Crazy 65 yr old runs 4K on snow in -12 weather

[5KCouch]

That's me, obviously. I survived, as you can see, and I'm still able to use a computer. (Or else I'm feverish and hallucinating.)

Well, anyway, I realised that this cold spell we're having is lasting longer than my patience, and that I'd better just get out the door and get it done. So I put on some layers of wool and synthetic fabric, topping it with a cotton anorak. Perfect. I wasnt't cold for one moment.

But my lungs felt it. There's a reason why there are no cross-country ski races when the temperatures drop below -15. Not official ones, no.

I was just going for a light jog. I should be able to do that and stay in zone 2, as in not breathing hard. That was my intention anyway. It turned out that no way could I do something that resembled a slow jog without breathing hard. My body needed to work harder to keep warm with all the cold air coming into the body through breathing. I already knew that, technically, I just did not know exactly how much that would affect me.

I think I'll go for a brisk walk next time, and not press on in zone 3 just for the sake of jogging. It was stupid, and I should know better at my age. Especially after my throat got a little sore. Just a little. After whic I kept jogging- until it was red lights all over the system and no fun anymore.

Oh well. I got a sometimes slight cough this morning. To be expected. Will check my temperature anyway.

--

PS: Just checked - 36.4 - so it's probably just some soreness.

And I mistakenly posted the above to Couch25K this morning.

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10]

From one crazy 65 year old lady to another - well done!!

My coldest run was 5k at -10C. Lots of layers, except from knee to bum (didn't occur to me to put tights on under my leggings). My extremities were warm but my thighs were completely numb with cold. It was the same sensation as after my epidurals 😂

It's wonderful to be out there with the crunchy dry snow underfoot but it's wise to be sensible about it. In my defence I was a spring chicken of 63 when I did this, probably know better now.

Looking forward to hearing more of your adventure

[5KCouch in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thanks 😊 I haven't tried epidural but I know what you mean. There are parts of my body that will turn into semi-frozen meat, no matter how many layers I put on. It's a function of time and cold weather, and relatively poor blood circulation in the area.