Much of the U.S. is frozen right now, including Colorado. I am trying to have a good attitude about peaking with my marathon training in the middle of January when the conditions suck balls. I have become very grateful for the freezing temperatures and horrid running conditions, and here’s why.
1. Torture devices like Yak Traks make my shoes look even cooler
2. Great photo ops for Heidi
3. When I run out of ice cream I can just go outside, grab a handful of the white stuff and whip up my own treat
4. I can worry even more about my 16 year old newly licensed son driving
5. I have saved $567 in sunscreen this winter since the only exposed skin is my face.
6. No need for blush because my face is always 95 shades redder than normal
7. The cold produces more mucus (FYI: this is because the nose tries its best to warm up the cold air you breathe before sending it to the lungs. Tiny blood vessels inside your nostrils open wider, helping to warm up that air. But that extra blood flow leads to more mucus production. Don’t say I never taught you anything). Therefore, I have perfected the art of the snot rocket and plan on doing a tutorial on it and making a ton of money.
8. I can use up that huge box of hand warmers I got at Costco
9. No need to put ice in my water bottles
10. When cold, Shot Bloks, Sports Beans and GU Chomps get so hard they give my jaw much needed exercise
In all seriousness, I have run so much in this crap that it has really tested me mentally and physically. Snow running is incredibly challenging and uses different muscle groups because you are working to stabilize yourself. I swear that every step in snow requires twice the exertion of every step without snow. Resistance training at its best!
I had no idea how much stronger it was making me to run in the wind and snow until I got on the treadmill yesterday to do intervals. What was tough for me only a few short weeks ago, now feels almost easy. So, thank you mother f&cking snow, wind, ice and single digits.
I am a believer in not letting the cold and snow keep me inside. Unless it is icy, there is no need to head inside or to skip a workout. C’mon you pussies. Get out there. If I can, you can. For 10 tips on running in the cold, go HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What’s the weather like where you are today? Here it was sunny with a high of 30. Not too bad, but more snow tomorrow.
Do you head indoors when it’s cold or do you tough it out? You know my answer.
Favorite piece of winter weather running gear? For really cold days, my favorite piece of gear is this jacket from Target. I wear it when it’s under 20 degrees.
SUAR