I did not want to run today. This feeling, that comes only rarely, of course, came to me this morning. The blustery wind, icy streets, and a “feels like” temperature in the negatives didn’t help my motivation either.

So, because I did not want to run, I began to bargain with myself. First, I thought I could just run inside. But each minute on the treadmill feels more like 10, and I wouldn’t last long anyway. The one channel on the television in my condo workout facility and the lack of sound made my decision a little easier. I’m not running inside today. Maybe I could just run extra Saturday and Sunday, but that sounded more painful than just sucking it up and running today.

A winter day at Kensington Metro Park

Chelsea Earls | Contributor

Despite my lack of motivation, I somehow talked myself into running outside. After donning my fleece-lined tights, three shirts, gloves, a hat and my extra warm socks, I was ready to set out on my journey.

As I turned the corner onto Dhu Varren road, running slightly faster than I’d like just to get my run over with (and stay warm), the first gust of wind hit. At least my body was warm, I thought, as my face began to numb. And while the wind froze first my cheeks, then chin, nose and finally eyeballs, I figured at some point I’d have to turn and have the wind at my back.

In Ann Arbor, the wind changes. Through some feat of nature, the wind was blowing in my face during my entire run. I’m not entirely sure quite how this happens, but trust me, it does.

During the last mile, as my face began to hurt and the few people that were outside were staring at me, I reached home.

Sometimes friends make good motivators on the coldest days. My old running group at Kensington in 2008.

Chelsea Earls | Contributor

“I’m finally done!” I exclaimed as I stepped through the door. As I bent down to take off my running shoes, the blood on my left shoe grabbed my attention. Well, at least the cold numbed any pain my blisters could give me.

On this, one of the more uncomfortable runs I have had, in the cold and wind, I can still say that I am glad I ran—and even more glad I’m done with that run!

So, if your motivation is waning this time of year, and the weather makes you want to stay in bed instead of get outside and run, just remember—if you do go on that run, you’ll have a good story and it will feel event better to get it over with!

Chelsea Earls is a runner and works at Running Fit in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at chelsea.earls@gmail.com.