There are five phases to winter running, which, coincidentally, could be applied to the South Dakota winter in a broader sense.
#1 — The Anticipation
By October, the idea of running in shorts and sports bra gets shelved for about seven months and we start digging into the cool weather gear. At this point, the change in weather is welcome.
For a brief moment in time, we are suspended between summer's unrelenting heat and winter's harsh, biting cold. We run giddy in the slight chill of the autumn air, ignoring what lies ahead.
#2 — The Start
In another four to six weeks, we begin the descent into winter hell. A delusional mindset keeps us from running for the southern border. We kid ourselves that the looming temperature drops, brutal winds and snowbound roads are not so bad.
This is where group running becomes essential. As long as someone else thinks like me, I can't be crazy.
#3 The Deep Freeze
The holidays boost the spirit, keep us festive and divert the focus from what is really going on — cold, cold and more cold. But, we soldier on and hang tough.
The mantras are plentiful and roll off the tongue with ease: We can do this. It's not so bad. The cold kills germs. This is why we don't get sick. Get the wind over with first. We'll feel good when we're done. Now we can eat.
#4 The Deep End
This morning, the thermometer reads -13. It's New Year's Eve and the holidays are effectively done. Nothing to look forward to except eight more weeks of damn, depressing, frigid cold.
Sure, it's -13, but options are slim picking. Either go run or go crazy.
We have been running on snow-packed roads for three weeks. Not a patch of dry pavement in sight. There is no traction. Strides shorten and evolve into a run/skate motion. Every muscle fiber contracts and refuses to loosen.
We report for the daily run whining about the weather, nursing aching joints and kneading tight hamstrings. So much for camaraderie. If there's an excuse, it's a ticket out of this hell.
#5 March
A slight hint of a barely visible light at the end of a very long, miserable, God-forsaken journey.
4 comments:
CRAZY!!!! I decided not to run this morning because it was pushing 55 degrees....tomorrow I have NO excuse.
Oh my God!! 55 degrees??!! Walk out your door right now and go on a run for me!!
You are totally insane ... certifiable! I barely remember what that sort of cold feels like ... 85 here today and off for a run soon.
Wow!
Hope you enjoyed your run, Tara! The heat sounds splendid. Sitting here in the midst of yet another swirling blizzard. Not too much snow falling, just lots of wind blowing what's already here.
Good thing we got out at 8 am, when we did. It was 28 and seemed so warm. But, the roads were full of snow and slush, so that detracted from the experience!
Post a Comment