February. The longest month of the year with the fewest amount of days. It’s no secret I am not a fan of winter. December’s okay because there are lights and music and stuff. January is less okay but still not bad because of the New Year and my wedding anniversary. Plus the kids go back to school in January so it’s a bit of a celebration. I’m still “excited” about the prospect of winter running in January.
But February. We’re in the hard, cold days of winter now. Spring is so close I can almost taste it. But it’s still SO far for us Clevelanders. The days drag on. There’s rarely any sunshine. It’s cold. We’re cranky. We need summer!!
Did I paint a dismal enough picture? Great! Because today I’m here with some rants about winter. Last week I brought you Scenes from my Winter Run. Today I bring you… “Winter Running is Hard.”
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Winter Running is Hard… and Worth It
1. Speedwork on the treadmill? Thumbs down.
Speedwork suuuuuucks in the winter. Take Thursday, for example. My friend and I both had speedwork on our training plans but guess what? It was a snowy, slippery, COLD mess so we couldn’t do it together. Winter: 1, Speedwork + Rachel: 0.
But let’s forget the cold temperatures for a minute. It’s straight up dangerous to do speedwork outside on slippery roads. I don’t know about you but when it’s even remotely slick or there’s the tiniest possibility of ice, I’m running super slow — but I’m more likely indoors.
Winter. Beh.
2. No one likes being cold!
I hate running in the cold. Like, seriously. If I’m with friends that’s one thing. But last week I wanted to take my pup out for a run. It was “feels like 2˚F.” That is not awesome running weather.
3. Putting on all the clothes is annoying.
For the days I do suck it up and run in the cold, putting on everything I own just to get a few miles in is supremely annoying. And what’s worse is after the run when I’m still in all the clothes but now I’m wet from the inevitable sweat from wearing too many clothes, which of course makes me cold. I can’t win!
4. But seriously, where’s the sun?
I saw the sun on Tuesday. It’s now Friday.
There are times we will go weeks without seeing the sun in Cleveland. How depressing is that?! Even running outside in the fresh air is depressing when there’s no sun to speak of. I’m all about using exercise to keep me fit and happy but there are some days I just want to open my eyes as wide as they can possibly open just to get more vitamin D.
5. But winter runs with friends are amazing.
You didn’t think I would drop a bombshell depressing post on you and then split like that, did you?! Heck no!
For all the times I bitch and complain about winter running, there’s nothing better than a winter run with friends. Especially if it’s snowing. There’s just something magical about being out there with like-minded people, enjoying the weather and the sport, and finishing it off with a delicious, hot breakfast. Summer running is my favorite, no doubt, but I don’t have nearly as many awesome stories of long runs with friends than I do during winter training.
Do I love winter running? Uh, that would be a big fat no. Buuuuut, it does have some perks. I guess I won’t write it off completely. 
Have a lovely weekend and I’ll catch you back here on Monday! Happy running!
xo
TALK TO ME!
On the treadmill would you rather: run hills or do speedwork?
What’s your favorite outdoor winter activity?
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