Lesson 1: Running in Winter Keeps You Warm
Steve Kibble
Greetings KRew
Well it feels like winter is really upon us today and as I look out at the steel grey sky, I think will be okay to run, and, heck who am I kidding, it is always okay to run! As I always say; ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices!’ So no excuses no to come along to take on the best running route in Australia, the KRClassic.
As we all know we have a long weekend this weekend and that means plenty of time for running and getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. There is a Sri Chinmoy race on The Bay run with a 21km, 14km and 7km events on offer, and you can still sign up for that one. Also on Sunday a few of us are running to the airport from Rhodes, which is raising a few dollars for the Beyond Blue Project, contact Geordie Owen for details on that.
In a couple of weeks it is the SMH Half Marathon and once again they have asked us to provide a few volunteers for marshalling at the start of the race. We’ve done this for a few years now and those doing it always have a great time and get a free T-Shirt out of it. I’ve once again asked Helen to coordinate the volunteers as she know how to get the good jobs at the event. I will do another post on how you can get involved.
Tonight at the KRClassic we will be there from about 6:20pm or so to welcome you and while some folks are still running out a bit earlier in smaller groups, as restrictions have really eased we are heading back to having the whole group start at 6:40pm. But, no matter whether you want to start a bit earlier, or at the more traditional time of 6:40pm, we will have a car to store your bags should you need it. Can I ask though, that you please have your bags stored by 6:40pm so that we can all head out for a run across the bridge together?
And can I also ask that you please register your attendance at this link:
https://kirribillirunners.org/covid/
Or I will have a QR code tonight for you to register as you arrive.
Post the run we have been heading to the Kirribilli Hotel and then on to pizza to socialise and I hope that you to will stay and join us, of course observing the current COVID restrictions in those places. Last week we were even back in the spiritual home of KR in the downstairs of the KH!
This week I have been speaking to Claire about her running journey, and during the chat she tells me that she is doing a charity run and raising money for cause called Effective Altruism and doing it as her first ever 50km Ultra marathon up at Myall Lakes on 2nd July. If you’d like to support her please see the link at the end.
Name/running nickname?
Just plain old Claire; pretty dull!
How long have you been running?
I used to run up and down Dee Why beach once a week in 2016 but never thought of myself as a runner. Then I met my partner who got me into parkrun as they say, the rest is history. It’s only taken five years for me to actually get excited about going out for a run, but I reckon I’m there now!
What inspires you to keep running?
The people up ahead of me, who I might one day catch. Also seeing all the inspiring runs that folks in our club (and beyond it) get out and achieve. Plus I have a sweet tooth, but that’s more the stick than the carrot.
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever run?
Well, that time I managed to get out the door and run in minus 17 degrees, in the dark, through a graveyard, with snow falling - that was pretty damn cool! All thanks to the encouragement of my old crew Montreal Outdoor Adventure Club - tough folks. We even did push-ups and sit-ups on the top of Mt Royal. Running around the little town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, with mountains all around - that was also incredibly scenic. Oh, and I found some beautiful spots to run in the Snowy Mountains earlier this year. Then there’s always our KR runs - I’m a KR10k fan myself, especially catching a gorgeous sunset from the top of stargazers.
How do you feel at the start of a run?
Better every time (I’ve been practicing). I used to dread going out for a run and only really enjoyed getting to the end. But I’ve passed that phase, and generally feel happy to set off these days. Sometimes I feel shit, sometimes (very occasionally) I feel like I’m flying - I’m always hanging out for those moments.
When you see another running coming towards you, what do you do?
I either grimace or look straight through them, being in my own little world of pavement pounding. But if it’s someone I know, I yell unnecessary encouragement at them (especially at parkrun) or back in the day, go for the low-five.
What’s the most interesting thing that’s ever happened to you whilst running?
Hmm, nothing comes to mind. I do remember some very interesting podcasts that I’ve listened to while running - I can actually remember where I was running when I was listening, like the story is now bound up with that place. Many happy miles covered with Radiolab and Philosopher’s Zone in my ears.
What do your friends think of your running?
Bemused, perplexed, maybe even impressed occasionally, well that’s my non-running friends. My running friends probably wonder why I don’t run more.
What do you do with your running clothes immediately after you get home from a run?
My current house has a handy bath tub that is used solely for hanging up sweaty running gear to dry off before going in the wash, or if not too stinky, getting a second outing. Maybe I should actually have a bath one day, how decadent.
What’s the one thing you wish you’d been told before you started running?
Not to wear gym wear as day wear . . . oh wait, someone did tell me that and I totally ignored them! Tights forever!
Thanks for sharing Claire; I guess after running in -17C, today is just a balmy day for you! And folks here is the link to Claire’s fundraising page, all donations will be gratefully received:
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/248311/running-for-effective-altruism
ChrisO #HealthTip
Don’t let winter stop you from exercising, here’s how to tackle it.
In last week’s newsletter we welcomed winter with some excitement and a grimace. On the one hand it means we are in the midst of racing season, on the other it’s wet, dark, slippery and cold.
This it got me thinking; how does you stay mentally motivated? What will be the routine that keeps me going? Do I need a buddy to run with, to keep me honest, or can I go it alone? And it’s cold, so what about clothing and what is the best time of day?
So after talking to my good running buddy Steve about this winter dilemma, he shared with me an article he had recently read that answered these questions and more. Whether you are in the final weeks of your next marathon preparation or perhaps are thinking to pack away the running gear for the cooler months, this article is for you.
Thanks Chris it is great to run in the cold and rain and that hot post run shower feels so good.
Well that’s a wrap for another week.
Remember to take care of yourself and others.
Happy trails,
Steve
Director
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