Saturday, January 16, 2010

The weatherman lied. But I still ran.

It's not surprising, but weathermen are liars.

They've been telling me all week about this January thaw we're supposed to be having and how it was going to be in the upper 30s today. And sunny.

I wake up this morning. Cloudy. Hazy and 21 degrees.

So not going to do the run outdoors right away. So I packed a gym bag (with indoor and outdoor clothing) and headed out to get an oil change. Which turned into lunch and shopping with my Mom while the Quick lube people took their sweet time changing my car's oil.

But the shopping was productive. I had some Scheel's gift cards and Christmas cash burning a hole in my pocket and I found an illumiNITE jacket on sale that I really liked. I admit, up until I bought this jacket, I didn't really have a suitable jacket for running. Granted I don't run outside when it's below 30 degrees, but every so often it'd be nice to have a jacket. So I splurged. Spent my gift cards and money and bought myself a jacket. And it's even reflective, so maybe now I can try that whole running at night thing without having to worry about being run down by a passing vehicle in my sidewalk-less neighborhood.

Once the Quick lube people finished my oil change, I headed over to my parents' house. And since the sun had come out and the temperature had finally broken 30 degrees (we're talking maybe 31), I decided it was time to try out the new jacket and head out for a run.

In addition to the new jacket, I was also trying out my new North Face Impulse tee for the first time. A long-sleeve shirt (with thumb holes!) that I layered on top of another long-sleeved technical shirt.

My Mom - who has only seen me run in shorts and a T-shirt or tank top - said I looked like I was quite the runner decked out in the new outfit. So I grabbed my gloves and headed out.

And after making it to the end of the block and making the first turn I almost turned around and went back. Yes it was chilly, but I could handle that. The gusty wind (OK, OK, maybe more like a 10 mph wind)? That was kind of brutal. Felt like I was running in place. And it was cold.

Knowing I'd have to run straight into that wind on the last stretch back to my parents' house, I thought about cutting the run short, maybe 2 miles. But once I stopped running into the wind, it wasn't too bad. So I kept running. Took a wrong turn at one point and got a little lost in their subdivision (which features a lot of dead end type streets).

The run felt good. It was just shy of 4 miles and my legs felt a little frozen at the end. But it was nice to be able to get outside and log some miles rather than just running on a treadmill to nowhere. And the new jacket and shirt? Fabulous!

13 comments:

Teamarcia said...

Good for you for getting out there! Great new gear too!

Marlene said...

I love that jacket! Great motivation to run outside. Kudos for facing the elements!

Kristie said...

Nice work! I went snowshoeing yesterday and was happy with the 30ish temperature and brief moments of sun. I guess I'm just one of those people who thinks "well compared to the single digits we were having before..." :)

MCM Mama said...

Nice jacket! Good job getting the run done!

Diana said...

Sweet jacket! Yeah, the weather people never seem to get the weather right. I've been enjoying running in the cold more so than the heat this winter. I picked up some great outside running pants from REI and I'm cold in the beginning, but within a mile....comfy and cosy!
Nice job on being out there!

Claire said...

They did lie didn't they? I'm right under Milwaukee and was looking forward to yesterdays weather all week!

Great jacket..and good for you for going anyways!

Jill said...

Oooo, I love that jacket. I'm sure it will make you super speedy :)!

Libby said...

I love Scheels :) Your jacket is adorable, I'm a little jealous I have to admit haha. Yay for getting out and running outside!

JenLo said...

Nice jacket! My jacket I have for running has been the difference to being able to run outside in colder temps--I'd be hitting the treadmill a lot more without it.

Suzy said...

Love, love the jacket! And, a shirt with thumb holes? Sweet! Glad you got out and were able to get a run in...even if you got a little lost.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Wow that jacket is CUTE!! Love it..

Sarah said...

Coveting your new jacket!!

Runner Leana said...

Love the jacket! Pretty colour and I love all the reflectiveness. Honestly great gear makes all the difference, even in the wind! Now get some warmer tights and some wool socks and you'll be all set! Beats the treadmill any time (unless it is -40 or something though)!