I've been sleeping on the blog for the past few weeks. I just haven't had much to write about training-wise as it's been taking a back seat to life lately. In fact, I taken the last couple weeks off from running completely as work started to pick up at the shop (couple of engine installations, clutches and transmissions), I tried to stay caught up in my Wilderness First Responder class and Katy and I got engaged! The last, of course, being the most life changing of all. We've just begun the planning so it's going to be a pretty busy year. As result, I've got alot of travelling planned and I think I'll be dropping out of some of the races I was going to do this year and just focus on non-competitive running, possibly guiding a couple running tours and staying healthy. Besides, with all the snow we've gotten here in Steamboat this year (390+" total, base: 85" @ mid-mountain, 117" @ the summit!), the trails (especially above 9000') won't be open until May/June. Furthermore, Katy has been dealing with leg issues that have kept her from running long since the Steamboat 50 last September and I want to help her get back into running far so we can do some more trails together this summer. All that said, after a 10-day layoff, I started making time this past week to get back out and log a few runs after work and get in a couple days of snowboarding.
It's still been snowy here, which is typical for March. Fortunately, the storms have been leaving good snow on the ski area and melting quickly in town. This makes running on the bike path a no-brainer, although I still don't enjoy pounding the pavement all that much. I've done a few trail runs in Whistler Park this week which have been a challenge. At this time of year, the warmer temperatures make it really easy to punch through the snow if you get off the beat-in track. It can be very difficult to locate the track if there's any new snow or if the lighting is really flat. You'll be cruising along and WHOOF! punch a leg straight through the snow to your mid-quadracep. It's like running on an invisible balance beam about 1 foot wide. It's still really fun to run but can also be a bit demoralizing trying to pull your whole leg out of the ground. I don't bother with pacing or mileage under these conditions and just wear a timer and run for an hour or so or whatever feels good. Terrain is rolling with a couple of 1/4 - 1/2 mile stretches of flat and a steep climb of 200+ vertical feet when I really want to breathe hard.
The snow-surfing continues to be epic this season. I only have 31 days at the ski area this year (my lowest number by almost half since moving here) and a couple of days in the backcountry but they've all been top shelf. Two weeks back, JD and I rode a couple hours on Sunday, in fresh powder and I managed to lose my third cell phone in three years while snowboarding. However, I told him that if that was the price I had to pay for an incredible afternoon of tree cruising than so-be-it. Yesterday, another 8 inches had fallen on the mountain and I went up with BA and JD for some fun in the sun. I was a little tired from a one hour mountain run earlier in morning but still had fun ripping it with the homies for a couple hours. Free cake, beer and sandwiches at the Paramount (Lee's son Giovanni turned 7!) concluded the day nicely. As I sit here typing, I see that it is starting to flurry again. Looks like I might have to go do it all over again (sans birthday cake)!
While life is treating me so well right now, my thoughts the past couple of weeks have often turned to the people of Japan (and other parts of the world) who are dealing with issues much larger than running, snowboarding or even getting married. My heart and hopes for better days go out to those in world who are suffering and just trying to survive. One Love.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Feb. 27 - Mar. 5
Weekly Summary - February 27 - March 5, 2011
2/27 - Sunday - Started my day by walking around Whistler Park with Benihana and Marvin. Later, I ran at least +/- 1000 vertical feet over 4.78 miles on Fish Creek Falls Trail and the Uranium Mine Trail in 1:24:25 with Bronwyn and some of her friends. Leisurely pace on snow shoe and boot packed trails with the required MicroSpikes for traction. The sun never quite came out so it stayed a little chilly. The run was adequately fueled by a delicious breakfast at The Paramount courtesy of BA's dad (Thanks, Harvey!). After the run, Bron and I discussed some possible dates for leading groups on trail runs this late spring/summer. In May, we may be able to work out something in and around Dinosaur National Monument. June through September, we've worked out a few weekends to do some short, supported runs around the Steamboat area.
2/28 - Monday - Nada. Work + school +broken timing belt on the Yota = long day.
3/1 - Tuesday - Lil' shorty run on boot packed trails around Whistler Park. A few good hills at a quick pace. 3.1 miles, 28:00, +/- couple hundred feet of vertical.
