Running in Winter - Things that are Awesome
As we continue to get pummeled by winter weather here in Boston, I thought I’d brainstorm things that are awesome about running at this time of year. Really, this is just an exercise in positive thinking for my own benefit; for most of you, my list will sound a bit absurd. So here goes:
Running Tights
I never thought in a million years I’d wear (or even admit to wearing) running tights. But the truth is, they are great. They provide warmth, support, and are tailored to provide the right compression around the muscle groups in your legs. For a guy who gets sore calves, these things are indispensable. They only caveat is that when you wear the tights, it’s imperative that you wear a pair of “courtesy shorts” on top of the tights. Even the girls appreciate the extra effort in preservation of a little modesty. *Note that there are no courtesy shorts in the picture below; I took this picture last year before I realized the error in my ways…
Gross Winter Running Beard
My beard, if you can call it that (see here), has been quite enjoyable to cultivate. I don’t have to shave every day, and I have a perfectly legitimate excuse for looking like a bum. If anyone comments on it, I tell them I’m just trying to keep my face warm when I run - FOR CANCER RESEARCH! I haven’t yet heard a good comeback for that one. In full disclosure, the beard doesn’t seem to make a difference against the cold, but that’s my excuse and I’m sticking by it.
Seeing other People Fall
Anyone who doesn’t admit to thinking it’s funny when other people fall is lying. Particularly the falls that don’t actually hurt, because then you don’t have to feel bad afterwards. Last year, I was running behind a lady who fell twice going up the Newton Hills. Both times, I thought it was funny because she got up no worse for the wear. But then I realized that an older lady running in front of me had fallen twice and was still in front of me. That was a bit demoralizing. Anyway, I personally take special pleasure in seeing other people fall because I’m probably one of the most clumsy people alive. In fact, I fall all the time. I’m pretty sure my friends will comment on this topic below.
“Eye-cicles”
You know it’s cold when you’ve got icicles hanging from your eyelashes. My friend Justin Bourassa coined the term in a blog post last year. Eyecicles are pretty badass.
An Air of Superiority
Bear with me on this one. For non-runners, this might just sound like ridiculous self-inflation, of which I certainly don’t need any extra. But there really is something to be said for running by some person bundled up with 15 layers when you’ve just run 10+ miles in spandex pants and a shell. As you run by and they look at you, they’re definitely thinking “what an a-hole”. And they’re probably right. But somehow, it just makes you (the runner) feel even better about what you’re out there accomplishing. Again, my friends will probably rip me apart in the comments section for this one…Bring it on!
SO, my fellow winter runners, what else is awesome about running in the winter?
