Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Fall of Snow...

[Alaiyo]

Run two, yesterday, was arduous, but interesting.

I was all prepared for a run in cool weather. Inhaler, Longish yoga pants, extremely heavy-duty sports bra, lighter supportive tank top over that, hoodie, double-ply socks, my cheapo MP3 player and my good running shoes.

It started to drizzle, then rain, then sleet. I considered skipping the run, but would not have had enough time to finish run 3 this week with rest days otherwise. So J and I strapped in, synced our audio and got moving.

Canada is really cold. Even in mid-April. We got soaking wet, and snow started coming down with the sleet. We slogged through puddles, and I started wheezing and coughing again.

Asthma really stinks. My inhaler didn't seem to help. I guess I need to use it more regularly to get the benefits, so I am going to try using it every day.

This is my second run ever, and I think it is novelty and fear of failure that is keeping me going so far. By the end of the run (which seemed to hurt every bit as much as the first, although I might have been moving a bit faster than my "slightly bouncy walk-run"), we were drenched and very, very cold. Snow was clinging to our shoulders, while rain dripped through my hoodie and pants. When we finished and went inside, we just threw all our clothes in the wash, leaving a puddle of water with every step, and jumped into a nice hot shower.

I was amazed to look in the mirror on the way to the shower and see bright red skin everywhere that had been exposed to the air. And I laughed to feel the hot water hit my head and turn really cold by the time it flowed down to my feet!

Then something seriously strange happened: I started itching. Extremely badly, like hives or something. The water droplets from the shower made it worse. It was so bizarre. As I warmed up, it eventually went away (thank goodness). Does anyone know what might cause that?

One thing I am grateful for, besides simply surviving two runs, is that my legs seem to be holding out. My lungs are the weakest link. Considering my previous reliance on a cane, this surprised me. My knees are a little sore, but not too terrible. I may start taping them for stability.

A final observation: last night at dinner with friends, I found myself talking about "my run", feeling all self-important and virtuous. Funny how quickly I am taking credit for running 60 seconds at a time! I guess it is good to feel I am accomplishing something. At some point, I really will be "going for a run".

[Hidden]

Well done with R2, if you can get out and run in that weather you can get ut in anything

As for the itches, I sometimes get them if I get hot/cold too quickly, I just put it down to my skin not coping with the extreme changes.

Your lungs will take a while to get used to being exerted in this way, its all part of making your body stronger and healthier.

You'll soon find yourself talking about C25K to anyone who is in hearing distance, spread the word and be proud of what you are doing.

[Trixitrin Graduate]

Well done again. You have proven you are not just a 'fair weathered' runner. When I first started I think I would have used the weather as an excuse why not to run! Cannot advice about itchy skin problem, as I don't think I have been out in extreme weather yet( just a bit of rain), but hope it does not cause you too much problem in future. I too am becoming a bit of a running bore I feel. I think it is because of the sense of achievement you want to share it with everyone. I recommend the C25K to anyone who asks how I am getting on with running. Be proud of each achievement!

[Mirella Graduate]

Well done, in awe of your snow running. To hear me talk about my "runs" anyone would think I ran 10 marathons a days.

The bad news is long before the novelty wears off the addiction begins!

Well done so far, keep it up, what are you going to do with your now redundant cane?

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Mirella]

What to do with the cane? Good question! So far it is in the back of the closet, and I am a bit afraid to completely get rid of it, since I have had knee soreness the past couple of days. But perhaps part of my reward for finishing C25K should be finding some creative use for it. Should I donate it to the Red Cross? Build it into a toboggan? Hmmm. Great topic for another blog post. Thanks!

And this is one addiction I will gladly take on. XD

[Minuette Graduate]

Don't get itchy, but I do look like a tomato for a few hours afterwards!! Just wanted to say I think you're doing fantastically well

[witchynic]

wow, well done you. Running in snow and all - thats dedication and you should be very proud of yourself! Nothing wrong with bigging yourself up on occasion - let your self esteem have a boost! I itch if i change temperature quickly, especially cold to hot. It might be worth having a drink and bite to eat before your shower after your run so your skin has a chance to warm up!!

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to witchynic]

That is good advice! As long as I don't sit down for the snack, because if I did after a run, I probably wouldn't get up again!

[witchynic]

i know that feeling!! x