Friday Ramble 02/04/22
This week: The joy of overcoming adversity in a challenging environment, a coaching rec, and some pepitas praise.
My apologies to those of you who are not in snow-bound climates, because I do realize every piece I’ve been writing these days is about the white stuff. That’s what a blizzard will do to your training plans.
Besides, snow is endlessly fascinating. You’re never quite sure what you’re going to get until you’re out there in the middle of it, trying to get from one point to the next, feeling both enthralled by its existence and hating its very presence.
Fresh snow, for example, is benign. It’ll slow you down, but doesn’t actively work against you. Some might even call the experience of running in powder lovely. While it can get slippery, hard-packed snow is actually ideal. Strap on a pair of microspikes and get after it. Just be mindful of the ice.
It’s the in-between stuff, when the snow is still soft and a bit slushy, that’s truly challenging. Running on that kind of snow is a lot like running on a sandy beach, minus the ocean view. Your feet get stuck and sink into the ground, while traction is essentially non-existent. Mentally, it takes all that you got just to stay in any kind of rhythm.
That was the situation I found myself in earlier this week when faced with a run that required every ounce of fitness, resilience, and perseverance I had in reserve. Not surprisingly, it was also one of my favorite runs of the winter season.
Before we begin this tale, I realize that many road runners might read this thinking, “Dude, just get on some asphalt and get on with it.” Fair point, honestly, but not really my jam. Half the fun of trail running is dealing with whatever the weather gods have in store for you.
Besides, slushy snow is a winter weather impediment that affects everyone, no matter where you run. To strip this piece down to its essentials, allow me to offer the following slush running advice: Go slow, assume you’re going to be wet and uncomfortable, and most importantly, be willing to adjust your expectations often.
