Adapting to whatever the weather will bring

When Mother Nature rules, there is nothing we can do. Everything gets paused, put on hold and we must readjust. Schools close for the safety of all concerned and we call upon skills that help us adapt to last minute changes. Some find it easier to cope than others.

Like when the snow of late arrived, driving is out as it is unsafe to do so, so we must re-plan or do without. We have heat, light, and supplies so have nothing to complain about given electricity is gone for others and lots of pipes frozen.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes into place; if one’s basic needs aren’t met they cannot move onto the next level. If we don’t have food and water, we cannot survive and therefore that becomes priority. If we are fed and watered, we move to the next level of need – heat, shelter, safety, light – and so when schools, workplaces or our homes cannot provide these basic necessities, the care and welfare of all must always be a priority.

The same applies to sport. If we are hungry or thirsty we cannot perform. If we cannot run on the road, play on the pitch or swim in the water, we must readjust and so the training moves indoors, to the treadmill, the pool or the Astro. Yes, these might not be ideal but we have no choice and therefore must make the best of a bad situation. Our needs are met for now, happiness might not be at its fullest, but time passes and we will return back to the highest layer of self-fulfilment again when Mother Nature quietens. For now, we are self-satisfied with the basics being met.

In Ireland, as we well know but sometimes forget, the weather changes, regularly, quickly and sometimes drastically, but it does bring some positives. In morning darkness, there’s reflection from the moon rebounding off the lake, highlighting the glistening ice on the byroads. At morning day rise, there’s the sighting of a snow-covered white mountain with a red sun climbing over it, brightening one’s day. The rain is refreshing when one is roasted from sprinting and there’s the wind at your back when cycling down through the hilly terrain of Joyce Country. Training safely in Ireland’s winter hardens and toughens sportspeople from the west for the challenges on race or match day.

I watch the children tog out in minus two degrees to play a soccer match, not giving in to wear a cap, gloves or scarf because it’s not cool. They just run faster to keep warm. The rugby lads trying to run on slushy snow, in a white covered pitch, the runners doing laps of the pitch to just train safely. When this becomes one’s only choice, you get into a routine, a rhythm, and begin to enjoy the session because the same adrenaline pumps; you are outdoors and it is safe.

There is something wonderful about running safely in freezing conditions, surrounded by snow and ice. There is a freshness in the air that surely wakens you. When running against the freshness it feels like the minus two air is killing the bugs, strengthening the immunity, and you work harder because the cold weather necessitates additional energy expenditure as the body works to maintain core temperature.

Running in snow and ice presents both challenges and rewards for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. As the winter months arrive, many runners are faced with the dilemma of how to continue their training safely and effectively in inclement weather. Understanding the specific precautions and benefits can help maximise the experience. Firstly, safety is of utmost importance. Icy surfaces can lead to slips and falls, which may result in injuries. To mitigate this risk, runners should be mindful of their chosen options where safety is number one, whether that's on a treadmill, a cross-training session, on grass, or in the woods. It is also essential to adjust one’s running technique in winter conditions. Shortening the stride and maintaining a lower centre of gravity can enhance stability and reduce the likelihood of falling. When winter training, checking the weather forecast every night is key; one is more aware on a daily basis what lies ahead and can prepare accordingly. Dressing in layers can regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia while ensuring adequate visibility is also crucial, especially during shorter daylight hours.

Despite these challenges, running in snow and ice can be rewarding. The unique landscape created by winter weather can enhance the running experience, providing scenic views and solitude. While running on the pitch, the resistance offered by lifting the legs out of the snow and engaging different muscle groups, I could feel the benefits as I progressed through the mile laps, the legs feeling heavier, but my strength and endurance improving as the week progressed.

Applying safety precautions and adapting techniques can make winter training a rewarding endeavour. By embracing the beauty and unique physical benefits, athletes can maintain their fitness levels and enjoy a refreshing change of scenery during the colder months. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather in Ireland just bad clothing and so layering up is the key.

The week continues, the cold snap remains, the pitch is familiar ground, one knows every twist and turn, but a change is coming. Tomorrow brings wind and rain and a severe weather alert, the roads will be flooded and ice underneath, hence another round of readjusting and re-planning, again with safety the priority.

The night passes, the morning arrives, Mother Nature demands a later start and so to the it is. It’s 12 degrees, the cap and gloves are left behind and the shorts and t-shirt emerge. The woods shelter one from the elements. What I love about running in the wind and rain is that embracing the elements can be both a challenge and an invigorating experience. Wind resistance can increase the intensity of the workout, leading to improved strength and stamina, while running on wet surfaces can engage different muscle groups as the body adapts to maintain balance and stability. Additionally, the coolness of rain can help regulate body temperature, potentially allowing for longer runs without the risk of overheating.

Preparation is crucial for a successful run in wind and rain. Again, wearing appropriate gear, such as moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof jacket and supportive footwear can improve comfort and safety. It is essential to pay attention to the conditions, such as avoiding flooded areas and being cautious of slippery surfaces. Proper planning helps mitigate risks and ensures a more enjoyable experience.

Beyond the physical benefits, running in the wind and rain can also foster a strong mental resilience. Overcoming the discomfort of harsh weather can build character and determination. When one completes the session and stops still, the feel-good factor is heightened, there is more of an adrenaline rush. When one works harder, the rewards are greater. One feels a sense of accomplishment after completing a challenging run, despite the elements, which can translate to increased confidence in other areas of life. When the day ahead is faced with obstacle after obstacle, the toughness of a morning run hardens one for the day ahead. It makes running against wind and rain seem easy.

The sound of raindrops and the fresh scent of wet earth can create a unique atmosphere, allowing runners to connect with nature on a deeper level. When running through the woods, there is no running around the floods, it’s straight through them, splattering the water higher up the legs. The muck is thicker, the ground is wetter and terrain dirtier than the road. The trees provide obstacles for us to jump over, the frost provides a rocky hard surface for us to navigate around, all bringing a welcome surprise from laps on the grass. The miles roll by, the wind eases, the woods become warmer, the mind escapes. If it was easy everyone would be at it and so when competing abroad, one is prepared for all conditions.

The week passes by and I’ve found self-fulfilment in the simple things in life, running safely in the pitch and in the woods, pumped by the extra adrenaline. My mind was happy. We had heat, light, water and food, the basics were met and so we were self-fulfilled.

Monday comes around and a good week of normal weather is promised. I wonder, think, plot and plan. I kind of got to like the challenges of tough winter training. I move back to my more normal routine of the road, mountain, track and trail. Sometimes when we have no choice, we make the best of a situation. When we move back to our normal reality, we realise how lucky we are; that we can we reach self-fulfilment from the basic things in life like food, water, shelter or from the safety of not having to drive through a flood, to not have to run on an icy road, to not have to warm children up after training in minus two degrees. I happily cherish the simplicities of life. Here’s to Mother Nature remaining self-fulfilled for another little while.

Stay safe everyone.