While I was lamenting (and making excuses) about how the polar vortex would interfere with my running over the weekend, I told my sister-in-law I couldn’t write about it until I actually went out and ran the below zero temps. You know, to brag about it. A solid 20% of the reason I do anything. Know thyself.
I did it team! Five miles in the negative wind chill and whew. My main concern was my legs. I can layer on top but I’d already felt too cold in past runs with just running leggings. I figured it out today with a baggy pair of my dad’s only running tights that fit over my normal leggings. Double layered on the bottom, thicker running shirt plus my windbreaker on top. Add in my (now routine) running cowl, hat, and running mittens (also from my dad and then work so well).
After the snow and the dropping temperatures over the weekend, I really needed to get out after staying inside and stationary for a few days. My thighs hurt from doing nothing??? I set out at the beginning of winter to run through all weather, and I’m doing my best. I’m surprised at how I can run over snow and ice as long as I pick up my feet. That I can stay warm(ish), as long as I layer. Though nothing was going to save my frosty cheeks or my icing eyelashes.
Will I do it again? Probably. Will I do it tomorrow? We’ll see. Not liking the sound of that “feels like -25 degrees.” I’ve accepted my milage is going to have to go down as we get through the back half of the winter. I guess this is why midwesterners buy treadmills. But with the sun out and my body feeling strong (if not slower over the treachours roads), I’m glad my only option was to get out my front door and go.
With Love,
Natalie