i survived SNOWTOBER
So yesterday was a bit of an interesting October Saturday afternoon here in NYC. With it being October 29th, the feel of fall in the air, and Halloween just around the corner, I initially had thoughts about gathering a group to go apple picking. Or to carve pumpkins. As the weather forecast came around, I quickly realized that that was not going to be such a good idea. Thirty degrees? Snow? In October? Even this Chicago girl thinks that’s a little crazy, and I’ve done plenty of trick-or-treating in winter coats.
Instead, it was going to be a much better day for sitting on the couch in sweatpants and watching movies while sipping coffee and hot chocolate. Except I didn’t do that. Of course.
As I woke up to rain/snow/slush, I drank my coffee. Then decided I wanted to run. Seeing as this would be more fun with a buddy, I sent my friend a message asking him if he wanted to join me in a snow run. I thought he would say no…but he did not. Someone is as crazy as I am…win!
As I ran over to Central Park to our meeting spot, I got a few funny looks and some older man with a cute English accent smiled and commented, “Keep it up!” As I waited under some overhang for my running buddy, some guys from the building asked if I was cold and wanted to warm up inside. No, no, I’ll be okay. I suppose shorts in snow aren’t the most acceptable, but I figured tights would just be soaking wet in a matter of minutes so I might as well go with the shorts.
Central Park before accumulation.
I met up with my running buddy (dressed more appropriately, pants and gloves, who knew?), and we headed through Central Park. We entered at 72nd St and by the time we got to 86th, two HUGE trees branches had broken off and fallen probably ten seconds behind us. The executive decision was made to leave the park (in fear of our lives, Halloween fright fest!) and head over to the east side.
Central Park. In October??
So we headed over to the east side, but the East River Path was basically a giant ice bath with an inch of slush over the entire path. As sleet pelted us in the face, I suggested that we run south along York. Much better idea. I could feel my fingers for most of the run, although it was touch and go every now and then.
Running down York/1st wasn’t so bad, although I’m pretty sure someone yelled, “Where are your pants??” at one point. Oops. The run was moving along and we only almost got hit by a car once. Victory! At some point, we were discussing college and it was brought up that running buddy went to Williams. A light went off my head and I realized that he’s about the same age as Sarah, so I asked if he knew her…win! It’s a small world after all. Thank you, blogland.
We made it back up north to my apartment and parted ways for immediate hot showers. Sorry to running buddy who had to take the subway home! I peeled off my soaking wet, freezing clothes and hopped right into a warm shower…my skin started turning funny colors (like…purple?) and I started to freak out a little but all is well. A big bowl of chili and life is good.
And I ran in Snowtober. Take that, friends. On the bright side, I’m just going to say that this run doubled as an ice bath since that’s kind of what it felt like.
Saturday, October 29
8.79 miles (per gmap pedometer, Garmin never got signal!) in 1:09:23, avg pace of 7:53
And if I never hear from this guy again, I’m going to assume it’s because I made him freeze to death.
because irony is fun
Earlier in the week, Lindsay, Kelly, and I had set up a Saturday night froyo date for life chatting and marathon freak out-ing. (Real word, you heard it here first.) Never one to be deterred from froyo, plans were confirmed via twitter and Lindsay braved the crosstown bus to meet us. Considering that I don’t even like the crosstown bus in good weather, high five for Lindsay. Also, I think we’re pretty much famous now that 16 Handles tweeted us:
I tweeted back saying that my earlier costume, known as “Freezing soaking wet runner girl” totally would have won, but I think I was ignored. Also, it’s a good thing we didn’t show up in costume since we would have been the only ones. Oops? Anyway, it was a lovely evening of froyo and chatting with some of my favorite ladies, so it was well worth heading out again in the disaster of an evening!
Wow! You are certainly brave. I barely got myself on the bike trainer
Wicked jealous of the fro-yo date. When’s the next one?
agreed on the bravery front. i stayed indoors and cooked/baked all day. got a run in today, though! taper-time made it easier for me to skip the run yesterday.
That Central Park pic is crazy … and kind of fun! I totally would have joined you in a run, except you are too fast for me.
“freak out-ing” — I LOVE IT!
I am beyond impressed that you ran in that weather yesterday! You do have a great story though!
And fro-yo during Snowtober? Sounds great to me!
Running buddy must like you if he came on the subway! Sad I missed the froyo date. I could’ve dressed up as “Super-Taper!”
you guys made my night! we also could have went as runners that were freak out-ing about the marathon. I could pass for that right now too, actually…gahhh. I still think you are a bad ass for running in that ridiculous weather in shorts. I expect an update on running buddy on Friday…
I am amazed and impressed you ran on Saturday! Major props!
Oh My! I cannot believe that you went out running in the snow storm. You are a brave girl!
I still cannot believe that it snowed there! Is it all gone now?
It’s one thing to run in a snowy/slushy mess, but to do it in shorts? I’ll have to remember this when I think it’s too cold to run
Susan! Nice job on the snowy/freezing run. I had to comment after seeing the TC marathon medal + Shirt duo – LOVE IT!! Hope you are well –
-Stephanie
cannot believe you ran in that weather! I could barely make it to walk for wine!
I always call it “winkie-back” because it’s like you wink and the beat is dropped….hahaha NERDS!
Anyway, my fake “long run” on Saturday felt like an ice bath too so I didn’t do an ice bath afterward. It was low 40′s and raining, blah.
Wow, so this is my first comment I think, but I’m glad to hear someone else ran in that weather! My husband INSISTED on doing his 18 miler on Saturday despite the snow (and also didn’t even had out til 10am) and after watching the weather turn from bad to worse in my apartment, I felt guilty he was alone so I headed out to find him and join him for the last 7 miles…
I actually loved the park! We ran a bit slower so as not to slip and/or be hit by a tree, but it was so quiet and only the occasional runner out…a nice little change from most afternoons!
I love the first snow of the year! How fun. It is a bit early though. I love your pictures and stories of running NYC, it makes me want to hop on a plane and come visit! Maybe someday. Stay warm!
wow- can’t believe it was THAT bad in the park! in october! all of the winter running i did last year there has been eclipsed by the extremely hot-as-balls weather we had this summer.
you must be getting super excited this week for #10!
still SO impressed that you remembered williams and figured that out! tell fred i said hi next time
hope that was the last of the snow for a while!!