Changing Seasons

In Vermont, we have very distinct seasons.  That is part of the beauty of the state.  But for runners, just as we get used to long, warm (maybe hot!) days that allow for all kinds of outdoor activities, the sun starts rising later in the morning and setting shortly after supper.  By September, the temperature can dip into the 40s at night, though it generally rebounds to comfortable 60s and 70s during the day.  By late October we’ll typically have our first frost and days above 60 are rare.  In November, we start hunkering down for winter and see our first snow. Skiers like this change but runners are likely unpacking their layers and looking at indoor options. As they say in Game of Thrones, “winter is coming!”

Many retired Vermonters head south during the entire winter.  It’s understandable.  Who wants to slip and fall on ice at any age, but aging bones are particularly at risk.  Walking on the beach in 75-degree temps in January is hard to beat.  As are lows in the 60s.  This is running weather — conditions we’ve enjoyed in Vermont from late spring through the summer. But this type of wintering restricts contact with our friends for months on end.  I personally don’t like that option.

Some of us take a shorter break of two to four weeks during the coldest, darkest months.  But that still leaves most of the winter to traverse.  In Burlington, we have the UVM indoor track and a number of clubs with quality treadmills, pools, and other aerobic equipment. More remote areas have fewer options.  Yet, no one is too far away from cross country trails for skiing and for running there are some brands of quality spiked running shoes available. Statewide, road races are hard to find during December, January, and February, though a trip to New Hampshire or Massachusetts opens up the options, 

We can choose to lament this change in the seasons.  As Joni Mitchell writes in her song Urge for Going: “I’d like to call back summertime and have her stay for just another month or so. But she’s got urge for going and I guess she’ll have to go.” So, the seasons change and the choice is to do our best to be creative with the options.  I find myself looking at the weather forecast and planning outside runs on roads that are regularly plowed and lightly trafficked. Sometimes that means doing loops. 

Time marches on, be that seasons or years.  If we are ambulatory and have the ability and opportunity to stay active, we can be grateful for and take advantage of that!