I do something like that with my work truck. It's very hard to shift that big diesel in colder temperatures. I would double-clutch it, tap the gas halfway or so while shifting into second, and same thing going into 3rd, and sometimes even into 4th. If I never did this, I wouldn't be able to throw it into gear, it's basically the same thing for the 8 in cold weather. All cars/trucks are the same in cold weather, if you notice, even automatics have that little extra clunk hesitation shifting into second. Nothing you can do about it, except live with it.

 

i had that stiff uncomfortable shifting feeling last winter when i drove it.
this winter its too loow to drive ,but i have taken it out on the cold clear days.
I changed my Mazda fluids to redline....it makes it shift stiff all year round but it doesn't feel as bad as it did.