Seven Below | Running Recap

I’d heard rumor that it was supposed to get cold this weekend.  We’ve been pretty lucky here in Indiana this winter with regard to temperature and snowfall (see, eg, success of Super Bowl).  So, when I got up this morning and my Swackett weather app told me it was 15 degrees but felt like it was -7, I didn’t want to believe it.  The swirling snow and outside thermometer confirmed what I already knew.  This was going to be a chilly run.

We started putting on the layers.  At first I thought I would be fine with my super-warm rowing tights, but decided at the last second to put another pair of tights on.  I pulled the bottom of both pairs over my heels, and pulled on two pairs of socks.  If you aren’t a cold-weather runner, let me tell you, it is not pleasant when the cold air hits your bare ankles.  I went with three layers on top – a compression base layer, a thin long-sleeved shirt, and my most expensive yet totally worth the price piece of running gear – my New Balance jacket (Sorry, New Balance, I don’t know that actual name).  This thing is impenetrable, yet it’s not bulky.

After pulling on my full-face mask (aka a gaiter), my Blue Mile fleece hat, and my warmest mitten-gloves, we were ready to head out.  My eyes were literally the only part of my body exposed to the elements.  Despite all of our layers, I could still feel the cold.  The wind wasn’t too bad, but enough that it made my eyes water.  My tears instantly turned to ice.  Before long  we both had ice and frost on our eyelashes and eyebrows.

We were only going 5.25. We made our way to the Tow Path.  The sun was shining, and I was pretty warm within five minutes or so.  Despite the sunshine, the path was pretty icy, so we had to be cautious.  I don’t think we passed any other runners until we made it through Broad Ripple and turned onto the Monon.  The Monon was not nearly as icy.  By that time I was able to both pull my mask down to my chin and flip my mittens to gloves.

At about two miles left, we passed another runner heading in the opposite direction.  He looked very similar to us – face mask, hat, layers.  He waved at us and said, enthusiastically, “Enjoy your run!”  As I’ve mentioned before, I pass a lot of unfriendly runners out there while pounding the pavement.  This man put a (figurative) smile on my face the rest of the way home.  He was out doing the same thing we were, suffering through the cold temperatures because he is a runner.

We were about to turn off the Monon and onto the last leg home.  I noticed I was feeling a bit nauseated.  Even though it felt like we were running on the slow side, I was having trouble carrying on a conversation.  Maybe it was the lack of water this morning.  I didn’t finish as strong as I would have liked, but we ended at an 8:50 pace.  Not too bad considering the icy conditions at the beginning.  My husband said that our reward for running in such weather was donuts for breakfast. Who was I to argue? After all, Daily Mile says I’ve burned like 232 donuts since I started tracking my miles, so what’s wrong with putting three back in my belly? By the way, my husband claims he not a runner, but I think if you are willing to run in -7 degrees, you should just face reality.  I’ll have him training for half-marathons with me in no time!

Now, on a serious note…I voluntarily chose to go out in -7 degree weather.  I’m lucky enough to have the means to buy proper cold weather running gear. But what if I didn’t even have the means to put a roof over my head?  What if I’d had to find a place to sleep last night that was warm enough that I didn’t freeze to death?  That would suck, right?

If you didn’t know, I’m “fundracing” for Back on My Feet Indianapolis as I train for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon this year.  Back on My Feet is an organization that helps fight homelessness, and I strongly believe in their methods.  Please consider contributing to my campaign. The first twenty people who donate $25 or more will have their name placed in a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card (if you donate $50, I’ll give you two entries).  All donations are tax-deductible. I will put the names of all my donors (regardless of amount) on my race-day shirt so that you can run the race with me.  If we see each other before the race, you can sign the shirt yourself.  The Mini is televised, so you might even get on TV (in spirit, of course).

The Mini is less than three months away. I would love it if joined me on my journey to help Back on My Feet.