3/5 - Saturday - 5.14 miles, 44:21, road and hill loop.
3/6 - Sunday - Went snowboarding for a couple hours during the afternoon. Turned out to be my 28th day at the ski area this year. Definitely the fewest days since I moved here! A couple of inches of new snow, mid 30s for temps loosened up the base nicely. But socked in and poor visibility unless you were in the trees. Good solo shred session.
2/27 - Sunday - Started my day by walking around Whistler Park with Benihana and Marvin. Later, I ran at least +/- 1000 vertical feet over 4.78 miles on Fish Creek Falls Trail and the Uranium Mine Trail in 1:24:25 with Bronwyn and some of her friends. Leisurely pace on snow shoe and boot packed trails with the required MicroSpikes for traction. The sun never quite came out so it stayed a little chilly. The run was adequately fueled by a delicious breakfast at The Paramount courtesy of BA's dad (Thanks, Harvey!). After the run, Bron and I discussed some possible dates for leading groups on trail runs this late spring/summer. In May, we may be able to work out something in and around Dinosaur National Monument. June through September, we've worked out a few weekends to do some short, supported runs around the Steamboat area.
2/28 - Monday - Nada. Work + school +broken timing belt on the Yota = long day.
3/1 - Tuesday - Lil' shorty run on boot packed trails around Whistler Park. A few good hills at a quick pace. 3.1 miles, 28:00, +/- couple hundred feet of vertical.
3/5 - Saturday - 5.14 miles, 44:21, road and hill loop.
3/6 - Sunday - Went snowboarding for a couple hours during the afternoon. Turned out to be my 28th day at the ski area this year. Definitely the fewest days since I moved here! A couple of inches of new snow, mid 30s for temps loosened up the base nicely. But socked in and poor visibility unless you were in the trees. Good solo shred session.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Feb. 18 - Feb. 26
February 18 - 26, 2011 - Weekly Summary
2/18 - Friday - No running. Full day working and helping Jonny B. with Mina's 4Runner.
2/19 - Saturday - Nope. Happy to chill with BA and the dogs. Just straight kickin' it. It's mid/late winter. I'm not afraid to rest.
2/20 - Sunday - Light run/hike with Katy. 5.5 miles on Spring Creek, about 1:40, I think. Semi-sunny day. A really fun, snow boot pack hike. Saw a few hikers and dogs, one trail runner and Faye and Dale Baker out for a ski. It was wonderful to be back on the trail with Katy.
2/21 - Monday - Worked until 5 p.m., then went to WFR class at 6 p.m. Busy day.
2/22 - Tuesday - Left work early and decided to go snowboarding. At first, JD and I were going to go on the hill but last minute change of plans had us going up to Buffalo Pass to go snowmo-boarding with Mike and Chris Sciacca. A beautiful but cold day, with intermittent sun and some cloudiness. Each of us got 6 laps in the Exhibition area . The snow was incredible and I racked up some of the most fun powder lines I've gotten this year. Snowmobiles made getting so many laps easy. Tremendous amount of snow on Buff. My legs are shot. Feels great. Amazing day, fellas.
2/23 - Wednesday - 4.48 miles, 41:16, 9:13/mi. avg. - Nice afternoon run between work and class. Got back the results of our first exam and I aced my first test! That's right, 100%. The nerd is back!
2/24 - Thursday - Off.
2/25 - Friday - Off. Drove to Denver and back.
2/26 - Saturday - 7.77 miles, 1:21, 10:27/mi. avg. including walking. Nice, warm afternoon run in just shorts and long sleeved shirt! I'm so happy March and some warmer temperatures are near. Even if it keeps snowing, at least it won't be brutally cold. Ran the boot packed trail around Whistler Park, for starters. Then, proceeded up Bear Drive, to Ski Trail Lane and then the nice, long downhill around Mt. Werner Circle. Finished up on the bike path and rolled home and walked the dogs to cool down.
2/18 - Friday - No running. Full day working and helping Jonny B. with Mina's 4Runner.
