It was with this notion that I trudged out on my long run this morning in the cold, snowy Indiana weather with my best friend Meghan. We came equipped with warm layers (Me- 5, Her- 2), positive attitudes (for the most part...) and SnowTrax. I purchased these highly-useful rubber-spike attachments last year in a feeble attempt to steer clear of the treadmill. They were perfect for the layer of snow & ice covering the beautiful Monon Trail.
We started off and despite a few wardrobe malfunctions on Meghan's part (the SnowTrax didn't like her shoes, how she runs or a combination of the two), we were having a great time. We passed a few dog-walkers and two guys running that appeared to be college students. After they passed, I turned to Meghan and asked whether she thought they were college athletes or just running for fun. She turned to me, gave me a look and said, "If they were running for fun, do you really think they'd be out here in this?" Touché.
Although I agree with her for the most part, I think that braving the elements is fun in a slightly-twisted kind of way. Sure you begin to doubt your exercise decisions as you are skidding around on half-melted snow but at the end of the day, how many other people can say that they ran outside in the snow? It takes a certain kind of perseverance and determination to forgo the comfort of the indoor treadmill and adventure out into the world at your body's expense. You miss out on scenic snow-covered paths, streets lined with houses decorated with lights & the nature that even the visual-images on the newer treadmills cannot mass reproduce. So the next time you are thinking about opting for the regularity of the insulated treadmill, live a little and go run outside. We are only on this beautiful Earth for a little while and we might as well soak in as much sunshine, fresh air & nature as we can. You'll thank me for it.
Mary
True friends hold you to exercising no matter the conditions.
