It is -9 out and the weather network states that it should feel like -18. Well let me tell you it did feel like that, but because I had the proper gear I was ready, set, go.

I am sitting at work contemplating whether or not to go out for my daily walk due to the extreme cold temperatures. I don't have to think that hard or long though. I tell myself that as long as I have the proper attire I will be ok and ok I was. In fact I was great. Today is day one of my winter weather workouts. Sure I have run in the cold before but today is one of those blistering cold days. One of those cold days when you try to convince yourself that tomorrow will be another day and that you will go out then. Let’s face it, it’s winter, we can’t always use the excuse that it is too cold to go out. If we do that every day then we will be cooped up inside all winter. That is something that I refuse to do.

So down the hall I trotted, I already had on my thermal “wicking tank”, grabbed my thermal fleece jacket, donned my toque and gloves and away I went. As I begin to walk I make a mental note to myself that I will need to invest in some good thermal socks. I keep moving. Continue up the hill and make another mental note to bring in my thermal pants…I continue to move. Make it up the hill, walking at my quick warm up pace, I pick up my feet and begin to run… so far so good, body is feeling great. Wait my face is freezing , but I get passed it. I continue to run all the while telling myself that I am feeling great. I begin to gasp and pant a bit more from the cold air in my lungs.. is that what that is? I get passed that as well. I keep moving and continue to run realizing that I am back to work, my half hour is up. I made it back and I am not a block of ice. I feel so invigorated. Is this what winter weather running is supposed to feel like. If it is then I can get used to this quick.

Welcome winter, nice to meet you, I think we can be great friends.