Winter Randomness

  I admit that I was never really the "outdoorsy" type.  Heck if it was less than 70 degrees outside, I would say it was cold and I certainly would have no reason to be outdoors.  And winter, I thought winter was just miserable UNTIL I actually started spending time outside running in it.


1. Since running, I've found a greater appreciation for nature in ALL weather. I not only love running in the summer, but appreciate the smell of fall air and the crunch of leaves beneath my feet in autumn. I even enjoy the beauty of a snow covered path and frosty branches in winter.

2. I've realized that "cold" is relative. Since I've been running I no longer think 50 degrees or even 40 degrees is cold.  I will admit that when it gets below 32 degrees, it gets cold and if it's in the 20's I probably won't run.  I do all my runs during the day so I rarely see those low temps on my run anyway. 

3. I've come to realize that I live in a part of the country that will indeed experience winter weather every year. I also realize that my area does not experience the "Polar Vortex' that I hear other bloggers talking about.  When I hear others are running in negative temps, I surely won't complain about weather in the 30's or 40's.

54 degrees on my run yesterday, just perfect!

4. I've looked at the extended forecast for my area through the end of March and I have to say it doesn't look too bad. We have about 2 or 3 really cold days coming up but after that it looks like Spring might be on it's way. But then again, how accurate can those extended forecasts be when they are predicting weather for 2 months out?

5. I've realized that I don't hate winter. I think winter in December is just festive but by the end of January/early February it's just a prelude to Spring (hopefully), It keeps us anxious as to what's to come! 

So even though I 'm not bothered by less than ideal weather, I do enjoy a good old snow day once in a while. They are the perfect time to cuddle up on the couch and watch Hallmark movies without feeling guilty!

How has weather been in your area? Have you had nice days like us or are you experiencing negative temps?



36 comments:

  1. I am also surprised that the extended forecast doesn't look too bad. Im glad it doesn't look like it will get that cold but I wouldn't mind a couple of snow days! I was just thinning about how it was a year ago that we got a huge blizzard here...and I am glad I don't have to deal with shoveling all that snow!

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    1. We've had snow in march before so i'm crossing my fingers!

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  2. I've been thoroughly pleased with the unseasonably warm weather in the DC area lately. Since I've been sick, I haven't been able to be outside to take advantage of the gorgeous weather, but I did go for a slightly longer than usual weekday run last week on the day it hit 70 degrees. I just had to be outside soaking it all in!

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  3. We warmed up to the 30s this week and I am loving it sooo much! I love winter running when it's in the 20s and 30s and sunny. Not so much when it is subzero, but I won't be kept inside! Have a great Friday!

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  4. It has been all over the board here! I have a half next weekend and fingers crossed for a race start in the 50's! Running outside does really make you appreciate the weather- good and bad!

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    1. It absolutely does! Wishing you a cool start for your race next weekend!

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  5. We aren't having much of a winter here--it's been in the 40s but gray and drizzly. I'd take the cooler temps if I could have some sun!

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  6. For me it's not the cold so much (although there is that), it's the grayness (which you don't get in CO) and the snow -- snow makes running hard (even if you do wear Yaktrax).

    I do like being outdoors, but I'm not a fan of heat & humidity either.

    Overall our winter has been mild so far, but it's far from over so we'll see what it throws at us.

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    1. I don't know anything about CO, as I've never been there. I wonder why they don't get grey days?

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  7. It's been a lot of ups and downs for our weather! We haven't had negative temperatures, but we've had a few single digit days with a negative wind chill. This weekend it's supposed to be in the 60s though!

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  8. It's been more of a shock than I expected to come back from the Bahamas to the "normal-ish" high 30s here in Chicago!!! Definitely have it on a life plan to get somewhere with warmer temps or more sunlight in general!

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  9. Cold is definitely relative and I sort decided I just have to embrace it and do it!

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  10. I feel the same way! Running has made me realize that winter really isn't that bad... in fact running in 50 degrees is pretty darn pleasant!

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  11. After the brutal winter we had a few years ago, I KNOW I can run in the upper teens - especially if I wait for the sun to come out. I am FREEZING afterwards though! So far this year I've only had to run in the 30s.

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  12. I just hate the lack of sunlight. I can handle the cold. I can even handle the snow (UGH) but the lack of sunlight? Truly kills me!!!

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  13. We had our two days of freezing cold winter and are now back to balmy weather - such is life living in Texas, sigh. I prefer running in about 50 degree weather but we don't get that very often.

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  14. Winters on the East Coast were always tough for me as a runner. But now that I live in Southern California, I can't really complain. We are getting a ton of rain now and it's cold (for here) but overall, it's year-round running. We get super hot and dry here in the summer and fall but it's still runable. I definitely try not to take it for granted.

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    1. Actually I've been please with our East Winters lately! I'd probably be more pleased with the winter in southern CA though..lol

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  15. I hope winters in Boulder are different than Boston. Boulder is such an active town, so I hope I won't be chased inside for all of February and be dreary every day.

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  16. The weather's been unusually bad in my area. The kids have already had 9 snow days. I'm not sure how the school will be making it up in the Summer yet. I'm glad it's warmed up now though. Love running outside compared to the dreadmill. :)

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  17. I really wish I could do all of my runs during the day. During the week, I'm stuck in the dark and that's a bummer. I have come to the realization though that (despite the fact that I'm not really a Winter person), I really run better in cooler temps. I struggle a lot in heat, humidity, and sun. So maybe Winter likes me even though I generally don't like it? Who knew it could be so complicated :) Glad you're getting out there and enjoying it!

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  18. I'm in SC and it's 78 degrees here today. I miss my old car because it had a sun roof and my newer one doesn't, but I like rolling down the windows and listening to the radio. I'm thankful to live somewhere I can run outside year round, even if it's brutal all summer long. It has been unseasonably warm here lately, though.

    Like you, my tolerance for cold has changed with running. For one, what I think is cold for just being outside is perfect for a run!

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  19. Cold totally is relative--I will never forget our first winter here in Chicago--25* became a heat wave after a while!

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  20. We've had lots of warm days... and now we are getting into the rainy pattern.

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  21. I think what bothers me about the winter is not the temperature -- we have mild winters here and I enjoy cold morning runs -- it's the grayness. I'd rather see green grass, colorful flowers and blue skies.

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    1. I am so surprised that are grass is still so green.

      And yes, we need to savor the sunshine when we can!

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  22. I hate winter.

    And yes, cold is relative. And yes the polar vortices are ridiculous.

    :)

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  23. We've had a couple cold (below zero) weeks but overall it's been a pretty mild winter here in Chicago. January has been snow-free and pretty rainy, which is pretty depressing. I too love a good snow day.

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  24. My winters seem pretty similar to your winter. It's hard to complain about the 30s when most of the country is experiencing some lower temps. I still complain, though. lol.

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  25. Lately, SE TX is warm. Should be 65 when I run tomorrow at 7am. Shorts weather! That's good because cold weather takes forever - all the layering!

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  26. I could have written this post! Prob because we live in the same state. :) Especially #1- running DOES make me appreciate all kinds of seasons/weather/temps.

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  27. You are so correct!! running has given me a new appreciation for weather, both hot and cold!

    Do you find that running in the cold has increased your cold threshold?

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