It has been 6 weeks since I have ran outside or anything more than a few km on the treadmill so today was the day for a much needed therapy run. It was cold outside but the breeze didn't seem too bad and we weren't in an extreme cold warning (finally!) so time to don the winter running gear and get outside. I drove by the park I like to run my longer runs at and the paths looked like the snow was packed down so it was promising for a decent run with my YakTrax. They are really showing their wear but should get me through the rest of winter (pretty please 🙏). I realized when I got to the park I had forgot that I was going to wear my new neoprene face mask we bought while skiing the next time I had a really cold run. I didn't want to drive back home so I decided to skip it today. I know I really like it when I ski, it keeps my face surprisingly warm without having frozen cloth right up against my mouth but I wasn't sure what the reaction might be to see someone running down the street with a skull face (see bottom middle picture in the collage that I added from our ski trip. We're quite the sight on the slopes ☠️😈🐾). What do you think? A good idea or just asking to be pulled over by the police 😂? Anyways, the temperature is still supposed to be cold for my Sunday run so I might just give it a go then.
I've been feeling really melancholy lately (hence the need to get outside to run today despite the cold weather) and thought my Chillin' playlist on Spotify would fit the mood and the temperature today. I had recently added a couple new songs that I had hoped would pop up on this run so I hit shuffle and off I went. Despite the cold, I warmed up quickly and was feeling pretty darn good for the first little bit. One of my new songs came on - Northern Lights by the Jerry Cans, a band from Iqaluit, Nunavut that combines traditional Inuit throats singing with folk music and country. They are a really unique group and I have this new fascination with throat singing since I first saw a performance a while back. Combining it with a mainstream song is wild and the song did not disappoint on my run. Yay! Good addition to a running playlist.
By 4k, I was feeling my groove, enjoying watching the mingle of dog foot prints, with human boot prints and deer prints on the pathway. Then I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe came on. Now, I am not a religious person, but there is something about this song that pulls on my heart strings and brings this feeling over me that I can't explain. Today, those feelings were too powerful to contain and I started sobbing openly as I'm running down the pathway heading under the bridge. Fortunately, it is bloody cold and there are no other people nearby but because it is so bloody cold these tears are going to put me at a greater risk of frostbite and have my eyelashes stick together even more than they already are so I tell myself to pull up my Big girl Pants, suck it up and stop this sobbing. I get through the song with only a few more little tremors and realize with my mood of late, perhaps this wasn't my best playlist choice. Oops. Let's see what the rest of the run brings me and the Running Gods of Shuffle. Will they help keep me strong to finish this run or knock me down to a puddle of tears? It's an out and back run of 10.5k, so I really hope it is the former!
I reach the blue bridge which should be my turn around point, give it a little tap and turn around as Dixie chicks Long Time Gone comes on. I chuckle to myself because I initially thought it was called Long Way Home (until the lyrics came on and I remembered what the song was actually called). I was chuckling because I had just decided to take a little detour to avoid the area just ran that had fairly big snow drifts that were making it a challenge so I was going to take "the long way home" which seemed fitting. But Long Time Gone still seems fitting since it has been a long time since I've ran this path. So far, better choices Running Gods of Shuffle.
At 7k, House of the Rising Sun by the Animals comes on. A big smile comes over my face, my hand comes up to rest over my heart and I feel so content. My son has been learning this on his guitar and he's been doing such a great job of it. I wish he would practice a bit more and turn up his amp so I could hear him play but he seems to have gotten a bit self conscious of late. I don't get to go to many of his lessons any more, but the last time was 2 weeks ago. As I sat on a pew outside his instructors room and they started to play and his teacher started to sing, I was just in awe. I love music and the feeling it gives me. Some day, I hope to find the time to pick up one of my son's guitars and perhaps learn a bit as well. When he first started lessons, he would come home and teach me what he was learning but life got in the way and that fell by the wayside. I had him show me the chords and changes he uses when Playing House of the Rising Sun after we got home after the last lesson. He makes it look so easy, but Nope. These soft little finger tips will need a bit of time to toughen up and a lot of time to develop some dexterity. Someday, perhaps.
