Freezing rain, schmeezing rain

The northeast has been hit with some seriously cold weather and a bit of snow over the last couple of days. Some might even call it "winter weather", though I think that's a bit of a stretch.

I ran last week in freezing rain, which was, um, interesting. It's funny: I actually feel more oriented to going out when the weather is super crazy than when it's nicer out. There's a sense of adventure (and lunacy) there that makes the run just so much more interesting.

It also makes the run a bit more precarious because sidewalks aren't cleared which means I have to run on the roads (which are also not cleared all that well). But, with my trusty Yak Trax, I run without fear of slipping. Putting them on my feet doesn't eliminate the possibility of a car barreling into me, but it does mean I won't be slipping on the ice.

I've always been a fan on the ridiculous looks you get from people as you run in awful weather. Looks that would normally be quizzical are now downright looks of absurdity. Plus, running in this weather makes me feel hardcore, and well, that can't be a bad thing, right?

I've talked about not wanting to stay indoors before. I don't like gyms and I don't have a treadmill anymore (no room), so my choices are limited. Besides, I prefer the lunacy.

I'm starting to feel a bit Canadian after dealing with this weather. I certainly sympathize with Marlene, 2nd Chances and Runner Gal Leana who brave this crazy world more than most of us. I'm feeling so Canadian that I'm really starting to enjoy Mike Myers and I'm starting to make the French on all the signs in NH twice the size of English. I think it's only right.

The last couple of days have been nuts and they're only going to get nuttier as the winter progresses. Ah, the life of a crazy outdoor runner. They oughta commit me!