Old Dogs, New Tricks

There are weeks when you wonder if you’re doing the right thing, the right way. Generally speaking, this is applicable to all aspects of your life, but right now I’m talking about my training.

Tired legs, slower runs, less motivation. I ran on Sunday, legs still tired from my long run on Friday. I ran on Monday, legs slow and heavy. And I ran again on Wednesday. I thought long and hard about not going, because the wind and the snow and the ice and just, ugh, you know? But anyway I did and while it may have been the run that shook away my frumpiness, I’ve put off my 26k today by a couple of hours in hopes that the mercury will at least get above -10C (it’s not looking good).

Anyway! So with all my negativity, I figured I’d try to focus on some positive things. This will both kill some time while the sun creeps higher in the sky and help get me excited about running today.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned this winter-running season is that I had been overdressing. This was actually the first year that I invested in winter running tights. This negated the need for long underwear. Sure my legs got cold sometimes (keep in mind, Halifax winters aren’t the same as prairie winters), but even on my long runs, I never felt the need for a second layer on my legs. I also kept it lighter up top this winter, too. I wore a tank, a t-shirt and my winter running jacket. On a couple of very cold days, I wore a long sleeve technical t-shirt.

Of course, I’ve been wearing a toque and mitts all season, as well as a balaclava for a few weeks. Also, two pairs of socks. One very thin pair and one thicker (Smart Wool, I think) pair on top. Those meshy holes in the tops of sneakers are the nemesis of all winter runners!

On the whole, less clothes left me feeling lighter and more free. Without a second layer on my legs, they felt easier to move. Without a heavy shirt on my torso, I didn’t overheat or feel like I was being slowed down at all. I’ve heard for years and years the rule of thumb to dress as though it’s 10 degrees warmer, but this was the first year I actually bothered to heed. Turns out, there’s validity in it!

This marathon training has enough people thinking I’m crazy. If they start hearing that I’m wearing less clothes and taking ice baths in winter, they’ll really believe that I’ve lost it!

What about you guys? Any lessons you’ve learned the hard way? And old/bad habits you’ve managed to break?