2/19 - Saturday - Nope. Happy to chill with BA and the dogs. Just straight kickin' it. It's mid/late winter. I'm not afraid to rest.
2/20 - Sunday - Light run/hike with Katy. 5.5 miles on Spring Creek, about 1:40, I think. Semi-sunny day. A really fun, snow boot pack hike. Saw a few hikers and dogs, one trail runner and Faye and Dale Baker out for a ski. It was wonderful to be back on the trail with Katy.
2/21 - Monday - Worked until 5 p.m., then went to WFR class at 6 p.m. Busy day.
2/22 - Tuesday - Left work early and decided to go snowboarding. At first, JD and I were going to go on the hill but last minute change of plans had us going up to Buffalo Pass to go snowmo-boarding with Mike and Chris Sciacca. A beautiful but cold day, with intermittent sun and some cloudiness. Each of us got 6 laps in the Exhibition area . The snow was incredible and I racked up some of the most fun powder lines I've gotten this year. Snowmobiles made getting so many laps easy. Tremendous amount of snow on Buff. My legs are shot. Feels great. Amazing day, fellas.
2/23 - Wednesday - 4.48 miles, 41:16, 9:13/mi. avg. - Nice afternoon run between work and class. Got back the results of our first exam and I aced my first test! That's right, 100%. The nerd is back!
2/24 - Thursday - Off.
2/25 - Friday - Off. Drove to Denver and back.
2/26 - Saturday - 7.77 miles, 1:21, 10:27/mi. avg. including walking. Nice, warm afternoon run in just shorts and long sleeved shirt! I'm so happy March and some warmer temperatures are near. Even if it keeps snowing, at least it won't be brutally cold. Ran the boot packed trail around Whistler Park, for starters. Then, proceeded up Bear Drive, to Ski Trail Lane and then the nice, long downhill around Mt. Werner Circle. Finished up on the bike path and rolled home and walked the dogs to cool down.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Feb. 11 - Feb. 17
Weekly Summary - Feb. 11 - 17, 2011
2/11 - Friday - No running.
2/12 - Saturday - No running. Hiked out to Fish Creek Falls Canyon from the top of Pony Express chair and got a sick line through the trees down to the Keyhole. Snow was super deep and light. I actually overshot the entrance to the Keyhole and had to unstrap, re-ascend and traverse over about 50 - 60 yards in very deep snow to avoid getting cliffed out. A little gnarly. Went home after that short session and walked some dogs, walked more dogs, then, strapped on the splitboard and took some dogs out into the deep snow in Whistler Park. Only snowboarded one short line and just spent the time enjoying the touring and watching the dogs play.
2/13 - Sunday - No running. Went for a short tour around the park with Katy. Me on the splitty, her on cross country skis. It was super fun to just play around the park with no "workout" or "exercise" agenda even though you work up a good sweat. Katy broke the Whistler Park distance record for straight-lining on cross country skis. Sick. You had to be there. Incredibly beautiful, sunny day and even a little bit warm. No gym either as I had a few things to take care of today. School tomorrow night so probably another day off unless I leave work early.
2/14 - Monday - No running. Snowboarded with JD and Eric on a beautiful, warm, bluebird day. Super sunny and fun and fast snow. Straight maching (that's "going fast") the groomers and floating many a fun air on every available hit. I must've done a score of backside shifties and butters. It was one of those days when you feel like you're a kid again. Screaming by the tourists, going ridiculously fast and throwing snow spray in all you friends' faces. Today was my most fun non-powder day on the mountain so far this season. Big up to my riding-partners-in-crime for having so much fun with me!
2/15 - Tuesday - Light workout at the Rec. 5000m on the rowing machine, 15 minute run on treadmill, 2x100 4-count flutter kicks. Went riding with JD and Mike Sciacca for a couple hours. A little sun but not as good as yesterday. Still, fun. Snowboarding has aggravated my right Achilles tendon a bit.
2/16 - Wednesday - Nada.
2/17 - Thursday - Went to the Rec. and ran hard for 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by 3000m on the rowing machine. Then, leg press 3x30, glute/leg curls 5x10 (each leg), calf raises 3x25, pull-ups 3x5 and ye olde 4-count flutter kicks 3x75. Good.
