Karen Stintz: spin class in the cold

I have a confession to make. I didn’t do my long run last Friday. It was too cold. Usually, -15C is my threshold for what I consider a reasonable temperature to run. I once did a long run in -23C and would have taken the bus home if I had a token on me. There are times when I will run in the cold as long as it’s not too windy and the sun is out, but last Friday was not one of those days.

Instead, I did a spin class. I am not a seasoned spinner. I like to lift light weights and use the equipment but I have not spent a great deal of time on the indoor bike.

Another confession: I prefer a spin class over running in -23C temperatures. Listening to good tunes and getting the heart rate up is a good way to start of a Friday.

That being said, I am used to running and biking outside. After another cold weekend, I was suffering from a little bit of cabin fever so I was determined to run this morning. Monday morning was sunny and there was no wind but is was -19C. Oscar and I braved the cold. It was nice to be outside, but like many Torontonians, I’m looking forward to warmer days ahead. I keep telling the kids that this is the last week for snow-pants. I hope I’m right.