Winter Running

I've been very busy the last couple of weeks. I am busy with my MBA school work, substitute teaching, coaching, and creating a new website (wwww.runningprs.com). You can also find me at www.therunzone.com most days (I am known as Tinman, resident coach).

Topic for today: Winter Running

I live in Parker, Colorado, and it's snowing like crazy. It started snowing at 5pm yesterday and it is still coming down heavily. We have about 20 inches on the ground already. Seeing the snow fall reminds me of years gone by when I thought nothing of running in snow. My wife, an avid runner, mentioned today how much fun it is to run in snow. I think non-runners don't understand this concept at all. But, real runners like the snow, I think.

I always had my best winter training when there was more snow. Indoor track racing was a breeze after running on snow. Maybe that's because snow is sort of like sand; it creates resistance. Also, when it's winter, you have to bundle up  - wear a bunch of layers to stay warm, if you live in cold areas of the world - and those extra layers restrict running motion. Though your pace slows in such conditions, it makes you stronger. On race day, when you shed the layers of clothes and don't have snow on the ground, you fly! It's a great feeling, shedding layers of clothes and having a lot of spring in your step, which you didn't have in winter conditions.

Part of my point of this post is to remind people not to fret about winter weather or cold. So what if your pace is slower! On race day you'll be stronger and glad for the extra strength.

My second point is this: Wear layers! You can always take clothes off and put them in your pockets, if you get hot. Just start with enough layers to make sure you don't get cold when the wind kicks up or your get stranded somewhere.

Enjoy winter - it'll soon be gone!

Take care,
Tom
(therunfastcoach@gmail.com)