I consider myself to be a tough person in general but I am also at the point in my life and where my experiences have quietened the urge to run no matter what. It has taken many years but now, when bad weather arrives, I am getting better at accepting that there are times when I just should not run.

First, I will not run when visibility is poor. I am not concerned about drivers not seeing me but I do worry about my seeing where my feet are going. A nasty fall in 2015 resulted in 4 fractures along my jaw, 7 weeks off work and 8 weeks of absolutely no exercise. So now, on a typical fall night when I can’t see the potholes in the roads or a winter day with icy sidewalks and roads, I opt out of running. The last thing I want in an injury caused by my own stubbornness.

I also consider the extreme temperatures as my asthma can be induced by the cold (not as much in the heat). In addition to carefully managing my inhaler medication, I try to run with a friend when temperatures hover around -20C or below.

When Mother Nature handed us her version of a double-double in January (ice and cold), I decided to bump my Sunday long run to that Wednesday when temperatures were expected to be warmer. On Tuesday, though, it was obvious that there was no hope for improvement. On Wednesday morning, the wind chill sat at -25C and I knew better than to head out but my determination was fierce.

“Don’t run, Mom,” my son cautioned me.

“Because it’s cold?” I snapped back. ”You don’t think I should run because it’s cold?”

“Just don’t. Look after yourself. Take the day off, Mom. It’s too cold out.”

I wanted to argue but I pursed my lips. I knew that he was right; his calm voice was the one that I needed to hear. I was frustrated and grumpy because I was now going to miss my rescheduled long run, but I also knew that I needed to pass.

Later that morning, while through a string of messages with another running who was also lamenting of training in difficult weather, I found myself giving her the advice that I needed to hear:

1. Most training plans have a missed run built into them somewhere. One missed long run won’t hurt.
2. You’re experienced. You know that you’ll be ready for your race no matter what.
3. The joys of multi-sport is there is always a substitute for running. Cold weather is a great time to get into the pool or on your trainer.
4. Shorter mileage or an unplanned rest day is better than an injury.

I read and re-read my own voice of reason. I re-played my son’s words over and over. “Take the day off, Mom. It’s too cold.”

I still wanted to run and, although I don’t like to, it is getting easier to listen. There is always another run ahead.