2/11 - Friday - No running.
2/12 - Saturday - No running. Hiked out to Fish Creek Falls Canyon from the top of Pony Express chair and got a sick line through the trees down to the Keyhole. Snow was super deep and light. I actually overshot the entrance to the Keyhole and had to unstrap, re-ascend and traverse over about 50 - 60 yards in very deep snow to avoid getting cliffed out. A little gnarly. Went home after that short session and walked some dogs, walked more dogs, then, strapped on the splitboard and took some dogs out into the deep snow in Whistler Park. Only snowboarded one short line and just spent the time enjoying the touring and watching the dogs play.
2/13 - Sunday - No running. Went for a short tour around the park with Katy. Me on the splitty, her on cross country skis. It was super fun to just play around the park with no "workout" or "exercise" agenda even though you work up a good sweat. Katy broke the Whistler Park distance record for straight-lining on cross country skis. Sick. You had to be there. Incredibly beautiful, sunny day and even a little bit warm. No gym either as I had a few things to take care of today. School tomorrow night so probably another day off unless I leave work early.
2/14 - Monday - No running. Snowboarded with JD and Eric on a beautiful, warm, bluebird day. Super sunny and fun and fast snow. Straight maching (that's "going fast") the groomers and floating many a fun air on every available hit. I must've done a score of backside shifties and butters. It was one of those days when you feel like you're a kid again. Screaming by the tourists, going ridiculously fast and throwing snow spray in all you friends' faces. Today was my most fun non-powder day on the mountain so far this season. Big up to my riding-partners-in-crime for having so much fun with me!
2/15 - Tuesday - Light workout at the Rec. 5000m on the rowing machine, 15 minute run on treadmill, 2x100 4-count flutter kicks. Went riding with JD and Mike Sciacca for a couple hours. A little sun but not as good as yesterday. Still, fun. Snowboarding has aggravated my right Achilles tendon a bit.
2/16 - Wednesday - Nada.
2/17 - Thursday - Went to the Rec. and ran hard for 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by 3000m on the rowing machine. Then, leg press 3x30, glute/leg curls 5x10 (each leg), calf raises 3x25, pull-ups 3x5 and ye olde 4-count flutter kicks 3x75. Good.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Feb. 3 - Feb. 10
Weekly Summary - February 3 - 10, 2011
2/3 -Thursday - Off work at noon to put new spark plugs in my ice block of a truck. Back to back nights of -20F killed my truck and my desire to run outside. Ran and rowed at the Rec Center for 1:15, followed by a one-hour weight and calesthenic workout. Soaked in the hot springs for about 10 minutes afterward. A little lackluster, I could've run outside today. Probably should have done at least the requiste 5.5 on Spring Creek but whatever.
2/4 - Friday - Off at 10:40 a.m. So slow at the shop. Another cold day, but nothing like the past couple. It felt like it was in the teens, maybe 20F, and overcast when I went for a run at 1 p.m. Ran the snowpacked bike path from the house to the library downtown before weaving my way back through town. Light snow fall during the run was nice. Ran back a little longer way, (super glad I had Microspikes as there was tons of ice everywhere) past the Medical Center, around Mt. Werner Circle and then a little extra in Whistler Park at the end to make my run 12 miles, 2:04. Pace was slow and easy the entire run (9:00 - 12:00/mile).
2/5 - Saturday - No running. It started snowing again. Rode a few hours solo-style. Good, deep snow and I got plenty of fresh. Later, I soaked at the hot springs for about 10 minutes before I went to the gym and rowed for about half an hour (5000m with 3x500m hard intervals). Then, did 3x30 leg lifts, extensions, thigh abduction/induction, curls, calf raises, 10 pull ups and 2x100 flutter kicks.
2/6 - Sunday - No running. 18" of new snow equals Powder Day in the 'Boat. Snowboarded with BA for several hours, getting some very sweet lines. My best ever through Land of the Little People and some really great lower mountain tree runs. Straight lining Storm Face and then launching cat tracks on Twister was super fun as was straight powder shredding Ted's Ridge. Very nice. Even took a break midday to have lunch and couple beers at The Paramount, Lee and Suzy's new place next to Slopeside. An interesting evening, as well, made this a memorable day amidst a very weird time in my life.
