25 Thoughts Runners Have During Cold Winter Runs

When the temperature drops and you’d rather get under the covers inside than cover up and go outside, it’s easy to turn to the treadmill for your workouts (or just stay under the covers all together). Ain’t no shame in that! But there are some tough ladies among us who valiantly (snow)suit up and face the subzero temps. If you’re one of them, you know that it can be equal parts awesome and agonizing. You’re probably also familiar with the range of emotions and thoughts you’re guaranteed to have on a cold run. It likely goes a little something like this:

1. Ok! Time for my run. It may be a little cool out there but after a half mile I’ll be warmed up and toasty.
2. What a beautiful day! An absolute winter wonderland. Who needs sunshine when you could have snowflakes?
3. Ah, it’s so tranquil out here. Just me and the sound of my footsteps. I don’t know why I’m the only one out running. Where is everyone? You’d have to be stupid to want to miss out on the glorious peace and quiet.
4. Boy, it sure is brisk, isn’t it? There’s a definite chill out here. No problem, that fresh crisp air will open up my lungs and make me run even faster.
5. Did I misread the weather forecast this morning? Was there a negative before that 30?
6. Probably should have put on another layer.
7. Or fourteen.
8. I’ve been warming up for two miles now and I am colder than when I started. What.is.happening.
9. I can’t feel my toes. Or my nose. Definitely have frostbite. I am going to be toe-less and nose-less when I get home. If I ever get home.
10. This is not tranquil. This is stone cold silence. Just me and the sound of my teeth chattering inside my head. I’m the only one out here because I’m the only person stupid enough to run in winter.
11. I am so freaking cold. Freezing cold. Frozen.
12. Let it gooooo, let it goooooo!
13. Damn that song is catchy.
14. Omg I have a major snot situation going on right now. My nose isn’t just running, it’s sprinting. Why did I not bring any tissues?
15. Conspiracy theory- little old ladies who keep tissues in their sleeves are secretly seasoned winter runners.
16. Now I’m hot. How can I be hot? Yet I’m so very cold. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY BODY???
17. Gotta snap out of it. Let’s get the blood pumping. Time for some butt kicks and air punches. And hip shaking and finger snapping. Ok fine. Dancing.
18. Oh heyyy neighbor! Didn’t realize anyone could see me. Smooth moves, right?
19. So close to home. Sprint!
20. My mind says I’m sprinting but I might just be running in place?
21. Everything hurts. My joints. My bones. My hair.
22. HOME. Hot shower, hot shower hot sh-owwwww that hurts. I’m being stabbed with a thousand tiny needles.
23. I deserve some hot cocoa.
24. Make that a hot toddy.
25. I AM A WINTER WARRIOR.

More reading to turn you into the toughest winter warrior
Why You Should Exercise Outdoors This Winter
5 Pieces Of Summer Gear You Still Need In The Winter
How To Motivate Yourself To Run In The Winter