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?