So far, I’ve managed not to fill this site with stories about my running, so as a reward, I’m giving myself a day off to do just that. The winter season is only just beginning, but I’m already hyped! Winter is one of my favourite times to run, even if it isn’t technically the most efficient season for it. I really enjoy snowy landscapes and freezing weather.
Back when I wasn’t running yet, a couple of years ago, I used to think that people running in these conditions were completely crazy. Sometimes I still do — but to be honest, it’s all about the clothes you wear. You need enough layers, and preferably several of them: the air trapped between the layers insulates well and still allows the body to breathe.
My favourite piece of winter running gear is my merino wool tube scarf. It’s a multi-purpose item that I mostly use as a neck warmer, but it can also be pulled up as a mask if it’s really cold. It has genuinely saved my day many times. Today, however, the temperature was around zero, so no hardcore winter gear was needed.
Back to the actual topic. Another reason for my excitement was that today was an annual tradition of my running club: the Christmas Marathon.
I’m not yet in such shape that I could comfortably run several marathons a year, so I chose the half marathon distance. The route is quite curious: one lap is about seven kilometres, so there were three rounds in total.
This relatively small event is held in the area of a local spa hotel, and the program includes some lovely extras. All runners get to swim and relax in hot tubs and saunas after the race, and afterwards there is a Christmas buffet in the hotel restaurant. As a big fan of food, there’s a very good reason why this is one of my favourite events of the year!
Unfortunately, my own running ended already after one lap. My legs have felt under-recovered all week, and the uneven asphalt was just a bit too much for my balance muscles today. I considered continuing to the second lap for quite a while, but in the end I decided to prioritise recovery instead. It’s better not to ruin next week’s training for a result that wouldn’t have been particularly impressive anyway.
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