Baby It's Cold Outside

My plan to run yesterday was definitely ruined. The North East has had a severe blast of arctic air, and running when it's 30 degrees outside is bad enough, let alone 10.
 

 When I was a swimmer, the cold did not deter me. Quite the opposite, it excited me.

There's nothing like entering a steaming (and I do literally mean steaming) aquatic center in the dead of winter, knowing that you are going to soon jump into comfortably warm water. There's even the possibly that you could sit in uncomfortably warm water for a few minutes if the pool has a jacuzzi! Then, walking outside after a good long swim was nothing. The warmth from the pool and the steam still clinging to my wet, chlorinated self was enough to warm me up either while I waited for my ride home when I was in high school, or on my walk back to my dorm while I was in college. But alas, I no longer have that luxury.

I knew the cold of January would soon attempt to derail my path. But, I refuse to be hindered. Instead, I decided to focus on cardio and weights yesterday and today so I could work the same muscles (if not more) and build up some strength.

I hate running because it makes me sweat, and for this reason, I hate all "land" cardio ... except for dancing. I've done a lot of musical theater, and I choreograph a musical every spring. If you show me cute, fun choreography and break it down for me, I'm game. I've watched old MJ videos and attempted to follow along, but I also know far too much Jerome Robbins (and Fosse, and Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire... you get the point) choreography that I bust out shamelessly. When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way, so why not? It gets me moving, no matter how stupid I look.


Weights and I are old friends. As a swimmer, I frequently used weights to improve my upper body strength so I could swim Butterfly and IM relays. I don't love them, but I've seen results with them. I will use them on days like yesterday and today when it's too damn cold to go outside.

I hope the burning in my legs and arms subsides from these workouts, because going up and down stairs is becoming slightly hazardous. I'm clinging to the railings for dear life, terrified my shaking legs are going to give out. It's only been a few days, so I can assume this will get better, right? Goodness I hope so. I hope it gets warmer soon, or else I may be dancing the Mambo tomorrow.