Anyone who has ever endured the mean, cold and dark streets of Edmonton in the middle of January likely knows a thing or two about what it takes to survive. With sheets of invisible black ice, dry air that hits the lungs like sheets of sandpaper, and blistering winds that can reach up to 20-plus kilometers an hour it takes a brave soul to venture outside.
Okay, so perhaps there is a touch of exaggeration in those opening statements. Truthfully, the streets of Edmonton aren’t that mean and between the hours of 8 a.m. and approximately 4:30 p.m. from November to March it isn’t exactly dark out – though it is a good day if the sun is shining. And as for cold, well I suppose in January the more accurate term would be “freezing.”
So who in their right mind would go outside under such severe temperatures if they didn’t need to, and for what possible reason? Runners of course! Who else is devoted enough, passionate enough and crazy enough to hold the opinion that a little bit of sleet, snow and ice shouldn’t keep them from honing their craft?
Darren Deveau, a 36-year-old who stumbled into his love of running two years ago, remarks with a quick wit and sarcastic humour about where his own drive to run in the winter comes from.
“I don’t do a lot of other sports and I dislike the treadmill. With the exception of getting fat, I am not sure what I would do if I didn’t run in the winter.”
While Deveau cracks jokes about his dedication to the sport, he also makes humble mention of his accomplishments. Deveau has lost forty-five pounds, finished fifth in his age group in one of Canada’s 5Peaks trail races, and completed three half marathons and one marathon.
Deveau is not the only Edmontonian with some exceptional gusto for the sport. The running community in Edmonton – or Alberta for that matter – is home to some of the most dedicated runners out there.
“I love winter running,” said Allison Stewart, 41. “I love that the air is so crisp and clean. I love that I’m not dripping in sweat or having my energy sapped by the heat. I love that my average pace is about eight seconds faster per kilometer in the winter. I love how beautiful the trails are when the trees are covered in frost. I love how the stars seem more brilliant on winter nights.”
Stewart’s affection for winter running might be unmatched, but in a city that has eight long months of winter and a mere four short months of summer, if Edmontonians didn’t learn to love (or at least tolerate) winter running, they wouldn’t have a whole lot of time left to train for race season. Fair assumption, right?
Think again. Edmonton’s running community seems to be unique in more ways than one. For instance, Edmonton’s Marathon Weekend is held at the end of August every year, unlike Vancouver, Ottawa, and Halifax, whose marathon weekends are in May.
While he can’t say for sure, Brian Torrance, the race’s elite athlete coordinator, believes the race’s date originally had more to do with trying to coordinate with other major events, such as the World Masters Games and the World Commonwealth Games, than trying to schedule around Edmonton’s drawn-out winters.
Indeed, the cold is but a mere afterthought for this northern city. Torrance believes that the race’s timing has more to do with celebrating Edmonton’s summer months and vast river valley then avoiding the threat of winter.
“Having the marathon in August is perfect, as it allows for a full summer of training,” said Torrance, remarking on Edmonton’s beautiful and long summer nights as ideal training times. “I would also rank the Edmonton river valley among the most beautiful trails in the world. They are endless and allow a training marathoner to get lost in their miles.”
Torrance describes Edmonton’s marathon as “first class”, and as one of Canada’s biggest second tier marathon events – with an overall yearly attendance of 3,500 – it appears he is not alone in this statement. Though, for runners like Deveau and Stewart, their dedication has less to do with sticking to a training regime and more to do with a lifestyle.
Both Deveau and Stewart agree that a deep love of running is where they find their strength to run year-round and soldier on through even the harshest winter months, and they have been rewarded for their dedication.
“Winter running has definitely increased my self-discipline.” said Stewart, “Having made myself run through an entire winter, including some days [this year] when Edmonton was the coldest place on earth except for Siberia, I find it easier to get out there on those tough days. I tell myself: ‘You ran when it was freakin’ cold out, you can do this too!’”
While it is true that not all Edmontonians are as brave or tolerant of the cold, opting to run the winter months away on the “dreadmill” or an indoor track, Deveau likes to point out that winter running “really isn’t that bad” with the proper gear. He strongly advises anyone thinking about trying winter running to wear a wind-blocking layer, adding quite eloquently: “To keep the wind off my nether regions. In my book there is no worse pain than the pain from a frozen junk.”
I can’t help but wonder though, if Albertan Westerners are conquering snow drifts and blistering winds by protecting their junks, how are the British Columbian Westerners defeating the puddles and rain storms? Rubber boots?
Whatever the case, don’t let it stop you from reveling in your runs, long or short, for training or fun.
In Life & Running,
Christina Weichel
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