Winter blues

Winter is officially upon us, and with winter, comes snow, ice, freezing cold temperatures and dangerous winter running.

Brace yourselves, here comes the struggle. I also call it.. "3 quarters of the year Canadian struggle."

If you're like some people, you have a wonderful dreadmill (err.. I mean treadmill) to use inside the warmth and comfort of your own home. Or if you're like me, your moms old treadmill is crammed into a corner, folded up, and inaccessible inside a garage..

So outdoor running it is.

For those of you who don't have a treadmill of your own, you feel my pain.

Let's face it, winter running SUCKS.

If you're a female runner, more than likely you've also experienced frost bitten legs and ass. You would think that genetically having more fat there would help as an insulator.. Well you are mistaken. Having huge thighs and a big ass does not help in this situation. At all.

Running in winter, there's also the slight problem that your eyelashes freeze together and snot sticks to your face. Pretty attractive if you ask me.

Another problem.. Since I seem to be pointing out all the obvious and shitty facts about winter running.. It gets dark at like frickin 4 o'clock!! For those of us with, oh, I don't know.. Full time jobs.. This can complicate things.

However if you want to be ready for running the rest of the year, you've gotta suck it up and embrace the cold.

Here's some of my tips to suck it up and run in the cold:

1. Wear your running gear to bed.. Okay this may sound stupid but it works. Those leggings are gonna feel nice and toasty warm when you wake up. And then you can't really make up excuses.. It's like ugh either I go for a run or change out of these tight pants.. Struggle.

2. Find a running buddy. Chances are 1 of you will have some motivation that day and get the other lazy bum out of bed (I'm always the lazy bum half of this scenario). Having a running partner is great for keeping accountable and getting out there in the cold. Embrace the suck together.

3. In a few months when there's no ice and snow on the trails.. Running will seem like a breeze! Seriously, I've lost at least a minute off my average pace running in snow, it's like the legs are moving but I'm not getting anywhere. Once we see the ground again, I'm gonna be faster than the frickin road runner.

4. Think of all the holiday treats you can run off.. Or of all the hot chocolate and marshmallows you can eat once home! A calorie is a calorie. And you just burnt off 800 of em running outside.

5. Seeing the looks on people's faces when they see you running in a snow storm is absolutely hilarious.

6. Let's face it.. You'll feel like crap if you don't. But once you get out there and run, it will all be worth it.

Plus, winter running sure can be beautiful sometimes!

Pros: scenic run. Cons: slipping around in the snow.

When in doubt.. Wear huge ass mittens and tons of layers! Take it from the pro. I betcha his bum wasn't even cold. Hehe.

Now get out there and kill those winter blues with a nice long run!

There's nothing better than fresh, crisp winter air.

Enjoy nature friends,

The Rural Runner