Today is December 1st. In my mind it's winter. Since I'm starting my second winter running season, I have made some mental rules for this time of the year.
1. Long Slow Runs Mostly. I have made this decision because of several factors. Lower temperatures impede you from peak performance. Best running times usually occur when the thermometer hits the 50s and there will be fewer days like that for awhile! Also the layers a runner has to wear just make motion a little less crisp.
2. Stretch. Colder temps mean tighter muscles. Days of rolling out of bed and touching the toes a couple times just won't be enough for now.
3. Enjoy The View. There are bare trees that will be draped in white blankets of snow and clearly marked trails where squirrels have dashed by when they heard approaching footsteps. There's the smell of burning maple logs hovering in the air and the muted sound of trains riding rails in the distance.
4. Persevere. Not all winter days are going to feel pleasant. There will be strong arctic winds that will push away a runners resolve to finish. There will be thick snowflakes that blind the path ahead. There will be runs when a warm fireplace and hot cup of coffee makes a whole lot more sense than dashing alone in subzero temperatures. These are the days I remember when I am in a long distance race and I'm tempted to walk or quit, reminding myself I am paying my dues to push through whatever awaits me.
5. Meet New People. As winter arrives, most of my running will take place in a new surrounding. I am relocating to Mansfield Ohio and plan to join an early morning running club. This will allow me to develop some new friendships and get acclimated to new streets and paths. More importantly make new friends who share my same desire.
