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Crazy running fools? You got that right! Despite the frigid temperatures this morning (-20C/-5F with the wind) Cynthia and I headed out for our long run. Cynthia is running Around the Bay, a 30k race in March, so her training schedule had her running 16k today. Now I haven't covered that distance since my last 1/2 marathon in October and I knew it was probably a little crazy to jump back into it on one of the coldest days of the winter so far, but I also wanted to get out and run this weekend and meeting with a friend is a huge motivation.
So off we went, along the Lakeshore, which borders Lake Ontario and as you can imagine, makes for some nasty gusts off the water. The wind was so fierce it practically took my breath away!
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| Yes it looks beautiful, but you're also reading this in your warm cozy house/office! :) |
It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the run but thankfully I warmed up pretty quickly despite the cold, cold air. My lungs work overtime in the cold so I kept the pace as comfortable as I could, which also meant trailing behind Cynthia most of the way. You go girl!
Surprisingly we reached the 8km turn-around a lot more quickly then I expected. Out and back runs are great in this weather because you know you'll run back no matter what because its just too cold to walk!
My mantras on the run today flipped between the tried and true "Running is just like walking only faster" and a Jillian Michaels' favorite "You gotta get comfortable with being uncomfortable". I also zoned out a little by thinking of my best friend who is spending the week in sunny Mexico. It made me feel a little better knowing at least one of us was warm and enjoying a tasty margarita by the pool.
All in all we covered 10miles/16k in about 1:55 which included a few walking breaks and at least three attempts to un-thaw my much coveted Gatorade. You know its cold out there when your sports drink freezes on you!!
We did it!!
So tell me, do you enjoy outdoor activity in the winter? Do you have a mantra that gets you through your tougher runs?
You and Cynthia are my idols.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
Way to go, Samantha! I ran in cold (but much warmer than Canada) temps today. I am not a fan of winter running and manages 9.4 outside before retreating to the treadmill to finish. I kept telling myself to keep going because I would rather look back on a tough run than a run I quit.
ReplyDeleteI like cold weather running so much better than warm, but I might be afraid to slip out on the snow. 10 miles is amazing out there!
ReplyDeleteWe made it out alive! That's what counts :) You stuck with it and ran in the most frigid weather I have seen yet this winter!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteGreat job getting out there!!
ReplyDeleteYou have to be crazy to be a runner ;)
To get through those crazy weather days I keep telling myself how strong and tough I am, and how I'm making myself a faster and better athlete with each second I'm out there.
I live in Calgary so I am trying my hardest to like winter running. For the second year in a row I've planned to run a spring marathon - knowing I have to run 26 miles in a few months is great motivation for running even when it's freezing out there!
ReplyDeleteYou go, girls!!! I hate running outside in winter, so I am super impressed with you guys getting out there! Sounds like a great run!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much a cold weather wuss so I have mad respect for anyone that runs outside in the winter!
ReplyDeleteWell done!!! :)
As far as my mantra - I like "If you can run a mile, you can run a marathon!" I got it off of the "See Jane Run" (it's a running store in the Bay Area and Boise, Idaho) manifesto. I love it!
You guys are troopers! 10 miles is a long ways and it's a REALLY long ways when its that cold out!
ReplyDeleteEEK! That looks cold!! You two are BUNDLED UP!!
ReplyDeleteWay to make it happen by braving the cold!
You're a brave soul! I do enjoy brisque walks out in the colder weather. You have to keep going to keep warm!
ReplyDeletep.s. I gave you a blogger award!
I draw a line at running outdoors when temps drop below zero, you guys are crazy! (but in a good way). It's -2 right now, and I really want to run. Here's hoping it gets above zero!
ReplyDeleteYou should be so proud of sticking it out in that cold temp. It is not always easy but winter running can definitely make you stronger. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteLove the action shots-way to be a champ!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I thought running in 39 F was cold!! Burrr! Great job!! How do you keep your face warm? That has been my problem since I started running outside...
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I made friends with the treadmill again.
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