2/7 - Monday - No running. Off. Got school tonight. It's been snowing all day but I'm not going to ride, just not that motivated.
2/8 - Tuesday - Ran about 45 minutes on the treadmill with 10 minutes of cool down. Cross country setting at 7:30 - 9:00/mile. Leg curls (3x10 each leg) and leg extensions (3x30), hot springs soak. Shorty workout. Missed an epic day on the hill but oh well. Legs feel good. Very slight tenderness in left soleus.
2/9 - Wednesday - Taking it day by day. I've got school tonight. We'll see if there's any work...don't feel like running, anyway. Walking the dogs was the only real activity today. Legs feel good. Most noticable issue as I sit here is a little tightness in my left plantar. I should stretch.
2/10 - Thursday - No work in the morning so I took the dogs for a nice hike around Whistler Park in the frigid morning air. Two huge bull elk were laying in the park I went to the hot springs and soaked for 10 minutes before suiting up for a run up Spring Creek. Broke trail in knee deep (8-12") snow for the last 100' vertical and quarter mile before the turnaround. I was really huffing in that section. Nearly impossible to keep running the entire time. With alot on my mind, this was a hard run and I was glad to be alone in the woods for a little while. I was running so hard, listening to my breath and my traction crunch on the snow, when I stopped at one point. I got quiet and realized that I was the only thing in the forest that was making a sound. Everything was so still, silent and snow covered it really made me feel out of place for a second. In a cool way, though. 5.5 miles on a snowy boot pack in 1:08.14. Opted to not work out afterwards.
2/3 -Thursday - Off work at noon to put new spark plugs in my ice block of a truck. Back to back nights of -20F killed my truck and my desire to run outside. Ran and rowed at the Rec Center for 1:15, followed by a one-hour weight and calesthenic workout. Soaked in the hot springs for about 10 minutes afterward. A little lackluster, I could've run outside today. Probably should have done at least the requiste 5.5 on Spring Creek but whatever.
2/4 - Friday - Off at 10:40 a.m. So slow at the shop. Another cold day, but nothing like the past couple. It felt like it was in the teens, maybe 20F, and overcast when I went for a run at 1 p.m. Ran the snowpacked bike path from the house to the library downtown before weaving my way back through town. Light snow fall during the run was nice. Ran back a little longer way, (super glad I had Microspikes as there was tons of ice everywhere) past the Medical Center, around Mt. Werner Circle and then a little extra in Whistler Park at the end to make my run 12 miles, 2:04. Pace was slow and easy the entire run (9:00 - 12:00/mile).
2/5 - Saturday - No running. It started snowing again. Rode a few hours solo-style. Good, deep snow and I got plenty of fresh. Later, I soaked at the hot springs for about 10 minutes before I went to the gym and rowed for about half an hour (5000m with 3x500m hard intervals). Then, did 3x30 leg lifts, extensions, thigh abduction/induction, curls, calf raises, 10 pull ups and 2x100 flutter kicks.
2/6 - Sunday - No running. 18" of new snow equals Powder Day in the 'Boat. Snowboarded with BA for several hours, getting some very sweet lines. My best ever through Land of the Little People and some really great lower mountain tree runs. Straight lining Storm Face and then launching cat tracks on Twister was super fun as was straight powder shredding Ted's Ridge. Very nice. Even took a break midday to have lunch and couple beers at The Paramount, Lee and Suzy's new place next to Slopeside. An interesting evening, as well, made this a memorable day amidst a very weird time in my life.
2/7 - Monday - No running. Off. Got school tonight. It's been snowing all day but I'm not going to ride, just not that motivated.
2/8 - Tuesday - Ran about 45 minutes on the treadmill with 10 minutes of cool down. Cross country setting at 7:30 - 9:00/mile. Leg curls (3x10 each leg) and leg extensions (3x30), hot springs soak. Shorty workout. Missed an epic day on the hill but oh well. Legs feel good. Very slight tenderness in left soleus.
