Living in a northern climate, running in the winter can bring with it some challenges. There can be bitter cold, snow, ice, dark, biting winds; well you get the idea.
Of course, there is always the option of the treadmill if you have access to one. I do take advantage of the treadmill when it is cold and windy and dark. I have a hard time running more than 5 or 6 miles on the treadmill though.
So for me, having access to the Lakewalk in Duluth is a great advantage for winter running. Even if the weather is less than ideal, you can count on the Lakewalk to be clear of snow and have good footing. Couple that with the fact that it has very few road crossings and it makes for a great running option.
This afternoon I had a nice 9 mile long run in perfect winter running conditions. The few inches of snow that fell early in the week were cleared so the path was perfect and radiating the sun back up at me. So the upper 20 degree temperatures were beautiful for running.
With spring closing in, I should rarely feel the "need" to run on the treadmill anymore. Even after work it is staying light out long enough to easily get a good run in without it being too dark.
I hope everyone else is having a wonderful start to their 2012 season preparations no matter what your goal race may be.
