What can I say… as I am getting older, it seems like cold weather and even snow are challenging my feeling more and more. I don’t like them like I used to, but still, even though it’s March, I’ve went for a couple of runs around my soon-to-be neighborhood and experienced almost blister like conditions. Wind, snow in the air – on the ground / asphalt it didn’t settled – and this remind me about my runs in the snow. I mean the serious snow-runs I’ve achieved in my last four years. Well, run is a very optimistic word, as you can barely move your feet in fresh snow that arouses even near your knees at some point, but, in the end, the competitions were about running so… I can say I did run in the snow.

“Running” at -19

The most recent experience I have was on 29th of January in Brasov, where I have attended a 20k run, most of it in some heavy snow. Sure, the experience itself is wonderful, the landscape outstanding, but when it comes to running, well, ummm… to the end of the table. But now I have some experience. In 2018, I’ve started Vladeasa Winter Trail in Apuseni Mountains. Heavy winter conditions, -19 C degrees and 0 experience in this kind of races. Let alone proper clothing… You can see in the picture below! :))) Anyway, I struggled a lot, my time was so poor, I guess around 3 hours and 20 minutes for almost 15 kilometers it is not great. But this made me wanna return there so I did, two more years afterwards and my last performance, from 2020, is 2 hours and 21 minutes. Well, I can see hell of an improvement.

Snow up to my knees and the fear of encountering a bear

These were not, though, the only races I’ve went to in middle of the snow. By far the most challenging was Hășmaș Winter Trail. Organized by the same guy that does it with Vlădeasa, this time I have moved to Bălan, a city that looks like it is deserted. The first two, out of 17 kilometers, are fast, but afterwards the white nightmare begins. And the snow is so high that you can have, at some point your feet covered above your knees. Cannot walk, so running is out off the question. Of course, I was in the last ones to finish, but what I remember the most there is that were some portions of completely look-alike wild forest were I found myself moving alone and slipping and… to be honest, quite being afraid that a bear might find me. Fortunately it didn’t.

Memories brought back by… wind and snow flakes

So now I have these stories to share with you. And the photos! I am planning to go back in the future, but I was mentioning for 2022 I have different plans. Still, in case you would like to go for Vlădeasa Winter Trail, Hășmaș Winter Trail and SKV Winter Trail, believe me, it won’t be a regret. Now, I am done with this. I was just exposing the flashes that came through my mind in a 12 kilometers run I underwent on 10th of March on the fields from the border between Bucharest and Ilfov. With the snow flakes and wind blowing heavily in my face – like, you know, they always do – these memories quite cheer me up and made me warm.

Joking, they didn’t make me warm, but they for sure brought a smile on my face, even though there was no one that could see it. Except for two dogs that, at a point, decided to run alongside me. Luckily, I’ve outrun them, because they weren’t looking like wanting to befriend with me. Maybe because of the cold, who knows…? :)))