Braving the Elements in the Name of Exercise

Things I've learned about running on the "grid roads" in Humboldt and area in October 2018:

1.  Wear lots of layers, and don't forget the sunglasses.

2. Just when you think you'll be warm enough, add a toque.

-3-degree weather, wind breezes akin to arctic blasts, and disgruntled cattle may intimidate other Toronto ex-pat runners, but not this one.

This season, I am prepared.

Since arriving in Humboldt over a year ago, I've picked up a thing or two on how to comfortably complete a physical expenditure while battling the elements in rural Saskatchewan.

Ducking and running away (albeit so fast as though my life was at stake) from the occasional horsefly in July seems far less daunting than pounding the gravel when the temps dip below zero and snow coats the freshly-fallen leaves. However, I am determined to keep up with my daily exercise routine this season.

Undeterred, I decked myself out in 6 layers of clothing the other day for my morning road run, and I was glad I did. Complete with headphones on, I darted out the door and hit that grid with not a care in the world. Even the curmudgeonly expressions from the cows in the neighbouring pasture, (seemingly threatened by all 5 foot three of me running alongside them), didn't discourage me in the least either.

All in all, rural fall-time runs are refreshing and invigorating here. The sun is usually shining, the air crisp, and really, what beats a herd of cattle as running buddies?!