Well, yesterday (November 20, 2011), I started back up with jogging. It wasn't a fairly long jog but a good start to get back into running again. For the 15 minutes I jogged around Washburn, I started to feel better because my foot wasn't in pain like it was before and it was almost like I felt invincible again.
Sometimes when I run around town and get a great view of the Missouri River and over looking the scenery has made my running enjoyable. But that particular morning was different. I started up at 6:30 a.m. and did my normal stretching and feeling the butterflies, I dressed warm as it was a astonishing 4 degrees with a slight wind at 8 mph. I thought about the upcoming race for me, which is on December 3rd in Fargo. Even though it is a 5k run, it will be my last race for the year as I did some fantastic races this week. I have been proud of my accomplishments.
What got me feeling proud was after the run, the sun began to rise and it shined upon me, like a warm embrace that I am still in this, regardless of what I went through in the previous years.
Winter running has always been the most challenging task I have ever had, the slick ground that is proven to be dangerous, the frigid air, the stiff muscles and mixed with wind can be hurting. But runners never have the constant perfect days, going through such weather situations, it makes you stronger for your competition and that is what I focus on, that this will make me stronger than I can dream of.
For those runners who are beginning in the winter, here are some tips from a person who is crazy enough to run in such horrible weather.
1. Dress in layers, base layers will help retain heat to your body.
2. Be aware of your surroundings, a slight turn on ice or off the path can be dangerous
3. Dress warm, not cool. It is better to dress in warm clothing and look silly than dress in fabric that isn't made for winter, running isn't a fashion statement.
4. Protect your feet and hands. Wearing any random pair of socks or gloves isn't going to cut it. Fleece gloves or insulated gloves work and thicker socks work on keeping your feet warm from cold temps on the ground level.
5. Carrying extra. To be safe, I always carry my cellphone, some extra cash and my ID on me because you may never know what may happen on your run.
6. Protection of your face and ears. When colder temps are amongst us, it is good to invest in a facemask and a stocking cap or sometimes at different stores, they have both built into one. Granted you may look like a person who is ready to rob a bank but at least you'll be warm. And if the police do get suspicious, hold your hands up in the air as they see you do not have a weapon on you and don't be afraid to show your face to them and smile. It lets them know you are friendly.
7. Stay visible. Wearing bright colors will let you be visible to those who are traveling in vehicles and at some retail stores, they do make clothing with reflectable tagging that reflects from the headlights of vehicles. Or some actually do make a vest or a strap to wrap around your arm, leg or head to reflect off of the headlights of vehicles too.
Some of these tips I have learned from running in a winter environment and I may look goofy but at least I am still alive today and safe. That is all that matters to me. I rather look silly than to be in a hospital or worse, dead.
I am sure I could think of more tips to add but I am sure I could ramble on that for hours. And for my fellow runners, I wish you a safe run and I hope you are doing great!
Any questions or comments, please feel free to publish or you can contact me by my emails: jturningheart@fortmandan.org or jeffylube40@hotmail.com and even leave a comment on the provided box at the end of this blog. I do reply and be willing to answer any questions or anything that you may have on your mind.
Thank you once again for tuning in for the newest blog of the Diary of a mad runner. And Fargo, ND, get ready because in 12 days, I will be ready.
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