As I cross over my second to last bridge, I realize I am now running straight into the wind. So what has been feeling like a pretty pleasant run despite cold has just gotten a lot chillier (thanks a lot Wind Chill!). Being aware of frostbite and my exposed nose and cheeks, I pull my buff back over my face. Of course, by now, it is a frozen block of merino wool. I must've bumped my headphones somehow and my music was gone! Noooooo! So I stop, pull out my phone and it looks like the headphone jack might've just got bumped (I am not a fan of the lightning jack that goes with the headphones for the iPhone 7! I find it bumps easily and then the music is lost until you stop and reinsert it and fiddle around which is what I did but it wasn't working). Then it seemed like my phone was trying to die (they really hate these cold temps) so I said Screw it and quickly tucked it back in my flipbelt, moved my flipbelt to under my shirt in hopes that my phone wouldn't die and I'd lose my run. I peak at my Garmin, which I normally wear over my jacket sleeve so I can gauge distance and time to make sure the cold hadn't wreaked havoc with it. It was still working but the cold had really sucked back the power and I was down to 1 bar with 1.5k left to run. Yikes! I didn't want to lose all record of my run so I tucked my watch under my jacket sleeve and hightailed it a much as I could at the end of a long run on legs that haven't run much in a while. But as I was gauging where to stop my run (Runkeeper and Garmin don't always agree and if I was downloading from Garmin Connect, I didn't want to get gyped on distance) I heard Runkeeper ding Activity Complete. Whoohoo! Phone didn't die, nor did my watch so I have proof and my run exists 😂.
It was a mixed bag of emotions today, but 10.5k in the bag and only 2 little spots on my cheeks that were white post run that look a little puffy now, so there may be a titch of frost bite. Oops. I will try the face mask next run and see if I get pulled over by the police or hear of reports of a masked bandit running through the winter streets 😂
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SaskAlliecat
Graduate10
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What a great post from you SaskAlliecat on your description of your 10.5K run and weather report. -19C and you say that's not severe cold, you maybe aware that the UK has had the warmest February on record with a top "summer" temperatures of +18C in Scotland. +20C in Wales and +21C in London, however, with March beginning and the first day of Spring the temperatures are going back to a more normal mid 40's F, I just hope it gets less cold where you are for your runs. 🏃
Thanks Alan. While you guys were enjoying your warmest February on record, we were the complete opposite with it being our coldest for the longest that most can remember (haven't heard about actual documented records, but boy oh boy, this cold snap has been going on and on and on). It is sad when -19C had become a warmup. I'm hoping for warmer weather to get back in the Running groove but would like it to be gradual to minimize flooding and so the farmers can keep some of the moisture in their fields. I am definitely dreaming of hitting the trails again this summer and having to worry about getting out early to avoid overheating 😁
Thanks for your weather report SaskAlliecay, interesting what you say about minimum flooding regarding moisture in the soil, a sudden rise in temperature from - 20C to +20C over 48 hours is a bad thing, what you want to have is a slow rise in temperature for over a week, it will also help you with your trail running.
What an incredible post and what an incredible run 😊. Just taken back by those conditions. And running in them. Just inspiring SA. Can’t even imagine how cold that must feel like. I loose myself too in music especially as my playlist music has so many memories attached to each song. Hope the weather eases soon for you and please wear that ski mask.
-27 Wind chill! You are made of stronger stuff than me. Like you I’m also wondering ‘when will this winter end’. Today in On. it was quite mild and it gives us a peek into what is to come. Just think this time next month.....
Often spring break marks the change of the seasons, but it does not look like that is happening this year. But I’m still sticking with the idea of ‘this time next month....’
Face masks look great, but I think it would freak me out if I saw someone out running with one on, especially if I was in the city.
The run sounds like it was chilly but great. Hope it gave you that inner smiley feeling.
