Saturday, January 26, 2013

Winter Runner-Land


A comment a writing friend of mine posted on FaceBook prompted me to write this post. He stated that three of his friends had posted something about running today. He proceeded to say that people who run in the cold and snow are “Cray, Cray.” (Cray , Cray = Crazy, for those of you, like me, who did not what this meant.) I had a good chuckle when I read it, and I proceeded to respond by telling him Runner’s thought people who would waste a perfectly beautiful day like today (25 degrees Fahrenheit and snowing) by sitting inside were crazy. (I am not hip and therefore, am not able to use words like Cray, Cray.) Ron’s a good guy and we share a lot of banter on the old FB. 

I get that non-runners don’t understand that why we subject ourselves to the coldest of temperatures during our winter training. There is something so exhilarating about running in the cold. Maybe it’s because it defies conventional wisdom to run in these conditions. I can’t say for sure; but, as soon as I hear the weather is going to be cold AND the forecast is calling for snow, I want to strap on my running shoes and get out there. In reality, once you are out there and moving, it really isn’t that bad. I was actually too hot today with three layers on top; I really only needed two. North Park is always hard to gauge. You never know what the wind off of the lake is going to be like.  When the wind kicks-up, it gets downright frigid. 

I do have to say that today really was a beautiful day. The air was crisp with a light snow flurry. I had some tunes on, and I was on my way. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

North Park
 Just look at the happy face on that handsome gent. I can't wait until it gets a little colder. Frosty-beard running is the best. If you don't know I am talking about, pray for some colder temps.

Happy Runner