On May 1st, I will be one of thousands of people running down Yonge Street. This is my second time running in this event, because I loved it so much last time that I couldn't resist going back for more!
From my blog entries around this time last year, you may recall that I was having some trouble with training because I came down with the worst cold on the face of the earth and could barely breathe and live, let alone go outside and run. Despite this, I managed to finish the 10K in less time than my original goal!
This year, I haven't gotten sick *knock wood*, but I'm still having trouble with training. This time, it's the weather that seems to have the worst cold on earth! What is UP with this weather!?!?
For those reading who live in or near Toronto, you may recall that only a week ago it was actually looking like spring. I was able to go out in my light jacket and run around and happily soak in the sunshine that was actually visible.
And then it snowed.
And then it hailed.
And then it rained.
Today reached a high of five. Five! It's April the freaking nineteenth, and it is 5 degrees. REALLY?!?!?!
I hadn't been out to run very regularly for the last couple of weeks, as I was holding out in hopes that the weather would improve. Sooooo not a smart move. The weather is showing little sign of improvement. Today's long term forecast is predicting a high of about 12 on May 1st - but since the run is in the early morning, chances are good that it will be more like 6ish during the actual run. Awesome.
I decided to go to the Running Room for some chilly weather running advice. I had gone in thinking that maybe I'd just get a jacket or something. I have already a warm running jacket that's a bit fleecy inside, so when it is more than 8 degrees or so I cook inside of it. I also have an old-school RR windbreaker that folds up into a pouch (apparently they don't make these anymore!).
The RR guy was ridiculously helpful. I wandered in and started manhandling all of the jackets and longsleeve shirts, and he came up to offer his amazing advice. He suggested that instead of getting yet another jacket, to learn to layer my running clothing instead (something I have not been doing so much). I already own about a billion technical tees, so didn't need any of those, but I did need a long sleeved technical shirt that I could wear in between a tee and a jacket. He suggested wearing the windbreaker if it's a reasonable temperature but breezy (as is likely to happen, since it's Yonge St), and possibly wear both the fleecy jacket PLUS the windbreaker if it's anything like it was on Sunday (rain, then snow, then sleet, then fierce snow-hurricane-force winds).
I left $138 lighter (boo) with an amazing Adidas long sleeved tee that I love to pieces, warm socks, and a pair of pants (as I only have one pair of capris and one pair of long pants. Looks like I'll need to have extra pants to run outside for the next few weeks!).
This morning, at 5 degrees, I went out to try it out. Bundled up in my awesome new shirt and fleecy jacket, and armed with a headband to cover my ears, I went out to brave the CRAZY WIND that was still blowing around. Success! I only ran a short distance (2.5k) in the interest of time (as I'm also on exams and need to study today), but I felt like I could have run a lot farther. I was comfortable and warm, but not overheated, and feeling much better about my prospects in the 10K in only two weeks.
Please, Mother Nature, be nice to us!
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