I’m not going to complain about the fact that it is colder in Colorado tonight than it has been in our state on this date for the past 100 years (-13 tonight).
I am not going to f-ing complain about the fact that I tried to run outside and had to turn around after one mile. I am not going to bitch about how my butt froze through my tights (really it did. It was like one big ass cube. Get it? ASS CUBE!). I lost feeling in my feet and my face became dangerously close to being frostbitten (for some reason I don’t really want to walk around with a face that is chronically black from frostbite, no matter how much I do love to run).
Our poor exchange student is from a warm island off the coast of Barcelona. He does not know what has hit him. Emma asked if he wanted to go sledding and he said “what is sledding?” It is fun to be part of all of these “firsts” for him although I do fear that despite 45 showers a day he will never warm up again.
On a different note, why didn’t anyone tell me Kara Goucher moved back to Boulder? I can’t believe she didn’t call to tell me. I had to read about it in Women’s Running magazine. Here she is running one of my favorite routes today. Clearly she is tougher than I am, but we all knew that:
For those of you also experiencing this polar asshole vortex, here are some tips for running in the cold (from one of my 2012 posts):
1. Be grateful: Stop your whining and remember that you can run. You get to run. There are many people too sick, disabled or injured to do what you are complaining about. Some people would kill to go just one mile in your frozen shoes. So, adjust your attitude fool!
2. Know that cold is easier than hot: Running in the cold can actually be less taxing on your body than running in the heat. Your body doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down and this can increase performance and energy.
3. Sleep in your clothes: If you are really desperate, sleep in your running tights and base layer. That way you don’t have to go through the extra step of getting undressed and dressed in the morning. You might get up easier, but I’m not promising this will do wonders for your sex life.
4. Get the right gear: Not only should you make sure you’ve got the correct cold weather gear for your climate (see HERE for some guidelines), but treat yourself to a new, fun, sassy running item (thongs might be inadvisable). Maybe this will make getting dressed and hitting the road a bit easier.
5. Have someone waiting on you: I’ve said it before, but there is almost no better motivation than to know someone or a group is waiting for you to show up for a run. Do you really want to be the pussy of the group?
6. Have a warm reward: Know that after your cold run, you will treat yourself to something toasty and warm like a latte, a hot bath or a cup of tea by the fire.
7. Remember the bad-ass effect: Not everyone runs when it’s cold outside. It takes stamina, balls and determination. Tell yourself that every car that passes you is impressed by your fortitude. You may be lying to yourself, but at least it can provide temporary motivation.
8. Know you’ll be less SAD: Research has shown that running in the cold can actually reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Running can release feel good hormones that stave off depression, decrease anxiety and promote a general feeling of contentment.
9. Let your goal stare you in the face: If you are training for something, want to lose weight, or are simply just trying to stay in shape, write your goal down on a sticky note and put it on your alarm clock or bathroom mirror. Sometimes these little powers of suggestion can be the extra push you need.
10. Sign up: There are all kinds of short races throughout the winter time – Peppermint Schnapps 10Ks and Freeze Your Ass Off 5 Milers. Sign up for one just to keep your head in the game.
What are your tips cold weather running?
Who is the most famous person that lives in your town or close to you? I have no clue – Kara Goucher and I think Miranda Carfrae lives somewhere around here too.
Would you rather run in extreme hot or cold? I’ll take hot.
Now I’m off to watch Survivor because they are at the warm beach even if they are dehydrated, bitchy and starving.
SUAR
