Last weekend I had a 90 minute long run to do and I wasn’t enthused at the idea of running it on my usual pathway along the Bow River. We’d had some snow recently so I knew things would be icy, plus it was definitely going to be cold. I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to rerun a cross country race course instead.
My Garmin Forerunner 910XT seems to have conked out on its ability to read elevation. I found a possible fix on Slowtwitch that suggested cleaning the barometer vent holes on the back. I gave that a whirl before I got going to see if it would help.
I don’t know if my elevation readings are accurate or not now, but at least I’m not reading a flat line on elevation for my entire run now!
It was -10C out and I dressed in a tank, my long sleeve Oiselle lux layer and one of my favourite shirts from Title Nine. I also threw my flyer jacket on top along with my Turtle Fur neck warmer. I’m learning that running in cold weather doesn’t necessarily take bulky layers, just smart ones. The lux is super cozy and warm and the flyer jacket cuts the wind, making a great cold weather combo.
I was pretty sure I’d be able to follow the course from the previous week and luckily there were plenty of footprints along the path we had followed that helped to make things easier. 
I really wanted to focus on managing effort along my run, plus I figured this would be great practice to get more used to running on bumpy snow and ice. It felt really great to be out on the snow and I was really happy with my decision to skip the pathway.
It was easy to follow the pathway running through the coulee as there were bike tire tracks to help mark the way. Shortly later I spotted why…there was a mountain biker straight ahead. I hopped up and off the path to let him and his partner pass by. You definitely need to keep your wits about you when you are running, no matter where you are!
I ran two laps again, then headed home. It was a perfectly timed 90 min run. The sun was even out for part of it! I definitely need to try off roading it for my long runs more. It is such great training that will really pay off later I know.
How do you mix up your training during the winter?
We have the same Garmin! I wore mine in the pool last week for the first time. (I am not a big swimmer) Love this Garmin. I bought it at the end of last year. How long have you had yours? Hope it is okay. I also like your yellow jacket so pretty. Your post gives me light at the end of the tunnel – one day there will be sunshine and the snow will be gone in Alberta 🙂
what a great run! i love a few of our paths in the city that make us feel like we are not in the city at all!! wanting to get out to some trails ASAP!
That looks super fun! We have the exact same Asics Kayanos! 😀
Gorgeous sky!
My 910xt is having the SAME issue. It says every run is like 12000 feet gain, which would be impressive but incredibly unrealistic. I’ll have to try that tip. I emailed the garmin support folks and they suggested a master reset which I haven’t done yet but will probably try soon.
I think it is neat that you’re trying out so many new adventures this winter.