Hanging My Head...

Why, yes, I am a wimp.

On Sunday morning, the sun was shining brightly and there was very little wind, so I decided to head out for a short-ish run... hadn't been for some time as I hate running in the rain when the weather turns cool and it has been raining here for the past several days. I just hate having wet feet and all of my running shoes seem to be some sort of mesh and not water resistant at all.

So, I checked the Weather Channel and learned it was -1 C, which is about 29 F, just a bit below freezing. I knew I needed a few layers.  As a base I put on a nice, quite snug, long sleeved Tommie Copper shirt (wishing it had a mock or turtle neck) and some knee-length compression socks. Then I put on some leggings and my Running Room nylon jacket. Last I put on my running shoes, then a fleece ear band, some light gloves and a fleece vest, just to make sure my back would stay warm.

Off I went.  I walked for about 3 minutes at a really brisk pace and then broke into a light run... and I was feeling quite cool... now, I know I should be cool when I start out because otherwise I will get OVERheated as the run progresses and I start to sweat.

But after about 12 or 13 minutes I was still feeling pretty darn cool, and not comfortable at all, so I cut it short and came in after logging only about 2.25 km... I realized I should have dressed a bit differently... something more on my head and probably warmer socks, too.

I am having a hard time admitting to myself that I have become such a wimp.

Years ago, before we bought the sailboat, we lived in the heart of our province and often faced Winter temps of -40 C which is the same as 40 below zero F.  And even though I never ran outside when it was quite that cold, I did run at -20 C which is 4 below zero F.  I never minded running in cold weather back in those days. What has changed?  Am I just too used to a warmer climate?

I think it has something to do with humidity.  That colder climate was extremely dry... and I could put on layers and feel warm. This climate I am in now is much moister being oceanside, and to me it feels colder, even at higher temperatures. Does that make sense?

I used to like to run on packed snow.  And I did that for several years...  I only gave in an bought a treadmill when I got tired of falling on icy roads in the Winter, and slogging my way through slush in the Spring.

Where I live now, we have very little real Winter. Last year we had only a couple of days of frost and no snow at all... so far this year we have had a couple of nights of frost, and a sprinkling of snow.  I sure am happy to see the forecast for the week showing warmer temperatures.

But I do accept that I have become a wimp... and will just have to adjust accordingly.

Do you run when it's cold?  And just what do you consider COLD?