Monday, December 7, 2009

Bracing for winter.

Saturday's snow seems to signal that our mild fall is over. We've been really, really lucky and have had tons of warm sunny days. More often than not, I ran in shorts in November. It was great.

But then, like I said, we got some snow. All of 2 inches but, still. Snow. And then it was cold. And I am normally a cold weather wimp.

However. This year, I proclaimed that I was no longer going to let my wimpy side win. This year, I would brave the cold. This year, I would be tough!

If you're going to make loud claims, I guess you have to follow up on them. So, on Sunday, with temps in the low 30s, I headed out. With a base layer of tights and a long sleeve shirt, a second layer of running pants and a wind jacket, topped off with gloves and a fleece headband over my forehead and ears, I felt perfectly comfortable.

Sure, the first mile was c-c-cold. Then I warmed up. By mile 3, I'd shed my gloves. At mile 4, I wanted to run all afternoon. But, to protect my usually wimpy self, I had planned to just run my neighborhood loop so at 5.21 miles, I called it a run.

I was SO happy that I went out there and ran in the cold. With the right gear, it wasn't tough. I need to recall this feeling whenever I'm convinced that a few miles on the dreadmill are preferable to some cold ones outside. Must channel my inner tough girl!

There you have it. I had a great weekend (Conal LOVED going to see the model trains yesterday and we had a nice dinner with some friends on Sat)! I hope you all did, too.

Happy Monday!

~ Felice

24 comments:

Kate said...

Great weekend snow run, Felice! I was definitely worried about marathon training through the winter, but this weekend proved that I can do it!

Do you find that the running pants do a good job of keeping the heat in?

J said...

So glad the cold run went well! I need to start wearing more layers because it is getting chilly and I am getting wimpy! If there isnt wind I am good, the wind just kills me!

Jen Feeny said...

Great job girl! I hear up north it's all about the layers... so stay warm!

Marlene said...

Welcome to winter running! Great job getting out there and not letting the weather stop you.

Denise said...

I love running when all bundled up!! It's so peaceful on the cold winter mornings, too!

Nicki said...

I ran this morning in the cold too, and at first I was not feeling it, but I eventually shed my gloves too! :) We can do it!!!

Lori Lynn said...

You're so brave! We had 10 degree with a 3 degree winchill this morning! I just can't hack it with it being that cold. :S I'm looking forward to spring already! LOL

Kenley said...

I am in the process of obtaining gear to run out in the winter elements. I do not want to resort to the scampering away in to the gym for the treadmills. Only if its really bad. But I like Lore am looking forward to not spring, but summer.

Pining for Pinterest said...

Great job on the run! I am going to try and conquer the cold tonight!

Tricia said...

Great job getting about in the cold!

NY Wolve said...

I am a wimp about the cold too. particularly with snow and ice on the ground. I have also resolved this is the year I will get back out there and deal!

Katie A. said...

You are a brave woman! Snow and 30 degrees is crazy! Glad you warmed up and enjoyed it! Have a great week!

Unknown said...

with the right gear, it isn't too bad. but it still isn't fun!

Suzy said...

Good for you getting out in the cold. It sounds like you dressed perfectly. I need to get another layer to wear on top...it is a bit cool at 30F!

I Run for Fun said...

Yeah, tough girl! Great job oon getting out there in the cold. I always feel better when I complete a run in the cold...and love the bonus metabolism. Of course, I end up eating way more too!

joyRuN said...

I hear ya! It's tough to bundle up & leave the warm confines of the pile of blankets I'm under, but I'm rarely sorry to have made myself get out there :)

Abby said...

I discovered this past weekend that globes are the key to running outside in the winter.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? So the question is, why did it take me three winters of running to figure it out...

Unknown said...

I always thought I was semi-tough until I read about your weather...now I know I am a BIG wimp!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

way to beat old man winter!!! He's got NOTHING on you!

saundra said...

Great job on getting out there in the snow! You are HARDCORE!

Oz Runner said...

way to get out there for a c-cold run...we had our first snow last night, i am dreading running in this stuff...

Diana said...

Great! I'm glad you were able to beat the weather gods and tell them they couldn't keep you from running!

Quix said...

Ugh, I need to take your lead. Since it's dipped below 50 I have not run outside. I have the choice of leaving my warm bed at 8am and getting out into the freezing cold or running after work in the dark. So I've been a wimp and training on the 'mill.

This week, my goal is to either run my 5 mile tempo or 7 mile long run outside. In the morning. Probably tomorrow since it's supposed to rain (ugh) on my long run day.

At this point, I'm going to say I even miss heat training. *so wimpy*

Molly said...

It's surprising how warm you get when you're out in the cold, that's great that you were comfortable. I made it outside again today in the 34 degree weather, and found a new use for my gloves....as tissues!

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