What's to love about winter?

Winter fitness is not for the faint of heart.

I say that as a 13-year veteran of winter running.

It's no secret that I much prefer the heat (and even the humidity) of summer. As an Iowa gal, though,  cold winters are my reality for several months every year. Although I do a fair amount of whining and complaining about the winter weather, I don't let it keep me inside (much). My glass is always half full, even in the midst of cold fingers and frozen toes, because every run is a blessing.


Here's a few things I love about running in the winter...

Layers, layers, and (often times) even more layers. A good thing about wearing numerous layers is that it will force you to rotate through more of your running wardrobe. Yes, you will sweat when it’s cold outside, and you very well may sweat through those multiple layers. Instead of wearing the same favorite pieces over and over, winter gives me a chance to dig a little deeper in my closet.

Be careful on those roads. If you’re fortunate to live in a cold climate locale, you will probably get to experience running on slippery, snow-covered streets! Lucky you! Learning to stay vertical (when your body wants to go horizontal) takes skill! It will strengthen not only your core, but also numerous other stabilizing muscles you didn’t know existed. Your warm weather friends will be jealous.

It's so beautiful! Seriously, have you ever seen the how the sunshine makes the snow sparkle like diamonds? Or have you ever left the first footprints on a fresh bed of snow? Have you experienced the true and total tranquility of a moonlit run on a chilly winter evening?

It's ever so tranquil. You have not experienced true and total tranquility until you’ve seen how bright it is when there’s nothing but the moon to light your way. It’s almost as radiant as daylight.

You'll be a badazz for the battle! Honestly, surviving a sub-ZERO run is exhausting, but also quite euphoric. Not many people are willing to attempt heading outside when the temps plummet, even some runners won't venture outside in the extreme weather. It's not a matter of bragging rights, but a conquest against Mother Nature...a test of one's strength and stamina. It's pretty powerful to have a strong passion and commitment to your sport and to not let anything stand in your way.

So, there you go. Winter is definitely not my favorite season, but I honestly think I'd miss it if it didn't make an annual appearance in my running routine. Besides, the cold weather strengthens me, physically and mentally.

How about you? Are you a softy when it comes to cold weather? What's the coldest temps you have endured for a run or a race?

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I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.