Wicked Windchill

Last night as I was contemplating my morning workout, I realized that I really wanted to run outside, cold weather be d@mned. I gathered up my running gear, including my new Land’s End running pants, L.L. Bean Polartech jacket, windbreaker, Nike iPod hat and gloves–and I added a scarf for good measure.

Then I checked the weather forecast and saw that it would be in the low 20s. Then I heard the weather report talking about the brutal winds. Still, I did not give up on my plan, but decided to see how I felt in the morning.

This morning when my alarm went off I checked the weather and saw that it was 22F with a windchill of 14F. Hmm.  Really? Well, maybe it won’t be so bad on my route.  Maybe the houses in my neighborhood and trees along the rest of my route will shield me from the worst of the wind. Maybe the wind will be at my back for that one exposed stretch. I still wanted to run outside, so I got dressed quickly before my husband had a chance to ask me if I was crazy.

I was cold during my warm-up, but that just made me walk faster. And, I was cold while my Garmin was “locating satellites,” but I did more dynamic stretches while I waited. When I started running, the only thing that was cold was my midsection. Maybe next time I will try tucking my shirt into my pants, but with three layers on top I don’t know how the cold air could penetrate!

After the first 1/2 mile, I didn’t really notice the cold until that exposed stretch. I realized that my face was smarting, and wondered if it was possible to get frostbite in a 45 minute run in 20-degree weather.  I tried pulling my scarf up around my cheeks, but I didn’t want to breathe through it, so I opted for cold cheeks so I could breathe fresh air.

I hit 4.5 miles in 44 minutes, and decided to make it a full 45 minute run, which cut my usual cool-down walk by about 1/3. When I did start walking, I felt really warm, and when I got inside and peeled off the layers, I was surprised to see that they were sweaty (ew!).

I decided that I would listen to the Morning Prayer podcast while I did my stretches. That way I got my morning inspiration in and ensured that I took plenty of time to stretch and roll.

I have a busy, stressful, important work day ahead, and am really glad I bundled up and got out for some fresh air and endorphins!