Monday, December 21, 2009

Welcome, winter!

Here we are on the 21st of December, the first day of winter, Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. I'm all about this day because it signals a return to lengthening days. Even though today may be the shortest day, from here on out, the days will be getting longer.

Yay for longer days!

I need longer days. In my effort not to be a winter wimp and to run outdoors instead of in, I've been struggling with the dark. I feel that I've conquered the cold but the dark still has a hold on me. Last week, for example, I headed out for an evening run and even though I didn't think there would be any ice on the roads, there were a few slippery patches. In my neighborhood loop, there are some areas that get icy early in the season and just stay that way. For months. Those spots just don't get any sun.

So, on that evening run, when I slipped, I got a little scared. I could only imagine slipping for real and falling. On my butt. Or on my head. Or twisting my ankle. Fear makes for a great run. Or not!

Yeah, I need to deal with the dark. Since today is the shortest day of the year, tomorrow will be longer. Wednesday will be even longer and Thursday longer still. Before we know it, it will be light enough for comfortable, confident outdoor evening runs!

At least that's what I'm telling myself.

So, for now, cheers to you, winter. Your cold can't break me (did I mention my two awesome, super-chilly, super-windy runs this weekend?)! And I'll figure out how to deal with the dark, at some point.

To all of you dealing with the snow, I hope it isn't too bad (hate to say it, but we didn't even get a single snowflake here -- the storm missed us completely).

Happy Monday, everyone! Happy Winter Solstice!

~ Felice

19 comments:

Katie said...

I totally agree with you! I am so excited for the days to get longer. I am scared to run outside in the dark (slipping, cars, etc) and am not a morning runner, so I only get to run outdoors on the weekend. Cheers to the days getting longer!

Manderz said...

You dont know how happy I was that the storm missed us!

Have you ever tried YaxTrax to keep your footing with ice? I happened to turn on QVC this weekend and they were selling 2 pair for $20 and they were the kind that came with the strap. I cant wait to give them a try.

Jen Feeny said...

I'm headed to Chattanooga next week and might possibly run in snow and I'm so scared! I've never ran in winter period! I think ya'll are so much more hard core than I could ever be! Be careful out there girl!!!

Tricia said...

I've been lamenting the "short days". Thanks for the positive reminder and I'm super impressed that you always get out there!

Unknown said...

Yeah, here's when the days start turning around, I love it! Thanks for cheering me up about winter! Keep enjoying your weather!

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through the blog of a blog ;) I've gone through several of your posts and can't help but follow you!

Heather said...

I'm looking forward to longer days too!

Katie A. said...

I hear you on the fear part! I got hit once by a car already this year and I have had two near misses! Both in the dark. And I am like you, I scare myself by imagining it could always be worse! Stay safe! Have you thought about Yaktrax? Just a thought!
Yay for longer days!!!

Anonymous said...

Bring on the longer days! Luckily here in NC ice really isn't too much of an issue, especially running in the dark. You be careful out there.

Lisa said...

I know what you mean, it's kind of depressing when it's still dark out when I'm getting ready for work at 7am and then it's dark again by 4:15pm. AND, it's cold! Definitely makes it difficult to get out there.

Here's to longer days ahead!

Jill said...

I woke up at 6:45 this morning and hated how dark it was!! Yah for longer days, too!!!!! No snowflakes in Colorado either...though suppose to get super chilly again here soon. ugh. Happy Monday!

Denise said...

I'm with you! I need more day light to run in when I get home from work. I can tell my gait is off when I run in the dark b/c I get sore after these runs. I'm so nervous of falling.

Lara said...

Happy solstice, and yay for longer days. May we all rejoice, and go out for a run. :-)

MCM Mama said...

You are braver than me. I can do the cold, but I just don't run in the dark. So, I"m super glad days will be getting longer.

Diana said...

I don't run outside, but all the same I miss the longer light hours in the winter! Bring it on :)

Kenley said...

I admit, I have been treadmilling it. Sorry about those icy roads. Don't they salt them? Be careful out there. Don't want an injury due to feeling the need to brave it. I hate winter.

J said...

When it starts to be light while running in the morning will be the day that I am happy again! it is really cold out. But having the Christmas lights is nice!

Quix said...

So waiting for longer days! I actually said the same thing yesterday. I love running outside after work and I don't do dark runs (I'm too scared of twisting my ankle on uneven roads).

Lindsay said...

i have soo ready for longer days already! :) at least we are back on the upswing right?

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