The weather last week in the northeastern United States was a tad on the chilly side to say the least. When I awoke for my 5:30am run the temperature hovered right around 10 degrees. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t want to go for my run. I wanted nothing more than to dive right back under my warm covers and stay there! Luckily I was supposed to meet my running buddy so the little voice that told me I was crazy didn’t win out for even 1 second.
Although my warm and oh so soft flannel sheets were calling my name, I got dressed to run outside. First was the ultra warm Dri-Fit tights. Next came the wicking, long-sleeve tech-tee, the warm and cozy fleece and finally my windbreaker. I was almost ready to go and headed downstairs to get my phone. Then I saw the text from BRF. She was still feeling queasy from the flu she’d had a few days earlier and couldn’t make it. Luckily for me I was already up, dressed in less than clean running clothes and downstairs. No climbing back into bed for me.
I put on my hat and gloves and steeled myself for the Arctic zone I was about to enter. I opened the front door, stepped outside and was amazed. It was so much warmer outside than I’d imagined. Now, don’t get me wrong. The temperature registered at 9 degrees, but in my mind I’d imagined a good 20 degrees colder so 9 degrees felt like a Caribbean Island to me.
As I set off down the street I quickly felt warm. Not warm like when I run in the middle of Summer, but definitely not freezing. I started chuckling to myself about how much I’d focused on the temperature in my head. If you’d read my thoughts earlier you’d think I was heading out to run with the polar bears across ice floes while wearing only shorts and a t-shirt.
I’m right behind this big boy. I swear!
I started thinking about how much I psyche myself out of things by thinking about how tough something is going to be. I mean it’s just ridiculous! I write this blog all about pushing past your comfort zone and chasing your dreams and here I am telling myself that it’s WAY too cold to run. DUH!
I finished up that run just fine. Yes, it was cold and yes it was a bit harder than many of my runs, but it wasn’t even close to the hardest run I’ve ever done. And guess what? I didn’t freeze to death and I never once saw a polar bear while I was out there. They all must have been hiding from the cold.
So what tricks do you use to push past your mental barriers?
No polar bear sightings on route ….. bit disappointing really
But I hear you on the power of the mind to talk ones self OUT of a run, well done for getting out there.
Lara- I know. What is it with these polar bears not being out in the suburbs of New York City?
Thanks for the comment. Checking out your blog now too.
This past Sunday, it was 10 degrees in Ohio – but knowing our running group has a “no matter what” pact, I braced myself for the deep freeze and put on the layers. Can’t leave a running buddy waiting in the cold! The first mile was horrific, but then it was great! We did 6 miles and literally had frosted hair and ice on our eye lashes – but what an accomplishment! We were so terrified of the temperatures, but like you – in our minds, it was much, MUCH worse! Next time, we’ll have something else to obsessively worry about…… Running is such a head game.
Good for you and your running buddies.
Running is truly 95% in your head. It’s just amazing how that works.
Hey, you’re braver than me. I’ve confined myself to the treadmill
And here I go to the rec center and walk on the inside track. Hat’s off to you!