It was just this past summer I developed a new-found love for running. It has slowly become a healthy habit that I enjoy which does not involve a glass of red wine. However, as late fall arrived, so did the cold weather. I made a pact with myself that I would not let the cold weather defeat me. I would embrace the onslaught of this cold winter and run my little heart out.
I decided the best way to stay motivated was to sign-up for a Running Room Clinic. Once a week, a group of us meet up for a discussion on running, and then go for a group run. It is this group run which has kept me motivated to maintain my daily runs and to meet my goal to participate in the New Years Day Resolution Run.
Nop! It's not a Ninja! Just me...
Unfortunately,this last week, the cold weather has hit with a vengeance. But lucky for me - I have been drinking the Running Room kool-aid! I was unsure if I could run in -20 degree weather but our instructor ensured us with the right gear – you can do it!
So, one balaclava, one pair of technical wool socks, one pair of thermal lined mittens, and two base layers of thermal clothing later. I was ready to hit the snowy trails!
At first, I was skeptical that I wouldn’t be warm enough, fearful of frost bite, and admit defeat to mother nature. But after the first ten minutes into my run…I was sweating! I wondered to myself, how could I have possibly over dressed in -24 degree weather? But I did! I was pleased that I could run 5km in comfort.
I loved every minute of it! It was just me and the open trail. I thought I would be shivering, cranky, but the peace of this cold morning’s run brought me inner contentment. I was able to enjoy the snow-covered trees, frosty blue sky,and clear my head from the stress of the week. It’s the quiet moments, when there is not a soul around, you begin to appreciate the silence, and rejuvenate your spirit.
I know, to the passers-by in their vehicles, I may look like a slow-moving ninja. But too me every penny spent on cold weather gear was worth it! Lookout resolution run! Here I come!
It is this simple recipe that I now make for my kids! We enjoy it when the air is cold, the snow has fallen, and take comfort in its warmth. It is the warmth my Mother once filled me with after time spent playing in a winter wonderland.
