Cold feet

I absolutely hate running in the cold.  Let me say it again so you completely understand. I hate running in the cold.  Running in cold weather is much more exhausting than running in warm weather and there are several reasons why.

First, cold weather running costs more.  Cold weather gear is not cheap.  Clothing made specifically for running is somewhat expensive but cold weather clothing made specifically for runners breaks the bank.  Unless you go with a lesser quality garment, a running jacket and pants could cost you up to $200 dollars depending on where you shop.  It cost’s so much because of the technology it uses.  They are made super light and super thin but protect you from the elements at the same time.  This sort of technology is expensive to design and manufacture so we, the runners, pay for it in the end.  Is it worth it?  I guess it depends on how tough you are.  For a wimp like me, it’s worth every penny.

Secondly, for me, the hardest part of running on a crisp January morning is stepping out the door.  My bed is warm and safe.  It traps me in it’s goodness and holds on tight.  The thought of having to gear up and face the cold air is torture.  To run or to stay in bed?  It’s a tug o’ war of emotion.  My desire to run is strong but so is my desire to be warm and comfy.  Usually my desire to run prevails but I have to admit, there have been days that I have skipped a run for an extra hour of laziness.  And I always feel guilty for giving in.

The bottom line is, once we are out there, it gets easier.  The cold isn’t as bad as it was in our minds.  Our bodies produce enough heat to keep us from freezing and it’s almost refreshing to feel the cool air in our lungs.  But we have short memories and it’s always the same struggle the next day.  So it takes a little intestinal fortitude to get out the door on cold days but, like the wise folks say, what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger and running, despite the temperature, will make us stronger.

My final reason for hating cold weather running is that I have a love/hate relationship with my treadmill.  Why does a treadmill make you hate cold weather running, you ask?

In my opinion, a run on the treadmill is not a quality run.  It does most of the work for me.  It’s a good way to get in some cardio but it does little to make me a better runner.  When on the treadmill, I don’t propel myself forward, the treadmill does.  This is why I hate the treadmill.

That being said, when it comes down to running in the cold or running on the treadmill, most times the treadmill and I must become ally’s.  It has to do.  I have to settle.  The treadmill saves me from old man winter and offers me a suitable alternative and I give it a purpose other than being a coat hanger.  This is when I love the treadmill.

These are my thoughts on cold weather running.  What is your running routine during the winter month’s?