I'm definitely thinking a lot of this "time next month" and really hoping we're seeing a break by then! February has knocked me on my backside but perhaps March will be better? The forecast so far isn't looking promising. Oh well. It is what it is. It'll just make the doable runs that much more enjoyable. The positives are I've nailed my winter running gear. The skin overlying my fattier body parts were quite red in the post run shower but I was surprisingly comfortable for the majority of my run and the puffy cheek patches are looking more normal. Yay! And I'm definitely feeling that inner smiley feeling 😊
We live in Balmy Southsea on the south coast of England, but are currently on ski hols in Brekenridge, Colorado. Our first few days were - 28c before windchill, which came as a bit of a shock to the system and bought new base layers and full face masks after our first day on the snow. Thankfully it has warmed up to more normal winter temps and we’ve had 41cm of snow over the last 5 days.
Hi Allie, wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions you went through on your Oh so freezing run!😨
Not so surprising, with the huge physical exertion you needed that you felt a bit fragile and elated in turns... but I hope the overall feeling was of pride at such a tough adventure.
10.5k in -19c and frost bitten cheeks😱 I would wear your ski-mask next time, there can't be too many people out to un-nerve in those conditions!
I hope your cheeks have recovered.
I saw something Roseabi had posted the other day that resonated with me...
Pain is temporary...Strava results are Forever!😉😊xxxx
Super report as usual from you, but do take care of yourself 😘
Thanks Jan. I'm just so happy the weather was good enough for the chance of an outside run. It looks like we're now back in an extreme cold warning so I'm so glad I got out when I did and the cheek patches have returned to normal 😊. Fingers crossed that Sunday's run can be back outside (possibly with face mask) but if not, at least there is lots of curling to watch while I'm relegated to the treadmill.
Roseabi's comment is so true. It seems like if the run isn't documented, it didn't happen. It can be a little addicting some times 😆.
Respect SaskAlliecat, I would definitely put that face mask on next time. Your’s looks great compared to our boring plain black masks. You can wear it for a Halloween night run too. 🎃 👻
Thankfully it’s warmer here now and we’ve skied in 10” of fresh snow today. What a hoot - I could be heard giggling all around the mountain. 😂😂
Hi Sask, I do love your in depth posts. I feel like I’m there with you! This one didn’t disappoint! ❄️ 🎶🏃♀️What an amazing run and I’m glad your tech didn’t fail you entirely! 👍
So does this mean the end of winter is in sight? When we lived in New England March was often snowy, but the temps would gradually start to rise and it felt “springy” - always a lovely feeling. 😍
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling blue of late. Hopefully being able to run outside more now will help. It’s such therapy isn’t it?
Happy running to you Sask. And yes, pull on that skull mask - it’ll be fun to hear what kind of reaction you get! 😅🏃♀️
Thanks Cheeky! I can't seem to write a short post (I've tried 😆) but I'm glad you enjoy them. Unfortunately our winters can sometimes drag on and on (it's not unheard of to get snow in May but it usually doesn't last) but hopefully we start to experience some warmer temps. The deep freeze has been a long one this year. It's the lack of breaks and windchill that makes it so challenging.
I felt really good all day yesterday after my run but I can feel my mood is low again today. Running outside makes such a difference so I'll be trying to get outside tomorrow again. I'll get on the elliptical today and do some stretches. It doesn't give the same release but getting the blood flowing will be good.
Oh Sask. I am always in awe of you running in those conditions. I say do wear the face mask next time! I am glad you got out for a good run; and that it vented some emotions. But sorry to hear you have been blue. Big hugs to you. I know that whenever I am low a run brings it all to the surface; but that’s a good thing, I think. Stay warm. xxx
Thanks Madge, it really was a great therapeutic run. This time of year is very tough so I'll need to make every effort to get back out regularly. The helmet covers are a lot of fun and get quite a response on the slopes. They're fleecy which is nice for an added layer of warm. Mine is a skunk with an awesome white tail and white Mohawk, my son's devil also has a long pointy tail and hubby's is a skull and cross bones. We bought our son's at a craft show a couple years ago then ordered for my hubby and I from the same company on-line the next year. I can easily pick my family out when I'm trying to meet up with them which is nice.
It's funny how we all need "proof" of our runs. It is nice to go back and compare if needed and even just to see what has been done and when. It is a great feeling of accomplishment.
