Posts tagged Cold

How Cold Does It Get In Arizona?

January 24, 2013

in Running, Simply Happy

Prior to moving to Arizona we did a ton of research. One thing we didn’t really research was weather. When we moved we expected to weather to be hot year round. Soon we found that Arizona actually has seasons. Did you know that it snows in Arizona?! If you go just two hours north to Flagstaff you’ll find the temps much lower. As I type this it’s currently 60 degrees in Phoenix, yet it’s 35 degrees in Flagstaff. Believe it or not you will find snow in Flagstaff and skiing is available. That’s absolutely crazy to me. My understanding is it has to due with the drastic difference in elevation between the two area.

So, yes it’s HOT in the summer, but when it started to cool down the weather was absolutely amazing. We were able to enjoy open window living for a couple months. Back in Ohio the weather changes were more drastic and we could go from air conditioned living one day to needing the heat the next. Without needing the air conditioning or heat our energy bills have been much lower than our prior energy expenses, which helps tremendously. It’s a win/win situation.

We are thrilled by the unexpected mild weather, but over the past month the temperatures have ranged from 30s in the morning to 60s midday. We’ve even had nights that have dipped into the 20s. Although D is happy he gets to once again wear his funky hats, this 30 degree difference has wreaked havoc on his body due to his fibromyalgia.

Who knew it got this cold in Phoenix? I will say it’s not only a surprise to us, but some locals too. I have heard, “It’s 30 degrees cooler than usual,” more often than not. I’ve gotta admit that it seems like I’ve lost the ability to know how to dress for colder weather. I’ve run outside in single digit/negative temps, yet the recent cold seems so much colder…but then again, that could be because I’m still trying to wear sandals.

Thankfully my past cold weather training has clicked in for my chilly runs, helping me choose my clothing/gear accordingly. I’m also thankful that the 3-4 week cold snap seems to have passed as of this week and the we’re back to enjoying warmer temperatures. Warm enough for runs in tanks and skirts.

After only 6 months of living in Arizona have I already become a wuss?

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)

Back To Running In The Snow

January 15, 2012

in Fitness, Running, Simply Happy

For those that follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed that lately I’ve been determined to run outside. You see, when I first started running back in 2007 the only option I had was to run outside. I didn’t own a treadmill nor did I have access to a gym, and I had also signed up for the 2008 Cleveland Half Marathon. With that being said, I was out pounding pavement (more like snow) throughout that winter. I didn’t care. I just went out and did it.

For some reason, the following year I became a wuss. It was then I had access to the full fitness center at our local school, where my husband worked. I had never attempted treadmill running and I hated it. The treadmills faced cinder block walls. How boring! As time went on I got used to it and I was thankful for the option. Unfortunately I got into the rut of running inside at the drop of any precipitation, bad weather, or snow. What had happened to me? On top of that, within that time I had several medical issues (kidney stone and endometriosis). That called for me taking a hiatus from running races, but I never gave up running. Without races my drive for running was pretty poor. I still did, but didn’t have that zest I had in the past.

I feel I’ve almost come full circle this winter. My health seems in check, I’m back racing, and my next half marathon is scheduled for April 2012, The Glass City Marathon. With that being said, I’m back out pounding snow. Yes, I still have access to the gym and although there may come a time when I HAVE to use it, I’m going to try my best to avoid it.

Yesterday was such a day. We’ve had quite a mild winter here in Ohio thus far. Friday was our first true snowfall and yesterday I woke up to snowy conditions, 20 degrees (that according to Accuweather felt like 10 degrees), and 13 mph winds. I thought long and hard, “Gym? Swim? Indoor trainer? Run outside?” It came down to the realization that, as stated in a previous post, I will continue to cross-train, but I really need to focus on running with the half marathon coming. And it’s now or never to bite the bullet and get outside. Out I went.

Added another hat and I was ready to go!

I figured I’d take advantage of the moment and make it my run for Toni’s 34^th Birthday and 1^st Blogiversary 3.5 mile Virtual Run (check it out, there’s still time to participate….there’s no cost and you have a chance to win some goodies!!) I won’t say it was the best run pace-wise. Actually, my pace sucked (39:11.92 – 11:01 min/mile), but I was out there. Unfortunately I have the choice of running unplowed side streets that call for me to high step or slippery plowed main streets that call for me to run in the street and deal with traffic. I choose the latter. Either way, my pace suffers (not that I’m fast anyway) and I use muscles I don’t normally use.

With all that being said, it felt good to be out. There’s something about winter running that makes it so different than that of any other season. There’s a peace and quiet, even if there is traffic, and once I get moving and warmed up, nothing can hold me back. Running outside throughout this winter may be a challenge to keep up with, But there’s something I do know…I’ve done it before, I can do it again.

Here’s to many winter (and possibly snowy) miles in my future….