This or that

Earlier this week it turned quite wintry here at home. I went for an early-morning run despite the frosty temps and light snowy-drizzle. I did eventually warm up, but it wasn't pleasant at first. The bitter cold brought to mind a day this past summer when I experienced the opposite problem: a long bike ride in triple-digit temperatures under an unforgiving sun. And then I wondered: if forced to choose between the two, what would I do? So indulge me in some fun meanderings on This or That.

Hot or cold? I'm choosing hot. I know the argument: You can always put on more layers to get warm, but there's only so much you can do to cool off. Fortunately, I have been blessed with an efficient internal cooling system, so extreme heat bothers me less than it probably should. (But only when working out. If I'm sweating, my heart rate had better be above 100.) On the other hand, cold weather is paralyzing. I naturally run cold, so add to that a frigid breeze and it equates to misery. I have too many memories of shivering on the bike after being caught in sudden hailstorms woefully underdressed. And what if I'm caught in the blazing heat? I find I'm never too far from shade and icy-cold beverages.

Up or down? My bike and I have summited many of Colorado's mountain passes. In fact, I've traversed more on two wheels than on four. When I talk about my summertime climbs, most people respond with "Wow--you must love coming down!" Yes, I most certainly do!! But not as much as I love going up. Here's why. Climbing and descending are both exercises in maintaining control--control that prevents me from either falling over or riding off the edge. I feel more in control going up than I do coming down. And what my legs can do for two non-stop hours never ceases to amaze me. Plus, the impressed looks on the faces in passing cars is pretty cool.

Wind or grade? Many of you know I used to live in Kansas. In addition to being the bug belt, Kansas and its fellow plains states are infamous for unrelenting wind. We're not talking gentle breezes. I will never forget riding in a crosswind so strong it literally almost blew me over. I have ridden in headwinds so fierce I have cried. Wind can be scary, especially when coming off of Coal Bank Pass into Durango at 40 mph. All it takes is a gust to grab my front wheel and I'm flat on my back. For all of these reasons and more, give me a 12% grade over a 12 mph headwind anyday.

Not enough food or not enough water? I have run out of both on rides and runs so I know all too well that not having either is a HUGE bummer. And potentially dangerous. So this one's a toughie. Not enough water and I risk dehydration, overheating, and heat stroke. Without enough food and I bonk, an experience I can best describe as out-of-body, even though I'm pretty sure I've never really had one of those. Blood sugar levels plummet so quickly it puts me into some kind of weird dream state. Legs get jello-y, heart starts to race, hands start to shake. It can take a day to fully recover from a serious episode. So, would I rather run out of food or water? I'd rather call home for a ride.

Road or bike path? Road, hands down. The activity on the bike paths is a bit too unpredictable for my tastes. Squirrels darting across the path, dogs chasing after them, kids learning to ride bikes, walkers out for a leisurely stroll. None of them are on the lookout for passing cyclists. And I don't really expect them to be. It's easy enough to leave the paths to them all and take to the roads, where drivers do look out for me, most of the time. And when they don't, it's pretty easy to predict what they will do. There are more rules on the road. I find that if I act like a car while riding, we all get along just fine.

Hot tub or steamroom? We have both at my gym, and a soak or steam is heavenly, especially after a tough workout. If I could have only one on a deserted island, I'd have to pack the steamroom. While I do find relief aiming the hot tub jets on trouble spots, I like even more lying down in the eucalyptus-scented steam and letting all the uck seep from my pores. (Sorry if that's gross.) This is the one exception to my-heart-rate-must-be-above-100 sweating rule.

Wine or beer? I am a wine girl at heart. But when it comes to a post-workout treat, I grab a beer. It's cold, bubbly, and a bit more fruity than wine and, thus, is a more refreshing "recovery" drink. The beer tastes even better if I'm sitting on a sunny patio with my friends and loved ones. And I'm certain that, too, helps me recover more quickly.

What would you choose? Share with us here your choices on the above or add your own!