What's Snew?

I've been a wimp lately.

All it has taken is a little bit of snow and ice (or perhaps just a below-freezing temperature) to get me to skip running and glue my buttocks to the couch. I know I have a marathon to train for, but I have had a really difficult time in convincing myself that any sort of discomfort might be manageable in my pursuit of that goal.

I don't want to be cold, don't want to run in snow, and certainly don't want to risk slipping on any ice. Sure, you can spin it to say that I'm merely being prudent and condition-conscious, but the truth is: I'm being a wimp.

So, after staying indoors again on Saturday (which actually had some pretty pleasant weather, in parts), I made the commitment that I was going to run outdoors on Sunday, no matter what the conditions. It's been a while since I had run in Waterton Canyon, so that was my target exercise venue.

I took too long getting ready, so I didn't have all that much time for running by the time I got started. I wore running tights and a pair of nylon sweatpants, two shirts, a jacket and a windbreaker, gloves and a stocking cap. I debated whether to wear glasses, but as hard as it was snowing, I figured they'd just get splotchy, so I went with naked eyeballs. I dug out my heavy-duty "snowball fight" gloves, a face & throat cover wrap, and an extra fleece ear warmer, just in case. But I didn't need any of those things.

In fact, after a mile of running through the deep snow, I began to overheat. I took off the stocking cap and gloves and stuffed them in my pocket. I probably could've shed the jacket, too, but didn't want to hassle with carrying it. I was plenty warm for the rest of the run.

Mine were the first footprints in the canyon. The footing was fabulous -- the fresh snow was deep enough to provide a lovely cusion for each footfall, but shallow enough that my stride didn't need to be modified. It was slow going, though, and the blowing snow and ice would occasionally become an irritant, but overall it was a delightful run. The beautiful white blanket enhanced the loveliness of the canyon, and the sounds of the creek water dancing among icy riverbed chunks had a musical quality that made the run a serene aesthetic experience.

A couple of miles in, I had a mild panic attack as I thought about how alone I really was out there. I wasn't sure any other humans would pass by until after the storm had moved on, and I was conscious of the fact that recent winter weather may have made food scarce for pumas, yeti, and whatever other carnivores might live within the canyon walls. I started to think I could feel lions and tigers and bears eyeballing me from within the bushes.

But then a Water Department truck drove by -- so I was able to curb my imagination, and quickly resumed my bliss in the sensory experience of the snowstorm canyon run.

I turned around as I approached the 3-mile dam, and picked up the pace a bit to ensure that I'd make it to the Ridge in time for swim practice. There were times I had to squint a bit to keep my eyeballs from being hit by flying snow and ice crystals, but I still didn't need the hat or gloves.

With about a half mile to go, I finally saw some human beings. Three other runners passed by, and we all exchanged cheery greetings, taking comfort in knowing that there are other people just as crazy. I wondered if they would continue on past where my footprints looped around; probably. But I bet none of them would follow it up with a 5000+ yard swim workout.

Anyway, it was good to finally break through that cold-snow mental block my training had stalled against. Now the question is whether I can keep up the outdoor activities regardless what weather follows this last storm.

I hope I can. It's nice to know, though, that the solstice in less than a month away. A few more hours of daylight will surely help. And of course, you -- my friends and inspiring training pals -- can help, with your usual encouragement and support. I'd really like to take the weekend's momentum into the rest of the week, and turn my life into a no-wimp zone.

Wish me luck, and have a great day!