Ah, winter running. You got to love it, or it will drive you insane.
These past few weeks of running, with our Pacific Northwest cold snap, has brought back memories of winter running in Montana. The most memorable winter was in 1992-1993. Here's how it went, but before I start I need to go back to June, 92.
I had spent that spring training to run a Boston qualifier marathon, which was, for my age, a 3:15, and had planned on running the Governor's Cup Marathon the first of June. My training worked out well and I did run a qualifying time - Boston, here I come! That summer I ran regularly and kept my training up, though I didn't really started the big push, for Boston, until the first of November. By this time I had met and befriended two other local runners, Mike and Ed, who were more into ultras. Ed was really interested in training with me. We ran, together, at least four times a week.
Not only did I begin a push on my training, the weather began it's push for one of those "Seven Year Winters". These are the type of winters that the locals enjoy because it sends all those who just moved up from California, back to California. Snow, below zero temperatures, strong winds and just plain nastiness made this winter unbearable. I mean that, it was just miserable.
Here is a list of conditions that we dealt with:
Snow. A ton of snow feel on Helena that winter. One weekend it was up over my knees.
Below zero temperatures. For about three weeks we had temperatures in the 20° below range. Yes, 20° below zero. Fahrenheit.
Icy roads. I slipped and feel more times that I care to think about. Since we ran together, falling meant bring down your running buddy as well. So much so that Ed made me a pair of studded running shoes.
Frozen Body Parts and Things. Twice I froze the tip of my nose. Having the water in my water bottle freeze solid was a daily occurrence. The trick was to drink enough water before it froze. Eating a Power Bar during this time was impossible, though a chocolate glazed doughnut seemed to work.
Running Winter Ware. During this time I wore three layers of stuff to keep warm. Since I would often run over 2 hours, in below freezing temperatures, my sweat would freeze on the inside of my nylon jacket. I needed material to keep me warm when damp and became a big fan of a new material called Polar Fleece.
Darkness. We ran, very often in the dark, since the really good headlamps of today were not on the market. Though, running on snowy ground with a bright moon was a really cool experience.
Wind. Often these really strong winds would come blowing down off the continental divide, which was west of town. Running in these winds was the most depressing experience of that winter.
Long Winter. This Seven Year Winter started in November and didn't really end until April. Before heading to Boston, I had only run in just running shorts and bare legs, maybe, twice. The cold never seemed to end. We would often say, "Can't get much worse" and then it would.
During this training cycle Ed and I ran in the 50 to 100 miles per week range. We ran up and over mountain passes, steep canyons and, once, down the road where the Unabomber lived. Yes, he was there during that time. Oh the fun we had.
Before I left for Boston, I would tell my friends that if the temperature, on race day, would in the below zero range, I would do really well. My reality was, at Noon on Marathon Day, the temperature was in the 80° range. Needless to say, I was not prepared for the heat. Though, the race was great and worth all the effort to get there.
This past week I ran in temperatures around 24°. And I complained, though back in the Seven Year Winter, a run in 24° would be like running on a summer day. Funny how things change over time and seasons.
The news from last week of the passing of John Linde while
vacationing, was a total shock to our community. My thoughts go out to
Carol and her children.
I find myself, at times like this, thinking about life. My
life. This self-evaluation process is very valuable to me in
understanding who I am. I ask myself things like; what's going on
presently and am I happy with those goings. Am I on track to where I want
to go? What tweaks do I need to ensure success. I mean, it's my
life and I really need to be happy with it. No one else to blame for things
I have chosen to do or not to do.
John passed away at the age of 62. I am 55. Not too
many years between us. At times I see the light at the end of my tunnel
of life. I realize that I am not immortal as I once thought I was, and
that, I think I best get in gear to accomplish all those things I want to.
Though I have given up the idea of becoming a Rock Star.
The bottom line for me is this. I run. I may not have
much money. I live in a tiny apartment and not a large house. My
retirement is slim. But my life is greatly enhanced by running. It
gives me so much joy and satisfaction on my life road. Each run provides
me with adventure, thrills, social encounters and a huge sense of
accomplishment. All for the price of shoes and a hour a day.
I run to live. We run to live. This is what we do.
This is how we find our purpose and our being.
With the holidays upon us, I think about all the crazy and useless gifts that I have been given over the years by very well meaning friends and family. Some functional gifts and some not. So, I thought I would present five gifts ideas that would really benefit the runner in your life.
Gift Number 1. A hand held water bottle with holder. From my experience a runner can’t have too manywater bottles. Sometimes, on a really long run or race, it’s even nice to have two. Really. When you go shopping, make sure the bottle and holder feels comfortable in your hand and has some type of little pouch that your favorite runner can stash money, debit card or car keys. There are a few brands that are selling a really nice bottle. Add some icing on the cake by putting five or ten dollars in the pouch before you wrap it.
Gift Number 2. A box of small, round Band-Aids for your runner’s nipples. Yes, for their nibbles. I find on my long runs,the friction of the shirt irritates me. Sometimes to the point of bleeding. Not a good thing. Especially when one, afterwards, steps into a really hot shower. Ouch. Not only is this gift functional, it is also a kind gift as it will save your runner friend pain and the embarrassment that comes from a bloody shirt
Gift Number 3. A Gift Certificate to your runner's favorite running store. Doesn't need to be a huge amount of money, though I suppose that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Running shoes, short, tops, nutritional supplements, socks and rain gear. The opportunities for delight are many. Not only will your runner be grateful for the gift, they will be able to purchase the type of gear that benefits and helps them the most.
Gift Number 4. Race Entry. Present your runner with a coupon for the race of their choice. That type of gift would be really cool. Not only will your gift save your runner some dollars, but will also provide them a new level of motivation to get out the door and run. This type of gift would help your runner accomplish some worthy goals.
Gift Number 5. Road ID. Road ID is a personal identification band that contains both contact phone numbers and medical information, while being a lifesaving piece of equipment, if by chance it would needed. Very inexpensive, but yet invaluable. Check out www.roadid.com for ordering information.
Well, there you go. That's Santa Clark's list for this Holiday Season.
Local interest is building for the first race series of 2010, the Nookachamps Winter Runs on January 16. The Winter Runs consists of a half marathon, 10K and a 5K. Starting time is 10 am, which makes it really easy for local runners who need to take the ferry.
The semi-flat course, combined with views of fields full of visiting Trumpeter Swans makes this a positive experience.
