It's been a tough winter so far - with no immediate sign that it's going to get better any time soon. We started off with a wet fall, then in came the white stuff. That was followed closely behind by some frigid cold. Only to then see more snow. And, throw in some freezing rain to top off the whole shebang.

 

I know that it's been some tough going. Heck, we've cancelled more classes and activities in the last month than we have in my entire first 2 years at Run Wild Missoula. Footing is a challenge. Frostbite always seems to be looming right around the corner. And, it seems especially dark and dreary this year. But, don't let Old Man Winter get the best of you.

 

Traction control, appropriate footwear and proper clothing (it's all about layers people!) can be found during a visit to our friends at Runner's Edge. (Of course, Run Wild Missoula also has some great half zips, beanies, vests and hoodies to help ward off winter's chill.) Then, it's all about Getting. Out. The. Door. It may be hard to talk yourself into taking those first steps outside. But, give yourself 5 minutes. If you absolutely can't stand it, turn around - at least you'll have fit in 10 minutes of activity. In most cases, you'll find that you're ready to keep going and get in your full run (or walk) after that 5 minutes of warm up.

 

(Of course, there are always limits to consider. Wind chill has to be taken into account. When we start approaching 0 degrees and below, frostbite has to be considered. Sometimes the ice is so bad that you just can't find safe footing. And, some of us have breathing issues that don't mix well with cold temperatures. Be smart and be safe. But, don't automatically let below freezing temperatures or an inch or two of snow keep you from heading outside.)

 

Keeping your regular exercise and fitness routine is important for several reasons. 1) It allows you to create a fitness base that will give you a leg up once we hit the better weather of spring. 2) Some outside time every day allows you to avoid some of the emotional lows that many of us experience during the winter. 3) Battling through some tough weather gives you an odd sense of superiority over those who aren't willing to venture out into the elements ;-)  4) How else will you get the chance to take those awesome selfies of frosted eyelashes, frozen beards and snotsicles!!

 

As we've seen this winter, Mother Nature is capable of throwing down freezing cold and snowmageddon at the snap of a finger. Yet, winter can also be amazingly beautiful. Snow crystals sparkling on a clear, sunny day. Open water in Rattlesnake Creek poking in and out from between iced-over sections. The light of a full moon reflecting off the open face of a snow covered Mount Sentinel. The crunch of packed snow when temperatures hit the single digits. Fresh animal tracks in a newly fallen snow.  But, you'll miss out on all of these wonders of nature if you don't venture out.

 

Embrace the season. Bundle up and get out there. Most importantly - Don't Give In.

 

See you on the snow-covered roads, tracks and trails.