A few weekends ago, my alarm went off and I realized…
…”it was officially training season and it’s was cold.”
Why do all the great races have to be in the beginning of spring?
Leaving us to train in the frigid temperatures.
I guess what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. (Or something like that.)
With a lot of internal cussing, I rolled out of bed. Five minutes before walking out the door, I got a text from Jeanette. It was snowing.
Of course I didn’t believe her and had to walk outside to see myself!
Sure enough, Charleston started it’s morning with snow flurries.
Y’all… I promise those little white flecks are real snow flakes! To Charlestonians this is like a blizzard. It’s a very rare treat!
We went through a quick 2 minute debate:
…to cancel
…to find a treadmill (2 treadmills)
…or suck it up and frolic in the snow.
We were both dressed for outdoor running so the snow won!
To be honest, it turned out to be awesome and we loved MOST of the miles that passed by.
Again, let me re-iterate. We loved MOST of the miles.
I’m positive Jeanette’s face shows just how cold it was! During this picture we had visions of being blown over the bridge from the 30 mph gusts of wind. Seriously.
As I was running, I had a progression of thoughts pop into my head. And I know she did to. I don’t think we’re alone on this, so I have to share.
Let me know if you agree or if we’re just two crazies running around town.
What Runners Think While Running In Cold Temperatures
1). It’s really nice and warm under these sheets. Maybe I can put my run off for a little longer.
2). It’s cold but once I get going, I’ll warm up and feel great. Thank goodness I have a new pair of $2 Target gloves!
3). Oh man, it looks really cold out there. Why did I have to say yes to running this morning? Maybe we can find some treadmills instead? Stop making excuses, it’s too late. Let’s do this.
4). Oh shit, it’s cold. Feet… move faster and warm me up!
Side note on the picture above: I was freezing! Dan had about 3 layers on and I thought this was appropriate for 35-degree running. It wasn’t.
5). Okay, 2 miles in. This isn’t so bad! The roads are quiet and I feel like a badass running in this!
6). Feeling good! I’m glad the wind is at our backs. Oh look! A snow flurry. I’m running in the snow! This is awesome!
7). Yay, it’s time to turn back! Wait, is the wind picking up? Oh, someone help. Why didn’t we run with the wind in our faces for the first half?
8). Holy snot. This is why I wear $2 gloves, by the time I’m done these things are covered in more snot than a toddler’s finger.
9). I think I just choked on a snow flake. It’s all fun and games until flurries are inhaled or they poke your eyes.
10). My core is burning up, I’m taking my top layer off, this is awesome!
11). Holy crap, what was I thinking? My arms are flipping freezing! Must stop again to put my top layer back on!
12). Wind, I hate you. I really, really hate you. I feel like I’m going 2 miles an hour and my legs hate me. Cold sucks.
13). Can I be any more snotty? My face is covered in crusty snot, I can’t move my cheeks! With every wind gust, my snot goes further and further up my face. Awesome.
14). Is that my car? I see it and if my toes weren’t numb and my nose not clogged I might be able to run faster to finish this. Cold sucks, but just keep smiling.
15). Made it. I’m a badass. Running in the snow is beautiful. I love it, let’s take a picture to document how great that was!
16). Oh hell, now that I’m not moving, sweat is turning cold. Really cold! Chilled to the bone and can’t wait for a hot shower.
17). Hot shower. Hot shower. Hot shower. Hot shower. Hot shower.
18). That wasn’t so bad, I could probably have done a little longer.
And one little extra thought we all get…
(Later in the day, when having to go outside)
“Hell, it’s cold out here. Did I really run in this? I’m an effin beast!!”
Am I right? Or am I right?
It’s Training. Suck It Up & Laugh Later
The way I see it is this…
It’s winter. It’s supposed to be cold.
Unless you have a great treadmill, you either suck it up or hibernate the winter away.
Because of races, hibernation for me isn’t an option.
So the decision is made… suck it up, Buttercup.
Don’t you worry though, I’m trying to figure out a way to get this baby in our place!
But what if you are anti-cold and refuse to let your toes get chilled?
There is another way…
Do something besides running.
That’s right, believe it or not it’s possible to get a cardio workout in without running!
Actually, until I had to start training about 3 weeks ago, running had taken a backseat to other ways to get my heart pumping.
And I felt in amazing shape!
So, for the cold haters out there (you know who you are), here is a 10 minute cardio workout that will have your heart beating and your chest huffing and puffing!
10 Minute Cardio Workout
Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how many rounds you can get.
One fun surprise to this workout?
Notice that with each round, the reps change for each move. Oh yes! This makes it a bit more taxing in all the right ways.
Ready to get your workout on… inside… in the warmth of your home/gym/etc?
What temperature do you ideally love running in?
I love low 50s. There is just enough chill in the air to keep you cool but it’s warm enough for a tank top (I hate sleeves).