I hate the cold! I hate snow! I hate ice! I hate putting on 20 lbs of clothes just to walk a dog! It’s the worst!

Winter is also excuses season. From the weather to illness to the reduced daylight hours, if you don’t want to do something, there’s a reason not to. I guess I like that part.

I use shoveling the driveway as a replacement for strength training. I consider running over the debris field left behind by the road clearing snow plow technical trail training. And trudging through deep snow does make me feel badass. Also, sometimes I can get a nice snow explosion bursting through a snowbank on a curb, or running under low branches. Just “KABOOM!” Out of there, snow goes everywhere!

I make a snow angel and take a picture of it. I post the pictures on social media and challenge my friends to make snow angels. It’s fun. Plus, I like to show off. I guess I don’t hate the cold after all.

A person must be careful running in these extreme temperatures. Cover as much skin as you can. Layers! Loose, and multiple layers. Pay attention to your body. If your fingers or toes are hurting, stop and get inside. The only prizes for pushing through in this weather are hypothermia and frostbite. Be smart, but d.b.a.p., if you’re careful, you can do it. There’s no shame in NOT going out in the cold, only glory if you face it.

I may be getting a little influence from the “fearless motivation” playlist. I know it’s over the top. I take inspiration from wherever I can find it.

Nothing lasts forever. Spring is coming. Stay safe!