Recently, I caught a post that read
something to the effect of, “if you’re in a running funk, go outside and run in
challenging/harsh weather….that will make you feel badass”. I wish I could remember who posted, so I could
thank them properly. Today was that day
for me.
Enter…challenging/harsh weather:
I’ve been struggling with my Monday through
Friday running schedule, which hasn't helped my fitness or my confidence. Long commutes,
trainings/meetings, long commutes. Rinse
and repeat. I can most certainly jump on
my treadmill when I eventually return home, but by 7:00 pm, I’m toast. I did get two stints on the treadmill this
week, in preparation for my long run today.
Then I awoke to the frigid weather.
No fear….layers are here!
I layered up tops, bottoms, and even put
the fleece inserts in my mittens.
Facemask, new winter hat, and some additional face protection (lube) rounded
out the preparation. I had a course
charted that would keep me fairly close to home at all times. I’m not usually a “cut my run short” girl,
but I like to be cautious with that anyway.
Before any over thinking could take place, I took off. First loop:
six miles. Second loop: eight miles.
It took me two miles to warm up. Not too bad.
Somewhere in mile three, I saw another runner. Yay, I thought, I’m not the only crazy runner out
today! Runner wave, quick hello, and
probably each thought the other was completely badass. Yes, I’ve trained my inner voice very well. As I finished up the first six miles, I
continued on past my house – definitely had no intention of stopping for any
reason. Just too cold! Now I had the eight mile loop to contend
with.
Most of my run was honestly OK. I was cold at times, but I had layered well
and my facemask did its job. It froze
up, creating a nice “face cave’ for me.
My fingers and toes had completely warmed up and were in it for the long
haul. The wind was sporadic, but usually
I had some protection. Usually.
During miles nine to ten-ish, I stumbled
upon all of the wind tunnel areas (no protection, sheer wind, brrr). I got very cold again and just worked hard to
keep my pace and keep warm-ish. I wasn’t going fast, but
figured the faster I ran, the faster I got home, and the faster I could warm
up. During these miles, I also got a
little tired and hungry. I had packed a
second GU (took one at mile five), but seriously, I was just too cold to deal
with opening the bloody thing! By now,
my Gatorade had developed into a “frozen margarita” consistency. Alcohol…hmm, that surely would’ve warmed me
up. Note to self.
All in all, I describe this fourteen miler
as a “comfortably uncomfortable” run. The
cold and wind were harsh and uncomfortable.
The frozen Gatorade a slight annoyance.
But not the worst run I’ve ever had. A
combination of preparing physically (i.e. layering up) and preparing
mentally (i.e. getting my brain around the cold) was the key to today’s
successful run. And the key to
strengthening my “badass runner” image. I’m comfortable with that.
