I Ran Outside Today

It’s Cold

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It was 37 degrees outside this morning at 11:30, so I thought why not run outside? Getting ready included wearing multiple shirts. One short sleeved shirt first, then a long sleeve over that, finally my running nylon shirt over that. Three layers. I should be warm enough right? One pair of running pants, my socks, shoes, a hat and some gloves, bam I’m ready. 

Am I Ready

I headed out the door and a wind blew in my face. I thought of aborting my run but didn’t want to head upstairs to the treadmill. So, I continued on.

When I started out, I was running north. The sun was out, and it wasn’t too cold. I did feel the wind, it was coming from the west. It felt cold, but I figured I would warm up as I ran so it didn’t bother me. I turned west. When I run west there is a hill (which is good for me) but the wind hits me full in the face. It was cold. 

Be Careful

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I live in Wisconsin so there is also snow on the road. I try to run where the blacktop is visible, but it isn’t always possible. Running up the hill I ran on the side in snow. As long as there wasn’t ice underneath, I was fine. With the wind in my face, I couldn’t wait to go down the hill and take another left (heading south). As soon as I turned the corner the wind died down and the sun was in my face. The road was also mostly clear because of the sun. If only I could continue to run south until I arrived back home. An impossibility because I had to take another left, headed east. East wasn’t bad but the road was not cleared as there were many trees blocking the sun. Once again, I was running way over on the side in gravel. I just felt safer. Heading east there is a small incline which is no problem. As I reached the top it was sunny once again. 

I had one more left to take, headed north again. The wind was once again at my side. The road I start out on and wind up on coming home is a busy road. A lot of semis and dump trucks made their way past me as I ran. There were also vehicles heading in my direction so moving to the edge was required once again. There is a shoulder, but it was snow covered. I had to slow down a bit because I didn’t know if ice was underneath the snow. 

In order for me to go 3 miles I need to run for a little way once I reach my house. Then turn around and run back. I timed it on my Fitbit when I used to wear one. It is 2.9 around the block and I run three so reaching my destination I turned around to run home. 

I Made It

As I opened the door a wave of heat hit me, and I realized how cold I was. Running outside in November is cold. Which is why I only run three miles. 

I find it way more fun than the treadmill, so I won’t complain. The treadmill is boring for me. I’ll take the outside and cold before I go upstairs.

Is It Treadmill Time

That being said, I am not sure how much longer I will be able to run outside. Maybe this week, it’s supposed to be in the 30’s all week.  This is Wisconsin so who knows what next week will bring. Possibly a blizzard. I never try to guess and always hope for mild winters.

Tomorrow I will be once again pounding my feet on the pavement. 

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Winter hasn’t gotten me yet. But I wish it was summer. I can't lie.

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