In a season when most athletes are bundling up and hitting the ski slopes, Blake runners like are hitting the slopes—of Kenwood. Winter may not seem like the ideal time to be out running, but the cold months after the Cross Country season offer runners cool temperatures and plenty of time to keep in shape and start training for track in the spring.

Some may wonder what motivates students tovoluntarily spend time outside running laps in belowfreezing weather. Emily explains, “I like running…being in shape, and being outside.” When asked about running in the cold, she says, “It’s good to run in the winter. It takes less energy and makes me feel less sweaty. It’s hard to explain but it also makes my legs feel cold and numb and less in pain” which is an advantage of the temperatures. Longley is not fazed by the prospect of icy slopes, especially since there hasn’t been any snow this year. She hasn’t slipped once this winter (knock on wood).
A couple of Blake students including Claire Flanagan ’14, Quinn Coyle ’14 and Zach Edinburgh ’13, can be seen getting in their running gear and taking off for after-school runs throughout the week as well. Longley’s normal running route is either around Lake of the Isles or down the Green Way past the Twins Stadium, which she assures “isn’t that far.” A typical workout would be either running for an hour and a half, or doing hill workouts—in which one sprints up a hill six to eight times. Longley says, “These are my favorite workouts. Would you rather run straight for one 1.5 hours or sprint up a hill a couple of times and be done?” To answer her question on behalf of most people, “probably neither.”
Running is more than just exercise. It’s fun and relaxing—a way to stay in shape and hang out with friends. Although it may seem difficult, dig up that pair of sneakers, call up friends that live nearby, and go out for a run. After the jog? Longley suggests, “Go to Café Latte and get a cake!”