Seems like everywhere I looked the last few days, everyone was talking about the cold. Not just about how cold it was, but how to run in the cold. What to wear. What temperature was safe. How to make modifications to your shoes. (Apparently duct tape and screws are the answer.) People posted pictures of miles recorded next to pictures of the temp. Or the snow.
The underlying theme seemed to be “Go outside for a run in the cold. Be a badass runner.”
Apparently I am not a badass.
Don’t get me wrong. I have all of the equipment: balaclavas, multiple types of running gloves, fleece lined tights, even YakTrax (for the once a year snow we get here.) I CAN run outside when it’s cold. I HAVE run outside when it’s cold. And if running outside in the cold was my only option, you KNOW I’d be doing it.
This week, I chose not to. I took Tuesday off from running. It was cold (understatement much?). I still have this stupid cold. I was tired (I don’t sleep well when I’m worried my pipes will burst). I did a 20 minute workout in the basement, where it was so cold I worked out in long pants and long sleeves. Brr.
Yesterday I ran 7 miles shoeless on my treadmill.
That’s right. 7 miles. No shoes.
I only meant to do 4, but it felt so good, I kept going. In fact, I ended up having to go to Shoo’s school with wet hair afterwards. Frozen, wet hair. I’m also apparently not smart.
And next cold snap, when I’m out there running in the cold because I can’t stand one.more.step on the treadmill? Well, I still won’t be badass, just desperate.
In the end, all that really matters is the miles. Not where I got them.
I still think you are a badass runner. I cannot wait till the temps rise this weekend to head outside again.
Elena recently posted…What Are Your Travel Goals for 2014?
we haven’t had school (work) the past 4 days… no way am i heading out in this crazy weather!! itz not about being hardcore, itz about being SAFE!!!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Join FitFluential
I don’t really understand how running in the cold makes someone a Badass. Either they are prepared to run in cold or they opt not to. That said, running in extreme cold or extreme heat without being prepared is just plain stupid.
Jamoosh recently posted…Can I Just Get the Medal?
I don’t even contemplate the outdoor running when it’s cold – the treadmill is perfect!
Kim recently posted…Do You Like to Know When Something Dreadful Is Coming up or be Surprised?
I have bad news for you, my dear. You ARE a badass. Seriously. 😉
Diana recently posted…A Look Ahead
Too Funny… I’m such a wuss when it comes to the cold, I live in AZ and our lows are no where near those up north, but I’ve moved my runs to the afternoon when it’s warmer :). As far as those who are running in the sub zero temps, I don’t necessarily think that’s bada$$, I think those of us who choose not to be out there are the bada$$es because we don’t have anything to prove to anyone else by getting out there and risking frost-bite, a broken bone or any other injuries.
There is a difference between badass and stupid. Sometimes it’s just too damn cold/icy/snowy and DANGEROUS to run outside. I can’t believe you did 7 shoe less miles on the mill– you’re my hero!
Laura @losingrace recently posted…Rise & Shine, Boston Training Time
ha ha, I actually love running outside in the cold when I can actually get myself to do it. Often times, I just stick with the treadmill so I don’t have to bear those first freezing minutes getting warmed up! Barefoot on the treadmill sounds scary but hey if it works…!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life recently posted…Comment on Herniated Discs Are Very Uncool by ErickaAndersen
Okay let me just say that I know exactly how you feel! A month ago Philly got a huge random snowstorm when we were only supposed to get 2 inches, and it made me cancel my long run. Meanwhile, everyone and their mom was posting about how they ran in the snow! I was so upset and felt like such a wimp, but now I realize that I just can’t handle running in blizzard conditions and that’s okay. I’ve run 2 of my long runs on sunny days when there was snow on the ground and it was super hard, but I still don’t feel badass! In fact, last weekend’s 7 mile run on a snowy trail was so cold that I’m pretty sure my body temp dropped to a really unsafe low temperature and I was really scared (I wrote about it on Monday!). I think that there are some days where I can handle running in the cold or crazy weather, and then there are some days where it’s just totally stupid to try to do it. So don’t feel bad about staying in! You ran really far on the treadmill and it sounds like you enjoyed it, so that’s all that matters!
Kristen recently posted…Winter Running Tag
I live in Vegas and I don’t do cold very well. It gets in the 30s here during the winter and I hardly ever run outside. I have no problem running on the treadmill when it’s cold outside. Like you said, it’s about getting the miles, not where you got them! Kuddos to you 🙂
Jessie recently posted…Letting Go Of Our Fears
It can be foolish to run in the cold. I don’t mind it a lot but I have my limits. The TM and I were friends this week.
Andrea recently posted…Running is Fun Again
I think running 7 miles, barefoot on a treadmill qualifies you to be a badass. Just as running on a 40C day qualifies me.
Char recently posted…One Of Life’s Little Mysteries
I actually think 7 miles of barefoot running on the treadmill is the definition of badass. So you have my vote for awesome!-Ashley
LOL. Last weekend I did 9 miles on the treadmill. I couldn’t face that again this weekend, so I did 9 miles in the rain (but it wasn’t raining when I started), all the while wondering if I was being badass or dumbass. I figure next time I’ll be back on the treadmill. (I haven’t decided which it will be tomorrow!)
Coco recently posted…Say Yes And Don’t Be Afraid To Fail