Even In the Cold

I just hate exercising in the cold. If I can’t get out the door and be comfortable, I just don’t go out. I’d would rather be over-dressed and unwrap along the way, than be cold.

But I’m learning. I’m learning that it generally takes about a mile for me to get warm/comfortable when I’m running, which is only about 10 minutes. I’m learning that if it is over 40 degrees outside, that a scarf, gloves, hat, and heavy jacket is just plain silly if there is no wind. I’m learning that exercising is so important to my health, that excuses like “it’s too cold” just isn’t going to work. As long as it isn’t raining (and in the summer that doesn’t usually matter) or the wind isn’t too bad, then cold is relative.

I’ve done hikes in the foothills in the December evenings – and even then, I got very warm after about 15 minutes.

I’m supposed to be biking for one hour on Sundays right now, but I just don’t have the cold weather equipment/clothing for that still. Feet get really cold – they sell special booties to go over bike shoes, but I don’t have a pair. Hats don’t work if you plant to wear a helmet! I don’t have tights for biking. And on a bike, there is a whole other kind of wind involved. In the summer I have gotten chilly with the crosswinds.

I admit – these are excuses to not bike in the cold, but I still exercise in the cold. I walked today: very fast, for an hour.

Today’s accomplishments: Un-calibrated Nike+ information: 4.41 miles walk, 59.55 mins 13.33 miles (most accurate – time).