2/9 - Wednesday - Taking it day by day. I've got school tonight. We'll see if there's any work...don't feel like running, anyway. Walking the dogs was the only real activity today. Legs feel good. Most noticable issue as I sit here is a little tightness in my left plantar. I should stretch.
2/10 - Thursday - No work in the morning so I took the dogs for a nice hike around Whistler Park in the frigid morning air. Two huge bull elk were laying in the park I went to the hot springs and soaked for 10 minutes before suiting up for a run up Spring Creek. Broke trail in knee deep (8-12") snow for the last 100' vertical and quarter mile before the turnaround. I was really huffing in that section. Nearly impossible to keep running the entire time. With alot on my mind, this was a hard run and I was glad to be alone in the woods for a little while. I was running so hard, listening to my breath and my traction crunch on the snow, when I stopped at one point. I got quiet and realized that I was the only thing in the forest that was making a sound. Everything was so still, silent and snow covered it really made me feel out of place for a second. In a cool way, though. 5.5 miles on a snowy boot pack in 1:08.14. Opted to not work out afterwards.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
2/2/11
In the past few weeks, I've actually had some good workouts and running to report about. I've been able to run on a somewhat consistant basis despite working (some), moving and starting a new class (Wilderness First Responder) at Colorado Mountain College a couple of nights a week. I've been mostly running the snowpacked Spring Creek trail up to a private property sign about 300' up the last ridge. From the Steamboat Springs Rec Center, it's a 5.5 mile out and back. Footing can be dicey in spots even with the use of Kahtoola MicroSpikes on the way in but the descent is super fun. I've run it in all conditions from solid foot packing to 6" of fresh snow and it's always tough yet rewarding. Last week, I did get in an 11 mile run on the bike path, my longest run of the winter. Honestly, it's been so snowy and, more recently, COLD, that I don't really want my runs to last longer than 90 minutes. After an hour, I just start feeling stupid for being out in the cold darkness. I suppose I'd want to stay out alot longer if I was running in the sunshine.
After running, I've still been going to the gym to work legs, abs and my back. I only do high repetions (30+) in sets of 3 or 4, with relatively light weight. I make sure it is still difficult to finish each set by either extending the number of repetions or by doing negatives until I'm fatigued. I've been going 3 -4 times a week for the last 6 weeks. It feels like it is paying off and finally strengthening areas where I've had lasting problems (left soleus muscle, right achilles tendon, left plantar and right upper hamstring), as they really aren't giving me any problems as of the past week.
In order to start looking ahead to the Spring, I've just registered for some races for the upcoming season. Today, I added the Desert R.A.T.S. Running Festival (half-marathon) on April 15th (Mom's birthday!) to my schedule. I also registered to run the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run (25 miles) for the second year in a row. Sounds like Christian wants to roll down to Buena Vista again. Hopefully, it won't be snowing on May 7th.
After running, I've still been going to the gym to work legs, abs and my back. I only do high repetions (30+) in sets of 3 or 4, with relatively light weight. I make sure it is still difficult to finish each set by either extending the number of repetions or by doing negatives until I'm fatigued. I've been going 3 -4 times a week for the last 6 weeks. It feels like it is paying off and finally strengthening areas where I've had lasting problems (left soleus muscle, right achilles tendon, left plantar and right upper hamstring), as they really aren't giving me any problems as of the past week.
In order to start looking ahead to the Spring, I've just registered for some races for the upcoming season. Today, I added the Desert R.A.T.S. Running Festival (half-marathon) on April 15th (Mom's birthday!) to my schedule. I also registered to run the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run (25 miles) for the second year in a row. Sounds like Christian wants to roll down to Buena Vista again. Hopefully, it won't be snowing on May 7th.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Winterize it.
Recently, I've been asked by a couple people who know that I love to run, whether or not I am still running now that winter has a full-on grip on the Yampa Valley. This is a completely valid question because winter in Steamboat means very short days, frigid temperatures and copious amounts of snow. (They don't call this place Ski Town, USA, for nothing.) To be sure, these are some serious obstacles to overcome and I can understand why anyone, particularly non-runners, would think that somebody was crazy, or just plain stupid, for wanting to go out when conditions get so gnarly.
