Whew, this past weekend was a whirlwind of activity (which you’ll hear about later this week). Aside from all of that stuff, I finally made my grand return to running…and it was a bit sobering!
In reality, I actually completed my first run last week, approximately one month after I quit running entirely, and almost two months after I started to phase it out of my regular workout pattern. Originally, I had just grown bored with running and needed a break; then I hurt my back and was told I couldn’t run. In short, it’s been a rough relationship over the past couple of months!
I visited my doc for another spinal decompression visit this past Friday and while there, he suggested that I ease my way back into the sport. He suggested I start with a run/walk combo and gradually progress from there. I had just read in this month’s Runner’s World that a 2 min run/2 min walk combo was great for people recovering for injury, so I decided that I would start with that plan.
Unfortunately, Saturday dawned frigid ….and more frigid. I managed to talk myself out of running that day and convinced myself that Sunday would be better. However, Sunday was just as cold and I was stuck with this temperature:
I had plans later in the day so I couldn’t push it to the afternoon, and as much as I wanted to bail to the treadmill, I knew Tally really needed to run. In the end, I decided to suck it for the pup, bundle up, and head outside.
I contemplated my clothing options because the temps were actually worse than they looked: according to the news, it was -10 out with wind chill. Now, I’m not exactly speedy and my run/walk combo sure wasn’t going to be creating any wind resistance, but those small gusts felt relentless! To combat this, I wore my Columbia OmniHeat base layer, a fleece vest, my new Lucy Fast as Lightning Run jacket (yet another Christmas gift from Will!), my Reebok Crossfit tights, and of course, my beloved Brooks Pure Cadence.
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| My face was bright red by the time I got back! |
(Sidenote: if anyone is looking for a ridiculously warm base layer to run in, that OmniHeat is a great option. Columbia sent it to me a few months back (for free), and I’ve largely used it snowshoeing, skiing, etc. However, it was the perfect choice for yesterday’s run because the OmniHeat reflects your body heat back onto yourself, and thus keeps you warm. Typically it’s far TOO warm to run in, but when it gets downright frigid, this shirt is definitely a good choice.)