#cold-weather running

[deeptrailrunner]

🏃‍♀️❄️ Embrace the Chill: Cold Weather Running Workouts ❄️🏃‍♂️

Hey, winter warriors! I know the cold weather can be intimidating, but trust me, it's the perfect time to spice up your running routine. Here are some cold weather running workout ideas to keep you motivated and active during the frosty months:

Winter Trails: Explore snowy trails for a refreshing change of scenery. The crunch of snow beneath your feet adds a delightful twist to your run.

Hill Repeats: Find a snow-covered hill and tackle hill repeats. The added resistance of the snow will give your legs an extra workout.

Fartlek Fun: Incorporate fartlek intervals into your run. Alternate between bursts of faster running and slower recovery periods to keep warm and challenge your speed.

Snow Sprints: Mark out a safe, flat area in the snow and do some sprint intervals. The cold air will invigorate you as you push your limits.

Winter Wonderland Long Run: Plan a long run route that takes you through a winter wonderland. The sense of adventure will make those miles fly by.

Cross-Train on Snowshoes: Try snowshoe running for a full-body workout. It's an excellent way to build strength and endurance while enjoying the snowy landscape.

Icy Drills: Use icy patches to work on your balance and stability. Practice quick footwork and lateral movements on icy sections of your route.

Cold Weather Yoga: Before or after your run, include some cold-weather yoga stretches to warm up and cool down effectively.

Layered Intervals: Dress in layers and head out for interval training. Shed a layer during the high-intensity phase and put it back on during recovery.

Adventure Runs: Explore new routes you've never tried before. Winter offers a fresh perspective on familiar terrain.

Remember to prioritize safety and wear appropriate gear for the cold. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and most importantly, stay motivated! Winter running can be a magical experience if you embrace it.

Keep moving, keep exploring, and enjoy the unique beauty of the season. Happy winter running, my friends! ❄️🏃‍♀️🌨️

[erindoeslife]

Gorgeous 9 mile run on the books!

I was nervous about running outside this morning in the cold, but all in all - I'm very happy to say it went well. Got together with a bunch of TNT alumni this morning. Great day! It was a GORGEOUS morning - the sun was out (that makes it colder, I know, but it is much better than running in overcast conditions), and the snow sparkled over the river. And you can't argue with getting a full hour of sunshine and fresh air in January with fantastic company. We went over part of the Twin Cities Marathon course - I loved to see it sparkly and covered with snow!

Temperature: -7* windchill, 0*F straight temp

Mingus: Seemed to do pretty well. I will have to figure out some kind of hydration strategy beyond 10 miles - he starts to get thirsty and eat snow at about mile 6. Also we're wearing through last year's dog booties - time for new ones!

Clothes: Heavy pants - might consider another layer underneath.

Core: Really warm! I was wearing a close-fitting tech tshirt, tech long-sleeved shirt, light running jacket, my new eVent jacket (it's really more of a windproof/waterproof/breatheable shell, no insulation, but that works really well), and my windproof vest. Next time I think I'll go without the tshirt and see how it works. 

Headband over ears was sufficient. I used a breathable polartec neck gaiter which worked well. Thought I'd need a balaclava but I think it would have been too warm.

Gloves, though, need work - I think a good pair of windproof mittens or lobster claw mittens would work perfectly. My hands were warm but sweaty after I balled them up.

Feet - Perfect. Just my running shoes and slightly thicker quarter-length ankle socks seemed to work fine. If they start getting cold I'll think about investing in some ankle gaiters.

I got home to some bad news though - our scrounger dog, Bonnie, who loves to eat odd things in the yard, is throwing up and can't seem to keep her food down. She's just miserable - she's at the vet right now with T. We've been through this before - hopefully an IV-administered anti-emetic, IV fluids and a bland diet will fix her up. Poor girl : (

[countdowntomidnight-blog]

Cold weather running

A friend of mine is starting the Couch to 5k program, and asked me what I wear for cold weather running. I started running in the summer in Montreal, and continued through the fall and early winter in California, so until recently hadn't given much thought to cold weather running gear.  When I went for a few runs in British Columbia while visiting family, I quickly realized I'd have to pick up some new clothes.

Currently, I wear long fitted running tights for the bottoms. I bought Nike's "Elements Windless Running Tights," as they're so magniloquently named.  More to the point, they were on sale and fleece-lined, and quite comfortable. They have a bit of extra lining on the thighs, which I think helped keep me from getting too cold. 

For the top, it's a long sleeved running shirt, plus a shell overtop.  I wear my cycling windbreaker from Mountain Equipment Co-op, since I used to be equipped for all-weather cycling in Vancouver and it's what I happen to have. It has elastics to loop over your thumbs, which is nice for preventing the sleeves from riding up.

Add a toque and some magic gloves, and I'm set. I haven't gone out in anything below freezing, but today's run at +5C was perfectly comfortable.  By the end of it, I had to take my gloves off because I was too warm.

How many clothes you need to wear in cold weather probably is a personal thing, depending on your fitness and the amount of body fat you have.  I find I'm usually warm, but I'm probably carting about an extra 20lbs of insulation, as well as falling somewhat short of the pinnacle of athletic talent.  Still, my general finding seems to be that as long as most of my skin is covered by something to break the cold wind, I'm quite comfortable.

Over +12-15C, I just wear my regular gear - shorts and a t-shirt.  More than that and I'm too warm.