Running in the Winter

Now that we are in January, I can indulge in one of my favorite things - running in the winter. Outside. Yes, in the cold. Weird, I know. But I like it. When I run, I like to go places. I am not the type to stay on the treadmill indoors. Plus in DC there are so many options. I can head north through cute neighborhoods, west to Rock Creek Park, south to the White House and the National Mall, or my personal favorite, an embassy run. On my embassy runs I try to see how many embassies I can go by in one run. I guess that's pretty self explanatory.

Having grown up in the Midwest the DC cold only rarely compares. That makes for many thirty or forty degree days where I can definitely run outside. I like getting bundled up and then going for a winter run. The fresh cold air tastes crisp. Because it is cold, my body has to work harder and that feels good, too.

And, ironically, usually I get too hot on these winter runs and need to strip off a layer or two. Try it! You may be surprised.