Old Man Winter's just around the corner... (Read 1040 times)

Zoom, where in Michigan? I'm in the South Lyon area. I run all winter, especially out at Maybury and Island Lake State Park, as well as Kensington Metro. My neighborhood is not bad for during the week, just a bit slushy as we have no sidewalks. I highly recommend a pair of trail shoes, as they will hold up a little longer than regular running shoes in the snoe/slush/mush. Always layer, as you will definitly heat up quickly, especially when it's sunny with snow on the ground (the snow acts as a heat reflector on those days!!). I have a pair of polypro tights that are windproof on the front side of the legs. REI is where I got them at a good price and, except for the coldest of mornings, this is all I wear (with a good pair of windproof undies, of course ). When it does get that crisp, I'll throw on a pair of gore-tex running pants (got a full gore-tex outfit on clearance from Road Runner Sports about 7 years ago for less than $150 and it's still going strong). As for the top, I do a long sleeve polypro, with maybe one of those tighter fitting cool max t-shirts underneath. Add a windbreaker for most days, the gore-tex jacket for the frigid ones. some decent gloves and knit hat, all good to go! THis is the time of year to get some good deals on winter clothing from "last year", right before places are getting the new stuff.

Why is winter analgous to an old man? Kids these days!

Good points, Kirsten. I'll concede to you here. Is that what's meant by that was one mother of a storm?? ha ha. Winter here in western NY (snow belt just south of Buffalo) gets long and dreary sometimes. I do run all winter with enough base mileage to kick-start my spring and summer mileage. Our treadmill is very handy sometimes.

One of my friends pointed out that you know the weather at where you live sucks when on the first day of spring, the first thing that comes to mind is a few more months and it'll be winter again and then you get even more depressed. I find it very true, and several people mentioned to me that was what they thought of. I'm sure the winters here in Boston is nothing compared to the midwest, but we like to think it's pure misery here. One thing I do differently during the winter is I run at noon instead of after work, unless it's a club run. I can stand the cold, the dark, and the loneliness, but not all three at the same time. Running at noon has the added advantage of getting the extra bit of sunlight if you work in an office environment. It really helps if SAD is an issue during the winter. As to what to wear, I have the same shoes all year round. I don't find it cold once you get moving, except if the temperature goes below 0 F and a strong wind. It takes the body a little while to get acclamated to the cold, so it helps if you run outside all year round. I put on multiple layers, with a windbreaker as the outermost layer. I have tights of different thickness that would keep me warm in a couple temperature ranges (40-20F, 20-0F). Anything below 0 I just double them up. The one thing I find useful is having zippers on the outer layers. For example, on a 10 degree day, I would have an Underarmor long sleeve, then a lightweight shirt, with a fleece shirt and then the windbreaker. All except the Underarmor have zippers that can go down at least part way. This way, you can adjust the zippers to keep you at the right temperature so you won't sweat too much and then freeze later. Having a good non-wicking first layer is very important because that keeps you dry. You might also look into a hat (or just something to protect your ears), and a neck gaitor that you can use to put up to your face. As for training, you do go a little slower in the winter because your body needs to divert some of the energy to keep warm. You're also carrying several pounds worth of clothes. I run in races year round. They really help in the winter because they breaks up the monotony. I have to stop talking about it. I'm already getting depressed thinking it's only a couple of months away...

Maybe I can run during sunlight hous during winter without getting fried alive. I look forward to winter.

The most important question I have is for zoom-zoom - What beverage is in that huge glass you are holding? Whatever it is - it's making you smile. Maybe you should pack some of that into a wine flask and take it on those cold winter runs ...

She doesn't need anymore encouragement. I don't know what's in that magic glass, but she talked about filling her CamelPak with beer for her long run once.

The most important question I have is for zoom-zoom - What beverage is in that huge glass you are holding? Whatever it is - it's making you smile. Maybe you should pack some of that into a wine flask and take it on those cold winter runs ...

Oh, hah! I think that was Newcastle Brown Ale...man, if I filled my Camelbak with that I don't think I'd feel any pain during a run...probably wouldn't care about finishing time, or even IF I finished, either, LOL! k