The Joy of Winter Running
- The Joy of Winter Running - December 24, 2024
- The Beauty of Fall Running - October 7, 2024
- Hello? Are You There? - July 22, 2024
I awoke this morning to fresh snow covering the ground. The pristine landscape was a peaceful sight to behold, undisturbed yet by footprints and snowplows. As my wife and I sat near our window, nestled under a blanket and warm hoodies, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the incredible runs I used to enjoy over the years.
There is something different about running in the winter. The air is cold and crisp and has a sharpness to it that helps you feel alive. Your breath decorates the sky as you push harder and further than you thought was possible. There’s a stillness that only comes at this time of year that can make you feel as though the world itself is yours alone to enjoy.
I still smile at the looks I would get, running through a snowy landscape in 30-degree weather, covered in winter gear like gloves and a hat while also wearing short running shorts. I took joy in the feeling of abandon as I ran through the empty streets, avoiding ice sheets and mountains of plowed snow while people looked on from their warm, dry cars and toasty living room windows. I felt different…set apart…fully alive. Some of my most enjoyable runs came on some of the coldest winter days.
My life is different now. My health conditions still hold me back from running. I have the occasional string of good days but more often my symptoms keep me down. And so, as I continue to seek a way forward, I sit by my window, warm beverage in hand, looking on as the rest of our running community runs by. Know that one former runner is seated in his warmth cheering you on.