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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Back to Running in FL

I didn't run at all while we were in MN.

Mostly because it was so bitter cold for the majority of the time, but also because we were just so dang busy. But really, that cold is something terrible. I guess that being away from MN for so long has caused some kind of climatic amnesia for me, and I had forgotten what sub zero felt like. I have to give props to those of you who live in MN (or anywhere in those northern states and Canada) who can remain motivated to train during the winter. Not just because you're braving the cold, but just because you commit to going to the gym or other indoor tracks when it's too cold or too dark. And my god, the dark!

Again, something I had apparently forgotten about. The sun doesn't rise until late, then it sets early, and even when it may be out (poking its face between the frequently overcast sky), it is weak and low in the sky. I honestly felt that for 2 weeks, it was never entirely light out. I must be part Kryptonian or something, because I need the bright rays from the yellow sun! Otherwise, all that darkness just makes me feel sleepy, and to be honest, a little sad.

So, again, kudos to all of you who live up north and remain committed to your sports through the winter: To continue to run, swim, bike, and whatever else you do while you go and come home in the dark and cold is really quite the accomplishment. Me, I think I'd just want to watch TV and eat carb-laden foods.

Anyhoo...I don't want to diss MN, but being away sure made me appreciate FL in the winter (don't worry, come April I'll be bitching and moaning about how awful the heat and humidity are here). It's sunny (thank you sweet baby jesus for light!), it's warm (how I love being able to wear my flip flops everyday of the year!), and it's humid (who knew I'd miss this stuff? but my throat isn't parched -- I don't wake up feeling like I just licked a Wookie -- and nothing is static-y).

So, despite the fact that it was 86 degrees yesterday afternoon, I went for a run anyway. And yeah, it was hot, and I got real sweaty and red in the face, but I was so in love with the fact that

A.) I was running! And it felt so good to have my heart beating hard and to sweat.
and
B.) I was running in shorts and sports bra. And the sun felt so good on my skin.

I just ran 3 miles, and I didn't take the Garmin, but like I said, it felt SO good. I'm definitely not going to make my goal of 800 miles for the year (although, I am very close: 783) since I had zero mileage in the previous 2 weeks, but that's okay. Strangely I'm not bothered by getting this close and not getting it done (sorry, I am not running 17 miles between today and tomorrow); maybe it's because I'm already looking forward to the new year and the fresh start, or maybe I'm okay with running however many miles I complete for the year, or maybe I'm just so tickled to be warm again that the heat has affected my brain.

Alrighty, I gots to be off. I still have lots to do (today's tasks involve exchanging and returning some gifts), and I have a lot of blogs to catch up on. Toodles!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Since when does snuggled on the couch with hot chocolate make you busy? I want to be in your line of work.

I am so ready to get back to a Houston winter!

:-)

nwgdc said...

"that cold is something terrible"

So true! And you're right--Climate Amnesia makes it about 10 times worse once you return!

X-Country2 said...

Sounds like Florida missed you too! I will say that having a full-blown winter with the darkness and cold and brown trees makes you appreciate spring and summer that much more. (Although ask me late January, and I may change my "winter is awesome!" tune. :o)

chia said...

I don't know what I'm more jealous of... the fact that it's warm enough to run in a sports bra or the fact your abs are rock-out enough to be rockin' out.

I'm such a "hater" :-P

Marlene said...

Soak up that sun! I've pretty much adjusted to the cold, the dark and the snow by now, but I would still LOVE to be in Florida right about now.

B. Kramer said...

Sun? I've heard about this. Tell me more.

Happy New Year.

Unknown said...

I'm glad I don't live up north anymore (I remember the dark too!), but we still get winter due to the altitude. I think it's a good compromise. I don't know how you can run in 85deg and humid.

I'm a weather wimp. LOL

Marci said...

I was just surfing florida running events, so I admit, I got climate envy.. That run sounds amazing.

Anonymous said...

Yay! Back to running. Have a good new year.

Wes said...

Licked a wookie... hee hee... Dee Dee has been in Tampa all week in 84 degree temps! Not jealous!!

TonyP said...

Can't say I blame you for not running in MN. Happy New Year.

teacherwoman said...

I have lived in ND for all my life, all 28 years, and every year I look forward to the first snowfall and a white Christmas as well. Now that we have had 30+ inches of snow in December alone, I am ready for it to disappear. The one thing I despise the most about winter, especially this time of year, is the bitter cold temps and going to work in the dark and leaving work in the dark. Correct, it is hard to get those workouts in, but hell, it's the one thing that I look forward to every day and is such a great mood booster on these dark days!

Nice job on the run Jess... I am a little jealous about the 80 degree weather and running in shorts and sports bra... maybe come April or May I will be able to do the same! HA!

Anonymous said...

Mmm, sounds so nice! It's reasonably warm here (50s), which practically feels like summer compared to Wisconsin.

I'll be in Florida from about April 3-12ish. All I've found so far are 5Ks in Key West, but I'd be interested if you know of anything better. And I'd be totally up for meeting up - either to run or to drink LOL.