The short answer is, of course, yes, I run all winter long. (Usually, this is where people roll their eyes and walk away, satisfied in knowing that I am an idiot who loves to punish himself.) I've tried to elaborate on the reasons but even if they are a little fascinated by my mental illness, it seems that most just can't fathom why someone would purposefully make themselves uncomfortable. The reasons will vary for each runner, but for me, it boils down mainly to adventure and lifestyle.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Noah, who has a great running blog called "Moore on Running, wrote about how every run instills a sense of adventure in him and this drives him to go on that run and look forward to the next. I don't think he could have been more right about this. No matter what the conditions or location, going for that run is a step into the unknown. A good run, I like to think, is not just a physical experience but a mental one as well. There will be motion and also, emotion. At some point in a run, you may feel frustrated and angry because you aren't as smooth or as fast as you would like to be only to have that replaced with the elation of finding your stride and cruising along somewhat effortlessly. Running teaches us to push through tough times in our life, to keep striving and work hard to get where we want to go. It doesn't really matter how fast or far you go. Those are self-imposed limits. Just that you went out and MADE yourself move forward. Maybe at a time when you didn't particularly want to. Still, you did. And because you chose to, in that moment, you controlled your life, your destiny. At the end, it reveals the result of putting in that work and the adventure of getting where you otherwise would not have gone.
In the winter, it's easy to look at the weather and think about how hard it's going to be running in the cold and snow. Instead, I look at it as an opportunity to prepare for my run (life) in a different way because the challenges will be a little bit different. Then, I will take pleasure in how running is different in the winter compared to the warm months. How the mental and physical challenges are different. I don't get to just throw on my shorts, shirt and shoes. Instead, I layer in breathable, moisture-wicking material, put traction on my feet and a headlamp to guide my way. I relish the solitude I will find on a snow-packed trail, a chance to listen to my feet crunch on the snow and my breath push and pull cold air into my lungs. It doesn't matter if I am just running or just hiking. As long as I am moving. The world outside my light beam falls away and all that matters is a little forward motion.
The short answer is, of course, yes, I run all winter long. (Usually, this is where people roll their eyes and walk away, satisfied in knowing that I am an idiot who loves to punish himself.) I've tried to elaborate on the reasons but even if they are a little fascinated by my mental illness, it seems that most just can't fathom why someone would purposefully make themselves uncomfortable. The reasons will vary for each runner, but for me, it boils down mainly to adventure and lifestyle.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Noah, who has a great running blog called "Moore on Running, wrote about how every run instills a sense of adventure in him and this drives him to go on that run and look forward to the next. I don't think he could have been more right about this. No matter what the conditions or location, going for that run is a step into the unknown. A good run, I like to think, is not just a physical experience but a mental one as well. There will be motion and also, emotion. At some point in a run, you may feel frustrated and angry because you aren't as smooth or as fast as you would like to be only to have that replaced with the elation of finding your stride and cruising along somewhat effortlessly. Running teaches us to push through tough times in our life, to keep striving and work hard to get where we want to go. It doesn't really matter how fast or far you go. Those are self-imposed limits. Just that you went out and MADE yourself move forward. Maybe at a time when you didn't particularly want to. Still, you did. And because you chose to, in that moment, you controlled your life, your destiny. At the end, it reveals the result of putting in that work and the adventure of getting where you otherwise would not have gone.
In the winter, it's easy to look at the weather and think about how hard it's going to be running in the cold and snow. Instead, I look at it as an opportunity to prepare for my run (life) in a different way because the challenges will be a little bit different. Then, I will take pleasure in how running is different in the winter compared to the warm months. How the mental and physical challenges are different. I don't get to just throw on my shorts, shirt and shoes. Instead, I layer in breathable, moisture-wicking material, put traction on my feet and a headlamp to guide my way. I relish the solitude I will find on a snow-packed trail, a chance to listen to my feet crunch on the snow and my breath push and pull cold air into my lungs. It doesn't matter if I am just running or just hiking. As long as I am moving. The world outside my light beam falls away and all that matters is a little forward motion.
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