Thursday, November 20, 2014

Winter Running Survival Guide

I woke up to a fresh blanket of snow covering the yard this morning. I guess it’s finally time to come to terms with the fact that winter is here and which also means that it is time to prep for cold weather running.

I will be the first to admit, it is only mid-November and I have already turned into a bit of a wimp when it comes to running outside in these brisk temperatures that have recently hit Michigan. I had all intentions of going for a run on Sunday afternoon, but every time I glanced outside and saw a snowflake or two fall gently past my window, I reconsidered my plans. Before I knew it, the sun had set, which left me doing a circa 1997 Pilates workout on my living room floor while constantly being crawled on by two curious cats and a pesty golden retriever.

Because traditional work hours in combination with a lack of daylight prohibit me from running solo outdoors on a work day, I was pretty bummed that I missed one of my few weekly opportunities for some fresh air. So I’ve decided to put together a guide to winter running in hopes of inspiring others, along with myself, to hit the pavement before the true Polar Vortex months of winter move in.

Don’t assess the weather conditions by looking out your window. During my inner battle on Sunday of “go run vs. stay inside”, I was constantly looking out the window. If I am snuggled up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, and flanked by furry animals, then of course it is going to look miserable outside. All snowy gray sky weather looks worse from inside. My husband was busy doing yard work all day, so when I went outside to check on him, I immediately noticed that the temperature was not exactly the arctic tundra that I had convinced myself it was from the warmth of my sofa.

There is no temperature problem that proper layering can’t fix. For the past two years, I have participated in a January run challenge that required me to log lots of miles outside. My usual absolutely-will-not-run-outside-regardless-of-tempting-me-with-post-run-breakfast temperature degree cut-off is 7 degrees. I’ve had lots of 7 degree, icicles on my eye lashes, type of runs so here is a snapshot of my typical layering structure for 7-35ish degrees. When it comes to layering, slim-fitting and wicking clothing items are essential to keep in the warmth and quickly dry the sweat that magically appears in frigid temps. Save the cotton t-shirt for the post-run nap that you totally earned. (If you want a break down of the items in this picture, most of them are listed and linked below.)



If you want to feel like you have super hero powers, then purchase a pair of Yaktrax. When the sidewalks, roads, or trails are snowy or icy, then Yaktrax are an absolute must for me. They are like snow tires for your shoes and will help you confidently run on a majority of winter’s slippery surfaces.

And most importantly- now is the essential time to find a running buddy to join you for these polar bear miles. The odds of crawling out of my flannel sheets on a cold morning to go for a solo run on icy-mushy sidewalks are slim. However- the best way to conquer low temps, winter winds, and still get some miles under your belt is to throw in the offer of girl talk, snow packed trails, and post-run breakfast.

I hope these tips will help encourage and inspire you (and let's be honest- myself) to avoid the temptation to hibernate during these long, winter months. So start layering, grab your running shoes, and embrace the season! 


-Steph




1. C9 Women's Jacket from Target: I love this jacket so much that I'm actually considering writing a job-well-done email to Target. At $34.99, you can't beat the price. Bonus points for being super cute.
2. Nike Fleece Running Hat: Because even the dreariest of days need a little neon pink.
3. Buff: Perfect for keeping the neck warm. And when you're not neck warming, it can be worn/styled in approximately 1.2 million ways. 
4. Coeur Sports Bra and Top: I prefer two slim fitting layers underneath my running jacket. I typically start my layering with a tank to keep the rest of the layers from riding up while running.
5. Long Sleeve Top: The one shown in the picture is from Under Armour, but I think my favorite is a Nike top that I was gifted last year that has a thin fleece lining and thumbholes. Wicking and slim fitting is a must for me to retain body heat and reduce moisture because even if it is 7 degrees, I'm probably still sweating.
6. Smartwool Socks: Ok, I confess. This picture does not show actual Smartwool socks, but that is because real pair was in the laundry this morning and I could not dig them out for the photo op. Believe me, they are on my Christmas list. However, Smartwool makes a lot of awesome knee-high socks that are warm and can provide an extra layer of protection from the cold and snow. It's like a hug for your toes.
7. Running Gloves: Fleece lined is a must for me.
8. Fleece Lined Running Tights: I snagged this pair of Under Armour tights at TJ Maxx after a burning a hole into my favorite Pearl Izumi pair.

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