The First Warm Day

Every year around this time in Indiana, we get that first wonderful, sunny day above 55 degrees. And every year, like clockwork, the neighborhood comes alive—people are out walking, pushing strollers, going for a run, or just soaking up the fresh air.

It makes sense. After months of cold, gray days, it finally feels like winter is almost over. But it always makes me wonder—where were all these walkers and runners during the colder months? Maybe they were on the treadmill at home or the gym. But my guess? Many let their exercise routines slip when the temperatures drop.

I get it. Winter running isn’t fun. Walking and running outside is mentally and physically tough. Realistically, there are only about three "perfect" running days each year. The rest? Too cold, too hot, too snowy, too rainy, too humid—or some combination of all the above. But as Brendan Leonard writes in I Hate Running and You Can Too:

"There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. You can’t change the conditions. All you can change is your clothing and attitude."

What if we all challenged ourselves a little more? What if we got comfortable with being uncomfortable? Instead of waiting for that perfect day, set your training plan, commit to it, and get the work done—no matter what the weather throws at you. (Of course, be smart—don’t run in a thunderstorm or on solid ice.)

The truth is, that growth happens when we push through discomfort. That "runner's high" is even better when you know you got the work done even when so many decided to throw in the towel. So lace up, layer up, and get out there. You might be surprised at what you can handle.