warmers inside, scarf wrapped around my neck and face.
Too much talking while running in these cold temps just doesn't work. I need to conserve as much energy as possible, especially when running up snowy/icy hills. When runner gal pal & I run together, we have to do most of our catch-up chats early in the run while we're warming up; when the warm-up is done, it's time to get serious - no talking, just running.
By mile 3.5 this morning, we were sufficiently warmed up. My feet, leg muscles and hands were toasty warm. I could almost feel slightly sweaty - such a good throw-back feeling to last summer's canal runs; I was ready to have some serious fun.
We ran 5 miles in 58 minutes; I checked and re-checked the time. Could that be accurate? I think so, but we're scheduled to do our weekly long run tomorrow morning - same time, same route - so we'll see. We finished our run at 6 miles, not feeling the cold but most likely frozen to the bone.
Winter running - I read a blogger who said winter running was "totally badass". I agree - I hate it I love it I hate it I love it. It's an adventure that's for sure. Totally badass.
Big shout out to Runner Gal Pal - Happy Birthday! She got up at the crack of dawn today on her birthday (a Saturday too!), and ran 6 miles with me on one of the coldest days of the year. Runners run. Missy - you're one Badass Runner! See you tomorrow morning for our 8. :D
