The joy of winter running

I have not enjoyed running for a long time. Even before I took time off, when I was last running, I wasn't really enjoying it. I was anemic and felt drained and completely exhausted all over. It was really hard to enjoy myself when every step was so exhausting.

Today, I actually felt some joy while running. Thankfully, because otherwise I don't know if I would continue. I went for my first run of the year yesterday, as planned, and it was ridiculous and disappointing. Jim came home from his long run and reported the roads covered with ice. So I decided to try running the trails. Not such a good idea. The first mile was ok, if slow. But by the time I got to the top of the hill, the snow was too deep. I could either run in my old ski tracks, or in the snow. I tried the ski/foot tracks for a bit and found that keeping my balance was the most difficult part. I weaved and stumbled like a drunk, cursing and hoping I wouldn't injure myself. Then I tried running on the snow, where my feet broke through a thin crust into heavy wet slushy stuff. It took me 45 minutes to do what usually takes me 1/2 hour. I went home disheartened, but not ready to give up just yet.

So today I decided to strap the spikes to the bottom of my shoes and take on the icy road. The spikes work awesome, and the ice is not even an issue. I knew that, but I had forgotten. I ran down the hill, no problem. I got to the bottom and had the option to go on, or turn around and quit while I was ahead, and still feeling pretty good. I chose to ease myself into this running thing, and just congratulate myself for doing 3 non-stop miles.

Winter running is not so bad, as long as you are wearing the right gear. It's getting yourself out there that's the toughest part. After that, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. What could be more simple?

Beginning again, in the new year

January is arguably the least inspiring time of year to start running again, in Montana anyway. The weather is about the worst it could possibly be right now, fluctuating between below zero temperatures with tons of snow and "warmer" spells accompanied by cold rain and ice. After being diagnosed with anemia, I took a couple of months off, and it couldn't have happened at a better time in terms of the weather, holidays, etc. During that time I focused on my health in general, eating really well, and doing much more yoga. I wasn't entirely inactive, I've been walking and skiing, swimming, sledding and ice-skating too. But I told myself that in the new year, I would start running again.

January is a great time to start things. It's a super time to focus on health and fitness. And I have been. I just haven't managed to get myself out there running. Yet. Jim is a constant reminder for me, as he has continued running through most of even the very worst weather, and he is always talking about his running goals for this year. He is inspiring, out there running right now as the snow blows sideways. And if it is windy up here in the trees, it must be crazy down there on the road where he is.

When I think of my running goals for the year, I start to get excited. But then when it actually comes down to running, there is some fear there. Fear of my hip starting to hurt again, or that debilitating anemia coming back if I start training really hard. It's tough to run on trails around here in the winter time, and I just don't love running on the road.

I told myself that I would start again this year, and already a week has gone by, no running. So I send out my intention through cyberspace today: I am going to go outside and run today, even if it is just one lap around the pond. Wish me luck.