Winter Running
by Melissa Field

Baby, It’s Not That Cold Outside:

The Top 5 Reasons to Run Outdoors in Philly all Winter Long

5.  We are experiencing an unseasonably warm winter.  Better yet, it’s not even windy.  Without ice or wind, there is no excuse.  You won’t slip, you won’t struggle against blustery air, and you might even be able to wear shorts.  Yes, shorts in the winter.  Is there anything better?

4.  Cold weather running swag is better.   Winter in Philly is dark; and since we must share space with all those crazy bikers and drivers, we must also invest in reflective gear, headlamps, and glowing vests and jackets.   Glow-in-the-dark stuff is fun.  Admit it, even as an adult, you still think it’s fun.  In addition, winter running jackets and tops are slick.  Some are light, some are fuzzy on the inside, some have hoods, and all will make you look cool.  Just make sure you invest in at least one waterproof running jacket because what’s that coming from our sky?  Is it snow? Is it rain?  No, it’s that heavy, wet, icy slush that drops on Philadelphia all winter.  The keyword here is wet.  It’s not snow.  Don’t fool yourself.  Instead, think waterproof.

3.  The horrid 30-minute rule.  Most crowded city gyms have a 30-minute rule for the treadmill.  This rule may or may not be strictly enforced, but if people are waiting, your running time is limited.  Do you really want a sweaty, sticky gym dictating your life?  Break free and run free!  Even if it’s cold, you will soon warm-up and you will have many sidewalks to yourself.  Would you rather be packed in with grumpy gym goers or prancing freely throughout the city without a time limit?  It’s your choice. 

2. You’ll feel tough and reinvigorated.  When the weather does start to get rough and you make it through your run, you will feel better than usual.  Why?  You will have just conquered both your run and Mother Nature with one fierce blow.  People will look at you like you’re crazy, but they are the crazy ones.  There are few things more invigorating and life affirming than a brisk winter run.  You can breathe in the cool, crisp air, feel the rain drops on your face, see your breath floating ahead.  It’s peaceful, relaxing, and calming.  Trust me.  On a day when you don’t feel like going out, just go out for a little while.  Dress appropriately and tell yourself to relax and accept the wintery conditions.  Eventually, you will wonder why you ever stay inside.

1.  Kelly Drive is empty!  This is the number one and best reason.  You will finally have Kelly Drive all to yourself.  Gone are the walkers strolling 4 people wide, gone are the bikers unsure of how to actually ride a bike, gone are the people who stop abruptly to have a conversation with a friend, gone are the people who simply don’t know how to use a running/bike path.  Instead, you will be left with the best and toughest bikers and runners.  You will nod at each other, as if to acknowledge each other’s true commitment.  In the winter, Kelly Drive finally belongs to the tried and true city athletes. It’s a beautiful thing.