I've noticed a few things on my runs around town lately. Santa Clauses and snowflakes, little pine trees and hints of Christmas lights. I've also noticed the temperature dropping more and more rapidly and the darkness creeping in a little earlier each evening.
It makes for an interesting run!
In my town, not all of the sidewalks are smooth and even. Since fall came late this year, the leaves have taken their time falling from the trees and not everyone has taken the time to sweep these little crunchy pieces of color from the front of their houses, hiding the hidden 1 inch raised piece of concrete that threatens to take my stride and cause me to do a head dive towards the cold concrete. Even if I don't experience a meeting of flesh and mortar, it still messes up the rest of my run. A stumble for me causes my confidence to falter and wane, I'm more cautious with every foot plant and find myself struggling to get back into a breathing rhythm. It's just not a fun place for me to be.
This said, I know that regardless of the hidden pitfalls that await and the chillier temperatures-- there's really no other way around it-- I still have to run! I've gotten really adept at layering over the years of running-- long sleeve tech shirt, cotton t-shirt, 3/4 zip wind jacket and fleece vest with a pair of tights usually handles most temperatures from 30-40 degrees. A little more for chillier and a little less for warmer. The biggest thing for me is keeping my ears covered in temps. that fall below 50 degrees. I always feel a little silly when I'm wearing tights, a short sleeved t-shirt and vest and yes-- having a fleece headband on. Without that band though, once the wind hits my ears it sends shooting pain to my head and once again-- not a fun place to be.
I've been watching the weather recently with the big "A Christmas Story" run coming up and I have to admit that though I've dressed for temperatures in the tens and twenties and been happy as a lark-- the threat of lake effect snow and blowing winds is a little daunting. I've got my ever faithful Yak Trakkers that will help me keep my footing in ice or snow, my layers that should protect me against the wind that will be blowing across the lake and I'm guessing that a hat will also be thrown into the items to pack just in case the weather decides to take a turn for sub-zero temperatures. I'm ready for this race, it's just getting to that first step.
Recently I was asked how I stay motivated to run in these kind of crazy cold temperatures. My answer is very simple, "I just do it." Oh, I complain and moan about the wind and the rain and the sleet and the... well, I could go on forever, but as I'm complaining-- I'm putting on tights, the layers, lacing up my shoes and getting myself out that door as quickly as I can. Sometimes when it's cold I don't make the entire route without walking a bit but I will say that when it is cold-- it's sometimes more motivating to run. Why? You want to get the heck finished so you can get back in where it's warm!
That's all I have to say for today in the perils and pitfalls of late fall running. I want to wish all of my fellow runners out there a very Happy Thanksgiving and see you on the trail!
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