At times, we all find ourselves out of our element. Those moments usually occur when we are not prepared. Things that happen at those times are not necessarily the things we want to happen. They are not under our control and that is where problems may become uncomfortable or unbearable.

Part of the reason some people are able to cope with things that are out of their element is they do not fear being out of their element. These individuals are not afraid of placing themselves in situations they are not comfortable with to see how they can actually deal with new experiences.

In January I chose to run a couple of warm weather marathons. Leaving the comfort zone of single digit temperatures for the heat of the Arizona dessert one weekend and the heat and humidity of Florida two weeks later. Not that I am implying the single digit temperatures are comfortable; meaning the higher temperatures would be out of my comfort zone related to training in a completely different climate.

Not having the time to acclimatize meant stepping out of my element. I thought learning how my body handles the different temperatures would, at some point, be beneficial to me, and it may not necessarily be running related. Near the end of February, I went to central Wisconsin to help a friend tap sugar maples and red maples for his business. I was out of my element, that’s for sure. I had never done anything like this before. I was eager to try a new adventure. I am really glad I had the opportunity to try something new and definitely different.

After leaving Doug Riske’s maple syrup operation of 100 Springs Sugar Bush, near Athens, Wisconsin, I realized in many ways I was out of my element, but also in many ways I was also comfortable in the new situation due to the things I have experienced in the past.

For instance knowing how to dress for being active outdoors in sub-freezing temperatures meant I could work outside for eight-hours in my comfort zone. Taking food and water along on the trip into the woods, to stay nourished and well hydrated, were two important factors to maintaining a well-fueled body.

Proper dress was also important. Because there would be lots of walking, on snowshoes, I knew from my experience racing on snowshoes years ago, how warm I would get, and then stopping to tap the tree using a cordless drill, I would chill down instantly if not dressed with clothing made specifically to move moisture away from the body and keep me dry
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I emptied out a dresser drawer of running gear and another of Wigwam socks. Knowing once my feet were cold the day would be over, I felt this was one of the most important items that would allow me to continue tapping trees. I chose to incorporate a combination of socks with different properties. Knowing the properties of the fabric helped me decide which to wear. Experience in using each of the socks I chose insured my feet would stay warm and dry. With that combination I would also be guaranteed comfort.

My first choice next to my skin in the winter, is always the Ultimate Pro Liner, which shields the foot from outside air and helps retain body heat, but also offers protection against moisture and is important for the prevention of blisters. Walking on snowshoes, over uneven surfaces, means lots of shifting in the shoes I chose to put on my feet and go into the bindings. I chose a waterproof, wool lined boot from UGG.

Over my base layer I chose the Rebel Fusion Crew, a combination of two socks with different properties woven together in a single knitting operation. The inner sock is 100% Olefin for moisture management and the outer a combination of Merino wool, stretch nylon and Lycra Spandex for balanced comfort and warmth.

Because I was so comfortable working outdoors, I managed to run 10 miles each morning before breakfast and get in another 6 miles in the evening, meaning I spent almost 12 hours outdoors in sub freezing temperatures. Needless to say, I was in my comfort zone! My feet never felt cold or wet. The running gear I chose to wear also reflected the experiences of years of winter running and offered me the correct balance of moisture control and warmth. With an outer garment to shield wind and water I again was able to remain in my comfort zone whether walking on top of the snow or standing and drilling a hole in the tree and connecting the tap from the tree to the connection on the tubing.

Taking the steps necessary to remain in your comfort zone makes it a whole lot easier to step out of your element. Try a new adventure and enjoy yourself.