Thursday, December 20, 2012

HAPPY SOLSTICE DAY!

Assuming the Mayans are wrong and the world doesn't end, tomorrow is a great day for runners in the Northern Hemisphere

At 6:12 a.m. tomorrow, the Winter Solstice will occur, the shortest day of the year, and the first day of winter. Yes, the next couple of months will be brutal, but psychologically, the fact that the days are getting longer is certainly a positive thought for most of us.

These days it is getting dark before 5:00 p.m., but after tomorrow, that will change. By the end of January, we will have gained a half hour or so of extra light at the end of the day. Statistically, February can be the snowiest month for us here in the northern climes, but, as days get longer and the sun is higher in the sky, snow melts more quickly.

Enjoy the promise of the Winter Solstice. Embrace the fact that we will slowly begin to come out of the darkness. Ancient societies celebrated the day, and so do we. Our runners' roots, which can be traced to the cavemen, who had to sometimes run to stay alive, take us back to our basic survival instincts. We are faster, safer, and filled with healthy Vitamin D, as light increases.

Prepare for the winter days ahead. Always wear the proper gear. Make sure you are visible during the increased hours of darkness, and run safely on streets that may be icy and slippery.

Much more about weather and climate in the chapter entitled, 'Seasons,' in my book, "Running Shorts." www.runningshortsbook.com

Happy Solstice Day to All!

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