Running Cold

November is always the official start of coldness to me. November seems grey and chilly in my mind. At least outside. The leaves are mostly fallen. The grass has dulled from the brilliant green it was, to a dimmer more sullen green and brown. It's darker out in the morning, darker in the afternoon, and that means it's harder to motivate myself to get out of the house.

Last year was the first that I ran outside all winter. Not a lot mind you, but at least once a week. I had joined a group, the Onterora Runners Club, on their Monday night runs around Dietz stadium and its surrounding neighborhoods. It's a great group to run with, and knowing they were there got me out on some chilly nights. I attained some cold weather gear: gloves especially for running, insulated jackets, tall socks, and thermal leggings.

I've somehow drifted from the group. I could list excuses of my work hours changing, or rationalizations of Mondays being my most tiring day. Instead I'll just say that I do honestly miss it, and I hope the cold drives me to catch up with them.

When my alarm goes off now, it still seems to be nighttime. I slide out from the bed into the frigid air of my bedroom. I usually have my running clothes left out nearby, half laziness, half inspiration. I want to run, I really do. The cold and dark just works against me. But it's worth it after the first mile. That first one though, it's cold. My feet seem to hit the ground extra hard. My eyes water. My nose becomes a faucet that I can't control. My hands tense up and tighten and I realize I need to dig my gloves out of storage as soon as possible. No one else is out. A few cars. When I get to the track there are some walkers bundled up with hats and scarves. By mile three I can take my sweatshirt off.

It's only November 5th.

Bring on the cold.

The Sock Problem

There is an age old question - Where do all my socks go? I'm not even just talking about half of a pair, I'm talking about whole pairs of socks! I really don't think the dryer is to blame, but how am I misplacing so many of them? Especially my running socks. That is the upsetting thing. I don't have enough of them to be losing them in abundance.

What all this talk about the mystery of the disappearing socks is about is that when I went for a run the other day, I had no running socks, so I was forced to use regular cotton socks. I mistakenly thought I wouldn't really notice a difference. That just showed me how little I really know about running.

How did I used to run in regular socks? After two seconds of running my feet felt like ovens. I figured the socks would just burn away at least, but instead they just got soaked with sweat, making them even more unbearable. I was aware of them every single stride of my run. Where does the sweat usually go? My socks felt heavy and uncomfortable. It really makes a difference. I am not even exaggerating. Thankfully this was not a long run. I could feel the blisters waiting to form.

I am not making that mistake again. Solution - get more running socks. Wash them by hand so as not to lose them? Nah, not that worried.

If You Were Me for a Mile or Two

ughhhI have a goal this month to run 75 miles. I'm determined to achieve it. This means that I can't let myself rationalize skipping too many days. One time I read a funny article about the thoughts of a runner (Here it is!). I thoroughly enjoyed it, so after my run this morning I am inspired to give it a try...

- Ugh I don't want to get up.
- I still have that cold. Need more sleep!
- It's raining. Great.
- Maybe I'll just skip my run today.
- No. You didn't run Sunday or yesterday. Get up!
- I should wear a hat, why don't I have any hats?
- It's raining pretty hard.
- Can my cold get worse if I run in the rain?
- Maybe I should go back to bed.
- Sweat out the sickness! SWEAT IT OUT. No more procrastinating!
- Alright I'm running in the rain. I must look so awesome. Who runs in the rain? Only the best runners , that's who.
- This hat sucks. It won't stay in place!
- Wow the rain is still hitting my face, stupid hat.
- This isn't too bad. All the cars passing must be so impressed with me.
- I'm so badass running in weather like this.
- It's not that bad actually.
- Really? You're gonna make me run in place in the rain while you slowing go through the intersection? Thanks buddy.
- My hat is soaked already.
- I need to fix my hat again. Stay in place hat!
- Running through puddles is fun!
- Maybe I'll jump over the next puddle.
- Wait a car's coming, no jumping.
- I must look like a wet dog now.
- How long has it been?
- Not even a mile. Alright I'll do two miles today.
- My nose is running. I'm so gross!
- I need to fix my hat again. ughhh.
- Stepped right in that puddle. Oh well. Almost done...ish.
- I HATE THIS HAT!
- Running in the rain wouldn't be so bad with a better hat.
- Almost done, almost done, almost done.
- I really am almost done! Half mile to go!
- Let's do this...POWER SONG!
- Forget the hat. I'm never wearing it again.
- I'll go buy a hat just for running.
- I wonder how much a running hat is?
- Imagine a hat going for a run...what would hat legs look like?
- There is no one else running, I am such a pro.
- A soaked pro
- Why won't my earbud stay in now?
- Just a little bit left! Sprint!
- Earbud! Stop falling out!
- Breathe evenly...Breathe in...Breathe out.
- I can see my house!
- I can't wait to take this hat off!
- Done! Made it! I'm so awesome!

Well essentially... that's what I was thinking. Just reread it. I am awesome.