33F
Yesterday at lunch, it was 33°F. It was cloudy, but the winds were calm. There was still snow on the ground, but the sidewalks had long since been cleared. A few random flakes fell from the sky.
The temperature reminded me of an October day in 2001, when I ran my second marathon here in Chicago. It was crisp and cold and, if I’m honest, perfect (for me) weather to run a long-distance race. I ran my own PR (personal record) that day.
There was a time when I would run in almost any weather. I remember going for a 6-mile run along the lakefront on a windy, snowy day. The temperature must have been around 10°F. Ice crystals formed on my eye lashes, in my nose, on my face. It was after that run that I established some limits on the kinds of weather I’ll run through. I’ve slowly added limitation upon limitation to that list. These days, it must be above freezing before I’ll head outside.
Yesterday, in a sort of impromptu move, I decided it would be the perfect day to kick off my own personal outdoor running season. Since I started working at home a few days a week, my outdoor running season typically consists of 3-mile runs at lunch with SoMi, slightly longer runs around 4 miles after work (with or without the pooch) and potentially much longer runs on the weekend (6-15 miles) sans dog.
So, as I pulled on my fleece pants and my wind-resistant jacket. As I tugged my hat down around my ears and threw on some gloves. I also prepared myself for a less-than-perfect run. My first run outside since November. SoMi’s first run at all in many months. Who knows how our bodies would react. But, less than perfect would be a-ok. The point was to get out there. And get started.
To my surprise, SoMi did remarkably well. She didn’t start to complain (suddenly stop to smell the ground, i.e., take a break and procrastinate) until Mile 2. And even then, she only needed a few moments to collect herself before she began trotting again. The cold air was as good for her as it was for me. She didn’t pant hardly at all. And when we got home? After I gave her a few treats? She proceeded to pass out like a champ.
She did it. We did it. Let the outdoor running season commence.
What are your limits for what you will and won’t do outside?
You know I’m hosting that giveaway, right? Have you entered yet? What on earth are you waiting for? Do it. Now!
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:52 am
I don’t get a chance to run outisde anymore but before kids I used to be a weather wimp. I don’t like running in very cold weather, it makes me cough. But you know what is funny? The last couple of days have felt super warm to me even though they were only in the 30′s. I wore a light coat at the bus stop and everything.
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:52 am
Oh! And I meant to say that I am happy your run went well. It feels so good to know spring is actually coming and being outside won’t be so painful soon.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:13 am
You know how you said “sidewalks had long since been cleared?” Yeah, that made me very jealous. We had to wait for the sun and slightly higher temperatures for that to happen and there’s STILL snow on the ground.
I do really admire your always wanting to run outside. I wish I had that too but I really don’t. I actually love walking long distances but only in sunny, warm weather. Matt and I will usually do so when spring and summer come around! (I hope they come around this year.)
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 am
I am glad that you were able to get out and run with SoMi yesterday. On Monday the weather here hovered around 32, 34 degrees which felt almost tropical. I dont run, but because the sun was still shining when I was done with work, I grabbed the dog and took her to our towns school complex (because too many of the sidewalks in town are still snow/ice covered) and we walked a little while before the sun started to dip down behind the hills. It felt great to get out and breathe in some fresh air.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 am
i’m terrible. we live in one of the sunniest places in the nation and yet, i find myself inside more than outside. i know that training on a treadmill has NOTHING on running outside, but timewise, it just doesn’t work for me during the week, as i get home after dark. Unfortunately, i also find myself keeping in this habit during the weekend as well. that’s all it is, is bad habit. hopefully, when the ice is gone, i’ll find myself skating outside.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 am
I don’t run. But, I have always wanted to. I feel like it’s just one more thing I am afraid of. The running in basic training was one of the major factors in deciding not to join the Air Force. It scares me. And, it’s not like rollar coasters or the dark, I can actually do something about this fear. I can just go for it. I am at a loss.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:43 am
I took the new shoes out for a spin on Saturday evening as the sun was setting and it was probably low 30s (not sure if it was above freezing or not)! Sunday, however, was perfect. 40 and sunny. No need for gloves, just my headband that covers my ears and I was good to go. It was my first long run outside since last fall and it felt good. However, the hills (though excellent for cross training) in StL could disappear and I’d be ok!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:52 am
I’m a wimp, I will not venture outside when it is in the 30s (which means I’ve been sitting on my booty getting chunky because we’ve had a fairly cold winter, for us). On the other end of the spectrum though, I will head outside when it is 90+ and the humidity is so high that you feel you could reach out and grab handfuls of air. God I miss that kind of weather!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
Yay! Way to get out there!
