My Journey With Weight Loss – Running In Cold Weather

Got up this morning, looked outside and nearly went back to bed. It had snowed last night and I knew that would mean work for me. If I had my choice I would have just waited for the rain to start later this morning and let it wash away. Unfortunately my brother had to go out this morning and while he is doing really well with his walker pretty sure maneuvering in even a small amount of snow would be difficult. Out I went with the shovel and made a clear path for him. I enjoy snow so much more when someone else has to do the snow clearing.

Yesterday was my 16k run. I knew it was going to be cold so put on a long sleeved t-shirt under my running jacket, gloves and a toque. Out I went and it was bloody cold with a breeze happening. I thought ok, not going to head to the beach because it will be even windier down there and the wind chill will be worse. In my head I calculated a route to run and figured if I did that 3 times I would hit 16k.

I have to say because I was wearing appropriate clothing it was not as bad as I thought. My head and ears were kept warm by the toque. I found if I pulled my sleeves over my gloved hands they kept pretty warm. At one point I even unzipped my jacket a little though zipped it back up when the wind picked up. Really, it was just my feet and face that felt the cold.

I was actually pretty comfortable doing that run. I kept my pace pretty steady even running up a 4 block incline (which I had to do 3 times). I finished my 16k feeling good thinking that it wasn’t as hard as last time. I got home and updated my Fitbit app and went what the hell? It said I had run 18.2k. No I thought, I can’t run that far. I checked the health app on my phone and it said the same thing. I couldn’t believe it, I had run 18k and it didn’t kill me.

So now what? Coach has a plan for me to be able to run a half marathon which is 20.3k. When she first told me this I told her there is no way. Well, I am only 2k away from doing it. I admit, I felt so good about this I want to try another 18k run this week. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates.

I will note, I barely believed I would get to running a 10k. It has been through the encouragement and support of my awesome coach that has gotten me here. When I think I am going to fail Coach always tells me she knows I can do this. Trust me, if you want to take up running, find someone like Coach Kelly.