We're just about to return to Standard Time (starting at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 5th); and, we all know what that means.  Dark on the way to work.  Dark on the way home from work.  Dark morning runs.  Dark evening runs.  Dark, Dark, Dark. 

 

Shortly behind that will be the cold of winter.  And snow.  And ice.  And did I mention dark?  As you may have guessed, I'm not the biggest fan of winter.  However, in the words of my late father-in-law, I've learned to Buck Up. 

 

It's really convenient to cut back on or quit running entirely during the winter.  The excuses are so handy.  It's too dark and/or too cold and/or too icy and/or too snowy.  But do you really want to give up all the fitness that you earned over the spring, summer and fall?  Do you really want to have to start all over next spring?  Do you really think it's going to be easy to "bounce right back" and be ready for spring running and racing if you shut it down over the winter?

 

And, it's really not that hard to be prepared for the winter conditions.  A good headlamp is a must if you're going to be out in the dark.  And, you absolutely have to wear reflective gear.  Add in some warmer socks, gloves and a hat; and, your winter outfit is almost complete.  For icy conditions, there are multiple traction devices (for your shoes) to help you stay vertical.  Add tights or pants and a light jacket to your fall wardrobe and you're ready to take on Old Man Winter and his girlfriend Mother Nature.

 

Don't let that gear list intimidate you.  Run Wild Missoula has lots of cool weather merchandise available via our online store - just click HERE to see the selection.  Or, a visit to our friends at Runner's Edge can help you find everything else you might need.

 

With the right gear, winter running can be quite comfortable.  In the dark, when the wind is calm and big snowflakes are coming down - it can be almost magical.  Same for a crisp, sunny morning when the sun reflects off the snow like a gazillion diamonds.  At the same time, it's a righteous sort of stubbornness to be out on a blustery, cold day when everyone else is hunkered down in their warm houses - it's good to occasionally bring out your inner craziness.

 

Don't let the dark side get the better of you this winter.  Get some gear, get some gumption and get out the door.  Your fitness will thank you.  Your mental health will thank you.  And, you'll thank yourself when spring comes and you're ready to hit the hard training and racing - because, you know, the Missoula Marathon is only 7 months away ;-)

 

In the meantime, I'll see you on the roads, tracks and trails (and I apologize if my headlamp blinds you when I look at you to say hello).

 

Tony