Lovely post. Can't believe you run in those conditions though, amazing! Hopefully that run was a real release for you, maybe you managed to leave some of the melancholy under the bridge. Here's to warmer and cheerier days ahead
I'm definitely hoping for warmer cheerier days but woke up quite blue again. The sun is shining which is nice but we're back in another extreme cold warning this morning with it being -33C (-47 with windchill) so will be staying inside. I had initially hoped to head out snowshoeing in the coulee by my house but we just can't get a break lately that lasts more than a day. Tomorrow is -19 but pretty windy so it might be a treadmill run. Pfft! My house needs some attention so perhaps after a couple cups of coffee and breakfast we'll crank some tunes and get cleaning.....or curl up with a good book and watch Men's curling on tv.....
Good grief! I just can't imagine running in those temperatures! That sounds fierce 😩 A great run!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who cries sometimes on runs. A certain piece of music, certain memories and away I go 😥 But I reckon it's what we need so it's all good. The reverse is also true, a certain piece of music and happy memories that make us giggle.
I think you should just wear the mask Saska. Looks fabulous and if you get arrested just think of the post you could write 😮😮
I wish I didn't have to run in these temps either but our winter is too long to be relegated to the treadmill. I bought some great winter running gear this year. It has made a world of difference. It wasn't cheap but it was so worth it. I'm definitely going to give the mask a go on the next run. What do I have to lose? Who knows, if it is as windy as they're calling for, maybe I'll even wear my ski goggles! Then nothing is exposed 😂. It'll be that or the treadmill. We'll see how brace I am tomorrow 😜.
I'm glad I'm not the only one with the crying. I'm such an emotional person and music is such an outlet. I've also been known to hoot and holler, play air drums, punch the sir when an upbeat song comes on mid run and I feel like a champ. It's all good until you notice somebody nearby. Oops. It'll be good to get back to my isolated trail runs again but I don't listen to music on them so I'm a bit quieter and more subdued 😊. It's a trade off.
Sounds to me like you’re a human being, what’s wrong with that? More people should express their feelings, better out than in, I say. I’ve got a HM tomorrow, and I already feel a little emotional - it always hits me around 12 miles, I don’t know why, all the hard work I’ve put into training, then the realisation I am going to make it...(this will be my 5th, but it doesn’t stop being any tougher, or any less of an achievement) it means a lot to me, I’m not quick, but I will have achieved it, no matter how long it takes....
Off down the road I go, to lose my mind , to find my soul.....
Best of luck on your HM tomorrow! 5 is a huge achievement. I'm still working towards my first, but this WILL be the year for it. I'm sure I will be that person crying over the finish line when it happens but hey we worked hard and it is a release.
"Off down the road I go, to lose my mind, to find my soul" - I like that. It sounds like it must be from a song (or you're just very poetic who has me pegged just right). What song is it (it might just have to hit one of my playlists)?
Many thanks, the taper terrors have nearly finished, beginning to feel excited and wanting to get it done now! There will definitely be tears tomorrow, I have a friend recovering from cancer doing it for the first time, i expect we will have a few tears together....I am so proud of her....
That quote - I’m sure I saw it as a quote somewhere, and is adapted from a quote by John Muir - Scottish American naturalist.... “and into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
Tomorrow will definitely be an emotional day. I'll be thinking of you and your friend. I don't even know her but I'm proud of her to - recovering from cancer, running a HM! What an inspiration!
Thanks for the quote. I really like that. It sums it up perfectly.
Great post and run Sask. I can't imagine running in those sorts of temperatures. I just found Northern Lights on spotify and it's a great running song, I will definitely add it to a playlist. I like Dixie Chicks too
Being out doors has got to be good for your mood- I have a friend who has SAD and uses a light box- which he says makes a massive difference.
Yay! I'm glad you liked it. I heard if them because they were playing locally but I couldn't get to the performance. I couldn't believe what I heard when I googled them and listened to a few of their songs. It is pretty neat. My playlists can be a little crazy sometimes because I like such a variety of music. I've created a number of playlists and try to gauge the mood to see what will be listened to that day. It was Travelin' Soldier from Dixie Chicks that spurred that playlist. It wasn't initially meant for running, just something to listen to, but one day I put it in or my run and it's a good one for a slow quiet run. It is full of music from the 90's, with a few others that fit the mood - I feel like I'm back in University again 😊.