I have been running outside all winter long. I think the coldest so far was 8 degrees. ;) 33 is great isn’t it? After running all winter, it feels so warm. I am excited for the 40s this weekend!
Are you excited for the Shamrock? A friend and I are volunteering at gear check. Maybe we’ll see you there!
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:08 am
go you and somi! so glad you got in such a great first run of the season.
my restrictions? has to be above 40, has to be light. even in the summer, im leery to run by the charles in the dark, even if im with manfriend. im a clutz in broad daylight, let alone when i lose track of my footing on some random stick or something on the path!
this weekend? supposed to be mid 40′s and sunny! and right now? im working on an excel spreadsheet (coughdorkcough) for my half in may and then…. THEN…. the big one in october! (i do hope it’s above 30 that day!)
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:10 am
I’m terrified of the ice, so until that goes away, I will not be doing any walking/running outdoors. It’s sad, but it’s how it has to be
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
hahaaaaa oh my running limits. let’s see: under, say, 50 degrees? (to be fair, i have no cold-weather running gear, so shorts & a long sleeve tshirt don’t really cut it. but i doubt i’d go running even if i DID have the proper gear.)
-rain
-excessive humidity
-not “feeling it”
-anything under the sun that i can use as a reason not to ;-)
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:19 am
As a former skier, I will do a lot outside. On Sunny cold days I feel inspired to be outside. Now running -- I don’t really do that at any time -- but I like to jog/walk at the track at the park.
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:39 am
I don’t like exercising in the dark outside. I don’t care if it is cold or rainy (it usually is here!) but the dark keeps me from going out. I have pretty bad night vision and there have been some attacks in my ‘hood. That means exercise videos inside or classes at gyms.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
Congratulations!! We’re just starting to get above freezing and people are flooding the streets- I’m not quite so brave (it’s still very icy here) but congratulations! I can’t wait to move outside without risking wipe outs.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Uh…I was going to try to run Monday night but decided it was too cold. It was like 58°. I’m a complete wimp when it comes to anything below 70°. Maybe I need to enlist in Nilsa Bootcamp.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Um, I have always known that you are more athletic than I am, but I think this post proves that Somi is MUCH more athletic than I will ever be! I would have started complaining before even putting on my outdoor gear! You go, girls!
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Unfortunately, up in my neck of the woods I am faced with below zero (C) temperatures for the better part of the winter. So I run in it, but it’s not fun and I stick to 3-5 miles.
It’s been REMARKABLY warm here lately (10-15 C) so I’ve been taking a lot more of my runs outside. I can’t wait until it’s warm enough to run in shorts and a tank top again!
I wish I had a pooch to run with! One day! :)
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Oh, it sounds lovely! I like to walk and hike outside but I’m a fan of my more hardcore cardio workouts taking place in a gym. I know, I’m coddled. But I like air conditioning and machines that prevent me from blowing out my joints.
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Very nice! I like to do brisk walks in cold weather, but when it comes to running, I actually like it to be WARM. The perfect weather for running (for me) is in the mid 60s, cloudy and slightly humid. I feel like running forever on days like that.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I didn’t know you were a runner!!! I hope to some day do the Chicago Marathon.
I will not run outdoors if it’s below 15 degrees. And the running paths need to be free of snow and ice. I am already prone to tripping/falling, I don’t need the ice to increase my chances of wiping out!
I think spring is on its way. :)
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:14 pm
you are such a trooper. anything below 65* and it’s indoors only for me ;) except for swimming, oddly enough. i could do a polar bear swim anytime!
March 4th, 2010 at 1:09 am
so you know how i’ve been working out like crazy? well actually you may not know as much cause you’re not on twitter, but that’s not the point.
so i workout on the elliptical for 45 to 60 minutes without a problem, but i’m petrified to run a single mile on the treadmill. i’m so scared i’m going to fall or not be able to breath or something.
i’m thinking that maybe once it is warm i’ll be able to run outside and try to get into a groove.
March 4th, 2010 at 10:17 am
i’m way picky with the weather. if it’s too cold (by that i mean under 50) i don’t wanna be outside. if it’s too hot, which it IS here all summer (over 90) i don’t wanna be outside either. we rarely have in between days here…maybe like 6 weeks outta the whole year? so yeah i don’t do much stuff outside. i guess i need to start getting over that though. i probably miss out on a lot because i detest extreme temps either way.