Active Community: Message List - How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:28:41 GMT

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing! I just moved to Colorado, so I am facing the battle of running in cold weather. Thanks for all of the helpful advice!!!

Happy Running!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:51:49 GMT

Thanks for Sharing!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:13:54 GMT

What an awesome thread, thank you!!! I am only a morning runner on Sundays (hubby is home & can watch our son), but have a hard time waking up during the winter, so I will definitely try the LightenUp! It doesn't get as cold where I am, but there are some days that I need extra layers, so I appreciate the tips!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:08:49 GMT

I'm glad you've bumped this thread up, those are some great tips!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:44:53 GMT

Thanks for posting this thread! You answered several questions I had and some great tips! Thanks again!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:21:40 GMT

The headband idea is great! I will try that first before I get another hat, but I appreciate the suggestions (that helmet liner hat looks like a great idea-I will keep it in mind), thanks eveyone! I tried the warm drink idea before my run this morning and it made such a difference. It's -15C here but when I stepped outside I hardly noticed the cold- and my neck felt warmer too! haha. Happy Running eveybody:)

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:56:28 GMT

I don't have the same struggle in the summer, it's something to do with the time of year, because my house is warm and it's just as dark at 5am in april as it is now. I can sleep all morning the winter, and I'd feel terrible and drowzy all day. I'm going to try the gradual lights, see if that works....don't get me wrong I still get up and run or go to the gym it's just sooooo muuuuuch harder this time of year. . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:43:50 GMT

Thanks everyone for your feedback and compliments!

shannonwatson,

I found I really had to examine why I hit the snooze--"I'm still tired, the house is cold, it is dark out" --and then systematically eliminate those reasons. Otherwise, it becomes a fight of willpower between your goal-oriented awake self and your semi-conscious, half-asleep lazy self. You might win the battle for the first week...but are you really going to be able to do it for the rest of your life?

Be creative! Make it fun and enjoyable, gearing it specifically to yourself and your personality type, and you will jump out of bed each morning!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:26:05 GMT

runningcanadian,

I gave up on "running" hats and switched to a "helmet liner", which is a wicking fleece hat that is thicker around the ears and thinner over the crown of the head. You can get them at ski or bike stores. Here is an example:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22929&subcategory_ID=1343

You might also consider layering a headband under the hat you have. That would give you added insulation where you need it, without adding material to the top of your head. I think two hats would just increase overheating and increase sweating...

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___79727

Good luck!

Re: How I learned to love running in the cold dark winter mornings

guest — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:22:42 GMT

This was really motivating! I've been really bad about hitting the snooze... and I really need to get my butt in gear! I'm in Maryland, so it's cold in the winter, but not quite as bad as you have it. Great job! I'm definitely going to look into the control for my light... and using the radio. I think these 2 items will really help out!

Oh - to the person who wrote about their ears getting cold, I find that if I use a ski headband (I don't really know what they are called?) my ears stay nice and warm the whole time. Mine is from Nike and made of a material that whisks away the moisture. If it's really cold, I wear a ball cap on top of that to keep my whole head warm.