After my post on Friday about running in my Yaktrax, I was pretty gung-ho about doing my long run outside this weekend.
Sunday morning I woke up bright and early, had my coffee, and got myself ready to go. I was all dressed in my 500 layers of clothing and feeling prepared. I knew it was about 6 degrees, real feel of about -4, but the sun was out and I was pretty determined.
Until I got outside and felt the wind. The wind which was nearly knocking me over and biting into me despite all my layers.
So I turned around and went back inside.
The only minor success for me was that I got changed and ran on my treadmill instead. Preferable to outside? No. But when the elements are against you, I think it's a perfectly fine alternative. I'm trying to be nice to myself here.
I settled down with the Gilmore Girls to while away my morning as I jogged for an hour and half in our basement. I found that I can get through 2 episodes in that time, and those chatty girls keep me pretty entertained.
I had just read The Lady Okie's post about getting over a running slump, and it made me realize some things:
1. I may not be in a slump, but the weather sure affects my motivation.
2. It's ok that I don't run outside all winter long. Running is not my job. It's a hobby that's supposed to be fun while keeping me fit.
3. I should be nicer to myself and accept
Does that mean that I'm totally giving up on winter running? Not at all. But it's ok if I swap back and forth depending on the weather, my mood, the time of day, etc. There's no point in beating myself up or risking hypothermia over a hobby.
How are you being kind to yourself lately?
I am such a wimp when it comes to running outside in the cold, and I'm not (that) ashamed of it. I mean, how is that fun? I'm so lucky to have an apartment treadmill to run on, otherwise I'd be out of luck. When we get a house, I'll either have to get a gym membership or treadmill, because otherwise I'd just not run, and that doesn't seem like a good option. I think GG would be a great show to run to.
ReplyDeleteRight, it's supposed to be fun!
DeleteI'm also digging Parenthood. Last winter I got through by watching Revenge for short runs and movies for longer ones. It really helps!
Last year the polar vortex destroyed my motivation to run outside. By February I was so bored with my treadmill that I took a month off of running and signed up for a month of hot yoga classes at a studio near my house. I would go 15 minutes early, lay down on my mat, and pretend I was at the beach. It was much more enjoyable! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Piglet picture. That's exactly how I feel when I run in cold wind.
I did buy a yoga DVD for runners that I've started doing on my off days. My problem is that I work out in the morning, and our 2 gyms in town only have classes during the day or the evening. I bet imagining you were on a beach was quite lovely - especially if it was followed up by a fruity drink!
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