Thanks for the tip on the SAD light. We have one and I was using it early season but have stopped again. The days are getting longer and we are noticing a difference which is nice. I believe my current struggle is stress related. I'm going into a very busy and what feels like an unsupported time at work for the next 3 months. It can be quite overwhelming. I need to review some stress management techniques again and really take time for my runs. It does help when I can fit it in.
Wow, so different in your part of the world. I can only imagine those sorts of temperatures. Wear the mask, surely everyone with any sense will be doing the same out there? Great photos and great run.👍😊
I loved your post! I almost feel all of the emotions you are describing - the power of the music you are listening to while running and your feelings listening to your son’s guitar playing, as well as your reflections about your physical state. You definitely have a way with words! I’m glad that you were able to smile during your run! These long winters can be difficult to endure. You are brave and hardy to be out there skiing and running!
The photos and your masks are great! Hopefully, you’ll be able to run in spring conditions soon. Running outside is just so much better mentally and physically and where you run seems so beautiful.
I dragged myself outside for a short run yesterday. The problem here wasn’t the cold but rather the warm then cold temperatures which have created skating rink conditions. As yesterday was sunny and a balmy -4C I braved the sidewalks dodging ices patches, slushy puddles and pedestrians. Despite the conditions I came back with a smile on my face. This week will be cold again so back to the icy conditions.
I hope your cheeks are better and the mask might be a good idea despite the threat of police intervention.😀
The ice is just as bad as the cold, I find. I had a nasty fall last January on the ice so am ridiculously nervous on ice. Just before the start of this marathon deep freeze we were in that freeze/thaw cycle with so much ice it also hampered running. At least with this cold, if it isn't dangerously cold and windy, I can get out with the right gear but I am dreaming of some nice weather runs again. It is so sunny today, I am tempted to get out the face mask, ski goggles and try a short little snowshoe in the coulee despite the -30 C(-45 windchill) that the thermometer is showing. My heart says Yes, my brain says No so we'll see what the next couple of hours bring 🤔
What a great post Saskie. I LOVE the Dixie Chicks so I'm glad they cheered you up. Running outside is great therapy. Treadmill just doesn't have the same endomorphic, fresh aired, boost. Sorry to hear that you have been feeling a bit fragile. I do hope that you get out to run at least once a week. Looking forward to hearing of your snowshoe escapade if you did go out. Spring is coming fast (although it's difficult to believe that right now, with a mad March storm howling outside). Big hugs to you from many miles away.
Thanks so much paulanoo. It was really great to get outside again for a run. I haven't managed to make it out today yet, the winds are picking up so it feels like I've lost my window. I ran outside to take the garbage out and it took my breath away. So I think I'm hunkering down and having a lazy cat day basking in the sunlight coming through the window instead.
Sounds like some great run therapy there Sask. I just missed seeing the Jerry Cans when they played nearby. Great music makes a difference. House of the Rising Sun is one of my old faves too. Kudos to your son for learning some classics Lately I’ve been obsessed with the new Snow Patrol album. And Deathcab for Cutie ( who’s lead singer is also an ultra trail runner btw)
I missed them too when they were playing here - I was on call. I was quite disappointed that I couldn't go when I googled them and listened to some of their stuff but have some new playlists and songs because of it. I haven't heard the new Snow Patrol album but I have some of their older stuff on playlists so I'll have to check it out. I'm not sure if I've ever listened to Death Cab for Cutie but will have to check it out for sure (I love that he's an ultra runner!). I love how Running has gotten me back in touch with music again. My playlists keep getting longer and longer and more and more in number. Variety is the spice of life!
I have to say, so far Kiddo has pretty decent taste in music. We tend to like a lot of the same things, which is nice. I'm hoping that continues into his teenage years 🙏. Could I be so lucky?
Haha hopefully you can. I went to an Arcade Fire show with my 14yr old last year and though he tried to pretend he didn’t know me, I think we still had a good time 😊 Was an awesome show too.
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The running Gods are against me! 
I’m back! First run of the year courtesy of my brilliant physiotherapist 😌
Today's 9k run... and why I love running.
