Monday, December 24, 2012

It's The Most Wonderful (Running) Time of the Year

I am a runner. Three or four mornings a week I put on my running shoes and hit the pavement. I never run in a gym, and I don't care what the weather is. I run outside, and I love it. My runs are time for me to think and breathe, and to take a break from the world. When I am running, nothing else matters.

But I have a confession to make.

Since our move to the suburbs almost two months ago, my usual delight in my morning runs has been elusive.  I am still running of course, but I haven't been loving it nearly as much as I normally do. It is a combination of things, I think. I am not totally comfortable on the streets of my new neighborhood yet, so I am still carrying my phone for the GPS so I can find my way around, which makes zoning out while I run practically impossible. The weather seems to be sticking in the high 40s/low 50s range, which is my least favorite weather to run in. And most of all, I think, I really miss Central Park. For two years The Park was the only place I ran, and that six mile loop was my second home. Leaving it, and learning to run somewhere else, has been harder than I imagined.

But starting with yesterday's run, I think I'm finally getting my running mojo back.

When I got up, I did my habitual weather check so I would know what to wear, and the temperature was in the low 30s. Perfect. I love running in the freezing cold weather. I love my running tights, and my pink fleece-lined running jacket. I love running gloves, and my dry-fit headband. I love feeling the frigid air in my lungs, and I love seeing my breath as I huff and puff my way through the miles. Running in the freezing cold makes me feel fierce. It makes me feel alive.

Finally time for running tights and my pink fleece-lined jacket. Loving it.

When I run in the cold the world feels quiet. Lots of people run in the spring and summer. But when the leaves are gone, the trees bare, and the sky steel grey with the promise of snow, not very many runners brave the outdoors. Sometimes when I am running the winter streets, I feel like the only person alive, which, for those moments, feels absolutely perfect.

My cold and empty winter streets.

The arrival of winter also means the arrival of training season. Lots of people run their longest races in the fall, and train throughout the spring and summer. And while one of my life goals is to run the New York City Marathon on the first Sunday in November, I prefer to schedule my longest races in the spring and summer and pack my miles into the winter months.

Like a lot of people, I do my best running when I have a goal. Having a race looming in the distance is incentive for me to get out of bed at ungodly hours of the morning before work to get my miles in, rather than re-setting my alarm to get that extra hour of sleep. Marking off training runs on a calendar in anticipation of a race is exciting, and keeps me motivated through the short, dark days of winter.

Knowing these things about myself, I registered for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon (or, possibly, the full if I can get my act together in time) in May, and the Pittsburgh Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in August. And while I am not wild about running those huge distances in the heat of the summer, the fact that I can train all the way through the winter makes those sweaty race miles worth it. And with my first race eighteen weeks away, I have declared my training season officially open.

So, winter is finally here, the cold air has arrived, and I feel like I am finally getting into a groove in my new neighborhood. It is, indeed, the most wonderful (running) time of the year.

18 comments:

  1. Yes yes yes! I love running posts and I love running when it's cold. My favorite is 30 degrees with no precip. And when I moved from the lake to my new hood it took a while fall in love with a new route. It happened, but it will never be the same. Cannot wait for posts about training.

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  2. Ah, I needed some inspiration. I love this post, it has made me yearn to get out there, even in the cold. I haven't run in the really freezing cold too much, but you are making some excellent arguments for it :)

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  3. I used to love running in the cold (I now hike and elliptical instead). I don't blame you for missing Central Park but I'm glad you're getting your mojo back!

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  4. I don't run, but I get the zoning out and making the world quiet when I get to walk my dog during the day. If it's daylight I have a spot where I can take him off leash. He runs around and sniffs and pauses and I move inward with my thoughts.

    If I have to walk him in the dark then a leash is needed and it's never the same.

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  5. I used to love to run, but haven't for a long time and now it's too high impact for my knees and ankles. Maybe if I lose weight my joints will be able to handle it again. Good luck with your training.

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  6. You might look into a running club/meetup in your area, I'm sure there is one - I had an almost identical experience to you moving from the City to the 'burbs, and when I joined a running club (which meets every Sat. and Sun. morning) it really really helped. Helped me get excited about running again, and also helped me meet like-minded people who are now my friends.

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  7. I'm glad you got your "running mojo" back. Have a wonderful holiday.

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  8. you're like the opposite of me... when it hits below freezing i stop running. i'm a march thru december runnner. you're almost inspiring me...but probably not. i get toooo cold!! but i'm glad you've got your groove back.

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  9. Go you! That early morning solitary run sounds awesome!! Can't wait to hear more about your training!

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  10. I wish I was a runner! I guess there's nothing stopping me? If for nothing else I want a pink running jacket too :)

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  11. I definitely am a runner in my mind...I really want to be so badly, but in my heart I am not. Reading your description makes me want to try again!

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  12. I can sense your passion for running in this post for sure. All the best to you as you train!

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  13. I just bought some new running clothes today, AND started looking at races. I do like running in not-so-great weather, unless it's really windy. Or, if like today, it's raining and I'm feeling especially wimpy. Or it's dark out. So, yeah, lots of things keep me indoors. But I do love running outside and I zone out like you do. I'm so glad you're getting your groove back! Happy running, Samantha!

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  14. I am really not much of a runner. I love it on the basketball court, but haven't ever gotten into it outdoors. But if I were in 30 degree weather I am sure I would be happy to do so if for no other purpose than to stay warm.

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  15. I so hear you. Every time I've moved I've had a hard time finding my zone again with running (and after a move is when I've needed it the most, of course). Glad you're getting yours back!

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  16. Winter is my favorite time to run too. The chilly days are just so peaceful!

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