Winter Running in Central Canada

Just a short note today - it's -20 something with the wind chill, and I'm going out to run. The sun is shining, so why not? My inspiration is this Globe and Mail article re:winter running; so pertinent to our Canadian winters.

Globe and Mail-Winter Running

Running On

We are lucky to be having the weather-gods/godesses on our side for the past 3 weeks. Things will change soon, I know, but meanwhile I can't help but feel empowered to run when it is so pleasant outside. No whining today from me. I think I'm over the "return to running crunch", and the ol' bod is doing its best to keep me happy and relatively pain free. The 3/2 run/walk intervals are working well, and I've promised myself not to jump ahead for another 2 weeks or more. Why spoil the fun?




It will be awesome to see this tree once everything around is grey and snowy. I have some images floating around my head for a painting or two - we'll see. Go run.

Today I Wimped Out

I confess. I did not run today. Even the cats did not want to go out today. It was only about 8 degrees C, with a breeze - I can handle that. But I wimped out. In fact, I whined all day. I know, I know, it wasn't sunny and nippy like last week: beautiful days that saw me trotting along like my new, giddy horse-friends in the pasture, gazing across to the lake.


Just as soon as the greyness, and pelting rain, and wind came along, I folded. I grabbed by blanky and my tea and knitting and headed for the sofa. Not that I didn't enjoy every moment. Except....somehow I kept hearing a little voice nagging at me: "Why aren't you running, give me one good reason?" Hard as I tried, I couldn't. That guilt trip led me to research some running sites and I came across 'the Penguin' from Chicago with some advice for running in winter. Well, I just about fell down laughing when he talked about how to dress for 35 or 50 degree weather (that's F, folks, not C). When things get really rough here in central Canada, we're talking perhaps minus 35 C (with wind chill). Now that's winter running weather. So I guess if I take his advice and multiply it by 5, I'll be warm and ready for winter running. Thanks Penguin. I promise I won't wimp out again. You can see the Penguin's posts at the penguin.

April in November?

The air smells sweet, the breeze is nippy, birds are chirping. Is this April or November? Did I hibernate through winter? Or is Mother Nature playing head games with me? I've been thinking about some winter running strategies, and so far, that's all I've had to do. But not to worry, I'm certain we'll be knee deep in snow before we know it, and I'll be trying to avoid slipping on an icy patch, or tripping over solid, snowy chunks.

In the meantime, running is a joy - and I intend to keep it that way by sticking to my plan: 3/2 intervals for a month. Who needs aching muscles? Not this old crone.

The pansies in our garden even think it's spring. BTW, today is sunny, with a high of 18 C in Cahors, France, one of our favourite places. Mmmmm.....

Easy Does It

Lesson learned: "Remind yourself, Barbara, that you are older, and need to advance slowly after a layoff." Until yesterday my legs felt like they needed to be rolled between giant rollers and massaged back to normalcy. Remember the film Les Triplets de Belleville? My legs felt like the hero's legs, except I hadn't cycled the Tour de France, I had merely run 4 km. Today's run was a sensible 4 km run, at a very sensible 3 min. run, 2 min. walk interval. I think I've found the interval that I'm ready for at this point in training. I'll know better when I try to get out of bed in the morning. As I said: Lesson learned.


Still a great day weather-wise, although cooler and overcast. I've been looking for our pileated woodpecker along the way, but he has been somewhat of a stranger this year. He's left his markings, though, from previous visits.

No Pain, No Gain.

Not too much pain, but I did cut back a little today, as I'm noticing some tightness in the legs. So, instead of doing my planned 5 min run and 2 min walk, I added a minute more recovery time in the walk. It helped, and I think I will continue that interval for a while. Today was another amazingly warm and sunny day - perfect for a gentle run. Along the way, I made friends with the new horses at the Pack stable just down my road. I asked if I could return with my camera to photograph them, and got the owner's consent. I wanted to get some photos of them in the field playing, but they were so curious that they came into the corral to say 'hello'. These photos are especially for my virtual running mate, Pat. We don't get the chance to run together, but have the goal, along with our running buddy, Jane, of doing a 1/2 marathon in 2011. Pat is a horse-lover and has two of her own. I think she will like these photos.

Running and Cycling

Suddenly, today was the day that I actually got out the door and started running again. It's been many months - too many - but I had a sunny, warm day to look forward to. Most of my art-related tasks are completed, at least for a day or two, so I had no excuses for not putting on my sneakers and heading down the road. The big motivation was the decision, in writing, that 2 running buddies and I made last night to do a half marathon (Run for the Cure) in Sept. 2011. Now that may seem a long way off for some folks to take seriously, but when 3 crones decide to take on the challenge, we need all the time we can get. It didn't take long for the endorphins to kick in today, and it felt mighty good. Even though I only did 1/2 hour at 5 min. run X 2 min walk intervals, it's a start. I think I will stick with that interval for a month. After having neglected the body for many months, I don't want to take any chances at doing damage. It took all my concentration to miss the potholes and uneven road and not turn an ankle - that's what age does to you: caution rules! So, assessing the body tonight, I feel a slight stiffness in the legs, but nothing too bothersome. It will be interesting to see how well I sleep tonight. I've been complaining of insomnia for months.
If you're thinking of getting back to, or starting running, the time is now. All we have to do is step outside the door and just.....run.