I didn’t run this past week. I wanted to give my body some rest (particularly the ride side of my body.) I was jealous of all those runners that I drove my during the course of my day. I was very tempted to don some sneakers but I had to stay true to my healing plan. I decided to take the week off and then get back into the run of things on the weekend.
Instead I went to crossfit three times, mobility and yoga (twice). See I wasn’t completely lazy. It was a tiring week actually. I had a few more doctor appointments and a lot on my plate at work. I was really looking forward to my weekend runs.
Saturday brought the perfect running weather – not too hot and not too cold. I ran a cool 10K which included some crazy hill repeats. I was happy to find that my right leg did not cry on the downhills. Whoo hoo! Rest and recovery does help!
Sunday brought the winter. (It’s still snowing as I read this. ) Everyone has been playing their bets on when it would arrive for days. Well it’s here. I am so glad that I got one last run in before the snow came. It’s not that cold … yet. For that I am thankful.
Last winter was so challenging for me as a runner. The province was blasted with a record snowfall which just threw everything in the city in complete chaos. The roads (which barely get plowed fast enough) in a typical season were a complete and utter mess. The sidewalks and trails (last on the priority list) were bloody awful. My training suffered tremendously. It’s so tough to run in these conditions. I can handle the cold but I cannot run in three-feet deep snow. Talk about being frustrated.
(I do not have a treadmill so running outside is my only option. I could get another gym membership but I already pay a lot for crossfit each month)
But with all being said, I am trying to stay positive and look on the bright side. It’s all about perspective right? I am looking forward to giving Bikram yoga a go this winter and concentrating a little more on crossfit.
How do you stay motivated and positive in the winter months?
This will be my first year running through the winter. My options are limited for getting fitness is and running outside is free so I gotta stick with it. I'm going to need all the motivation and help getting through the winter that I can!!
I hear ya!
Another great blog Crystal! I have enablers that are always ready to go. Even though I cut my distance, I keep it fun by practicing with my poles in snow trails or running trails that are not accessible during the winter months. I also increase the yoga and movement classes in January/February- my body is not designed to do hypodermic halfs. The weather makes me take that well deserved break that the experts call for.
I love good enablers 🙂
Yesterday…as the snow was flying…was the first time I asked myself why I signed up for a January marathon. I remember the pathways in Calgary being really icy and it felt like they did a terrible job keeping them clear compared to previous years. Last year I discovered the Calgary Road Runners XC series and that was a great way to mix things up. Trails, snow and ice with microspikes for traction? That was a great alternative to the same icy pathway over and over.
May have to look into them too. Thanks.
Last year was the worst we've had here in London as far as temps and snow amounts went, but I probably ran more then than I did this past summer! The city did a pretty good job of keeping the sidewalks plowed and/or sanded and it was so cold for the whole winter that we didn't experience the freeze/thaw thing which makes running really treacherous. I sort of saw running as a challenge, putting on the cold weather gear almost made me feel like a knight or a soldier going out to do battle. Certainly set me apart from my friends and co-workers! After LAST winter, there ain't no stopping me THIS winter!
You go guy! lol
Seems like just yesterday that I read some comments about no snow in Red Deer… 😉 Guess it had to happen eventually!! I generally will run in anything and everything, I do have a treadmill and if it's a short run, or maybe 1-2 times a week I'll wimp out and use the treadmill, but for the most part I will run outside. Occasionally for a long run I will also pay for a drop in at a track and run in circles till I'm dizzy :-p I think this winter my RP and I are going to try to run some trails over the winter and see if we can't keep ourselves interested that way. Let me know if you're in Calgary, you're welcome to join us!
That would be great!
Most boring last winter was running back and forth on the same few bits of clear path or road, but I got my kms in.
Registering for a goal race next year is usually enough motivation.
True enough!
The coming winter can bring all sorts of anxiety for those of us who have to drive through snow and ice.