Active Community: Message List - Winter Running - Just do it

Re: Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:29:31 GMT

Hi all - I agree with pretty much everything everyone has said about running in the winter--I LOVE it!

During non-Winter, I run almost exclusively on trails, and in winter, that's not an option, as they are ski trails (groomed) and I don't want to wreck the grooming. So I use paved trails, which they plow very nicely.

What has kept me happiest are two things:

Dress properly (have the right gear!)
Hydrate more than you think you need (so easy to forget cuz the sweat doesn't pour off - it just evaporates)

Active.com had a great article with a guide of what you should wear in what temperature. I have it printed for work and home, so I don't have to think about it - I just put on the recommended outfit and I'm good to go. Here's a link to that article:http://www.active.com/running/Articles/3-Tips-for-Training-in-the-Cold

They didn't have recommendations for below 0 F, so I added my own:

Thin base layer tights/long underwear - if wearing two layers
Second bottom layer (I use running pants or a fleecy tight with wind protection - depends on wind & temp)
Long sleeve base layer - but a slightly thicker base layer
Jacket (with wind protection & zip all the way up)
Thin gloves under thin wind protection mittens
Thermal head band and maybe a hat too - depends on wind and temp
Glasses or goggles, especially if windy
If below -10 F or really windy, add face mask - not so pleasant, but saves you from frostbite

Get out there and ENJOY! :-)

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:52:37 GMT

This is my first post in quite awhile....but just had to! I do so much better in the cold...in fact just this Dec hit my PR for 5k. I am amazed how much i like it. Even though I love to ski I have always called myself a weather wimp. Unless I am dressedfor it I'm freezing. But running in the cold is different. Only took one cold run a few yrs ago to learn i didnt need that much. I also think it has helped me stay healthier...something about breathing that cold air ...must kill the germs and help build immunity.

And as for running in dark...i do it all winter. Being so not a morning person i run at night a couple of nights a week. I am cautious to stay in well lit and fairly populated streets. I did recently start to carry mace.

And until i star tree d running in 2010 i truly never appreciated the "just do it" mentality...but there are no better words!

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:41:15 GMT

Update: So, I was inspired by this thread and headed out into the cold on Sat. I ran to my gym, a half mile of which was on a trail covered by 4 or 5 inches of snow. Against my judgement, I didn't stop - just watched my footing and slowed down a bit. It was amazing!! Sunday, I ran again and the first couple of miles it snowed! Beautiful!! My running gloves (a xmas present) and my new swiftwick socks (they are AWESOME!!) was really all I needed. Thanks all for the inspiration! rb77 - some of my most memorable runs have been in the dark. I run in my quiet development and I love it!! Sorry to hear that you've had close calls.

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 06:26:33 GMT

I always head for the treadmill in the winter and quickly lose interest. Your post was just the incentive I needed as I begin my first season of outdoor winter runs. I love trail running in the rain. I'm sure the cold will have its own positives. Tomorrow morning is my first expedition... I'm going to just do it.

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:26:04 GMT

TaraDeVore - Just make sure you give it a chance. If you haven't been running in the cold yet it may take a little getting used to...especially breathing i that cold air...but you get used to it.

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:26:15 GMT

I don't mind winter running. The cold and the snow don't bother me, but I don't like to run in the dark. Even with proper reflective clothing and lighting, I've had more than my share of close calls.

I have to figure out where I can run that's safe. Right now I'm running one weekday and one weekend day.

I've been working out at the gym and riding my bike in the basement to make up (a little bit) for the two other days I'm not running.

I have a couple of options I'm going to check out this week.

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:47:41 GMT

Wow! I feel like a shmuck!! I am def going to get for a cold (test) run! I've been a BIG chicken and have spent plenty of time making up (what I think are) GREAT excuses for not getting outside to run. You all have ruined it for me.... Loving it is the only hope I've got at this point. Thanks for the encouragement!!

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:26:52 GMT

Been off due to a pulled muscle (slipped while doing a short hike during lunch). My first run since Dec 8 was this morning. Temperature at -11 F at 0600 hours. Wore Cold Gear tights, wool shirt and socks, Yaktrax on my shoes, light lined jacket, balaclava, beanie, and double gloves. Fingers were chilled until about 1.5 mile mark. Lots of ice patches and packed snow. Had a good run, but did not see any other runners this morning. What's up with that!?

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:30:08 GMT

I'm way happier working out outside in winter. I always enjoyed skiing so long as I dressed for it, and having just (re) begun a running training program outdoors, I am loving being able to unzip or shed a layer or gloves as I warm up. I used to always be cold but now that I'm older and (ahem!) fatter, I am also more frequently overwarm, than too cold.

Just did a couple of miles of fast walking (with my daughter who I think wants to start running soon), outdoors near sunset. It was pretty cold starting out (about 34 F I think) but we were pleasantly warm on the last stretch. I need to get some of those cheap stretchy gloves, I wore street gloves that aren't very warm, miss my fleece gloves.

What I wore - capris, lowcut socks, sports bra, longsleeved poly and merino wool shirt, new Athleta jacket (my early b'day gift from my dear husband!), earmuffs and the cold gloves. I feared (and my daughter wondered!) that I might feel the cold on my shins, but after a few yards they felt fine.

Definitely give winter running a TRY at least. It would be a shame to miss finding out that you love it!

Winter Running - Just do it

guest — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:32:05 GMT

I don't mind winter running. I thought of a run this morning (-3 F) but decided to op out for tomorrow morning. I highly prefer spring, summer, & fall running over winter. The biggest issue with me is the start. I feel like I am inhaling a cold, steel knife. After about 10 minutes or so it isn't bad at all.