Join me on my winter run as I navigate through the recent snowy landscape. After a week of mild weather and temperatures in the 40s, a fresh layer of snow greeted me overnight. The minimal wind made for a somewhat pleasant experience. The road was covered with a couple of inches of heavy, wet snow, with the first two miles plowed, courtesy of a plow operator. However, as I crossed the county line, the snow remained untouched, and the challenge began.
Sporting my neon shirt for visibility, I trudged through the snow-packed tire tracks, determined to make the most of the winter weather. Having postponed my speed workout throughout the week, I found myself at a crossroads when I reached mile 4. The unplowed road had already presented a challenge (ironically, the plow
appeared just as I completed the final stretch), prompting two thoughts. First, maybe this run, in its difficulty, could serve as a substitute for my intended speed workout. Second, the hunger for speed overtook me, and I resolved to incorporate a fartlek workout into my run.
For those unfamiliar, fartlek involves playing with speed. Setting a timer for 30 seconds on my phone, I alternated between running fast and slowing down for recovery, repeating this cycle six times. It was invigorating to challenge myself amidst the winter elements.
As we brace ourselves for the onset of the winter running season, I invite you to join me in exploring various strategies to maximize outdoor runs. The snowy terrain adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the running experience. Lace up your shoes and let's conquer the winter miles together!