Winter Running

[Darth Tater]

rough crowd...ok, heading out...

Positively balmy out here today...-12°C, windchill -20°C!

[KBO]

rough crowd...ok, heading out...

Positively balmy out here today...-12°C, windchill -20°C!

Last night was lovely for a run. Such a nice break from minus stoopid with a windchill of 'oh my freakin' gawd'.

[Darth Tater]

rough crowd...ok, heading out...

Positively balmy out here today...-12°C, windchill -20°C!

Last night was lovely for a run. Such a nice break from minus stoopid with a windchill of 'oh my freakin' gawd'.

It was nice to have a couple layers LESS than the past couple weeks.

[clocker]

Today will feel so warm at -11C. I hope the wind stays down!
Ian

[daddy_runner]

Positively balmy out here today...-12°C, windchill -20°C!

Last night was lovely for a run. Such a nice break from minus stoopid with a windchill of 'oh my freakin' gawd'.

It was nice to have a couple layers LESS than the past couple weeks.

Seconded!

[babysteps]

I think I've run outdoors more this winter so far than I did all of last year! But tomorrow is forecast to be -13 with a windchill of -29. I'd like to do at least part of my run outside but I'm not sure how to dress for it. I'm also not sure if I have clothes appropriate for that temp.

So, all you hard core types...what should I wear for my run tomorrow? -13, wc of -29. Winds northwest 40kph gusting to 70kph.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nb-15_metric_e.html

[ultraslacker]

I think I've run outdoors more this winter so far than I did all of last year! But tomorrow is forecast to be -13 with a windchill of -29. I'd like to do at least part of my run outside but I'm not sure how to dress for it. I'm also not sure if I have clothes appropriate for that temp.

So, all you hard core types...what should I wear for my run tomorrow? -13, wc of -29. Winds northwest 40kph gusting to 70kph.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nb-15_metric_e.html

we've had a couple of winter gear threads recently, so check the gear section. but -13/-29 means a strong wind... which will be tough even aside from the cold. Personally, I'd run inside but that's just me. :)

[ultraslacker]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35629

[klc]

Oliver playing in the snow during our run yesterday.

[Darth Tater]

I think I've run outdoors more this winter so far than I did all of last year! But tomorrow is forecast to be -13 with a windchill of -29. I'd like to do at least part of my run outside but I'm not sure how to dress for it. I'm also not sure if I have clothes appropriate for that temp.

So, all you hard core types...what should I wear for my run tomorrow? -13, wc of -29. Winds northwest 40kph gusting to 70kph.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nb-15_metric_e.html

Sounds like my run today, -14/-26. Now, I'm pretty acclimatized, and have a natural layer of insulation, but I wore a long sleeve tech, a fleece, a running shell/jacket, briefs, running pants, a headband & buff on my head, shoes and socks, and mitts. I could have used a second buff for a face covering when I ran in areas with less cover, but otherwise I was fine.

I'd likely recommend more for you.

[smack]

Winter sure slows me down (icy sidewalks, bad snow clearing, etc., etc,) but with no treadmill in the house it's all outdoor training for this guy. I actually look forward to runs on -5 to -10 C if it's not too windy - the air is crisp and there just seems to be something extra about getting out there in the cold and giving it. Now if I only had a matching winter outfit instead of the multi-hued affair I usually sport to combat the cold I might even look like a real runner

Stuart

[NewFinnLoper]

Winter sure slows me down (icy sidewalks, bad snow clearing, etc., etc,) but with no treadmill in the house it's all outdoor training for this guy. I actually look forward to runs on -5 to -10 C if it's not too windy - the air is crisp and there just seems to be something extra about getting out there in the cold and giving it. Now if I only had a matching winter outfit instead of the multi-hued affair I usually sport to combat the cold I might even look like a real runner

Stuart

Welcome to RM Stuart!!!

Hey, You know the cars won't miss you if you're dressed multi-coloured...I'm a ninja and blend into the night!!

[smack]

Winter sure slows me down (icy sidewalks, bad snow clearing, etc., etc,) but with no treadmill in the house it's all outdoor training for this guy. I actually look forward to runs on -5 to -10 C if it's not too windy - the air is crisp and there just seems to be something extra about getting out there in the cold and giving it. Now if I only had a matching winter outfit instead of the multi-hued affair I usually sport to combat the cold I might even look like a real runner

Stuart

Welcome to RM Stuart!!!

Hey, You know the cars won't miss you if you're dressed multi-coloured...I'm a ninja and blend into the night!!

I think it's my wife that's most distressed by my outfits though I do run by a couple of high schools and draw some unnecessary attention there as well

[ultraslacker]

lol

In my opinion, when it gets really cold, "real" runners wear whatever keeps them warm. Save the looking good for summer! :)

[turd ferguson]

lol

In my opinion, when it gets really cold, "real" runners wear whatever keeps them warm. Save the looking good for summer!

Or they run off to Vancouver and try to remember what this "cold" feels like. Whatever works.

[ultraslacker]

lol

In my opinion, when it gets really cold, "real" runners wear whatever keeps them warm. Save the looking good for summer! :)

Or they run off to Vancouver and try to remember what this "cold" feels like. Whatever works. :wink:

yeah well, can you blame me? Last year in Edmonton winter was BRUTAL. Now I live in paradise but I can't run... such is life. :P

[ABXF]

I answered 51-75% in terms of mileage but in terms of days per week it would be 83%. At the moment I'm running 6 days per week with usually only one (the long run) and sometime two days outside. I think I should increase this to at least two days per week outside regularly. I do swimming on Monday and Wednesday and a 5k treadmill run with weights is fairly convenient with that, though AM/PM or running to/from the gym would be another possibility. Tuesday I do speed work which I think I would find difficult and somewhat risky outside. Thursday is a progression or tempo and Saturday is sometimes race pace which could be done outside and I think sometimes should be. This schedule will probably change a bit as I start adding ice skating and a bit of snowshoe running.

I have a common RR jacket and some MEC insulated pants. The outer items that are less runner-like are the large mitts and the cheap toque with unfashionable pattern that was probably bought from K-Mart about 30 years ago.

[babysteps]

I think I've run outdoors more this winter so far than I did all of last year! But tomorrow is forecast to be -13 with a windchill of -29. I'd like to do at least part of my run outside but I'm not sure how to dress for it. I'm also not sure if I have clothes appropriate for that temp.

So, all you hard core types...what should I wear for my run tomorrow? -13, wc of -29. Winds northwest 40kph gusting to 70kph.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nb-15_metric_e.html

Sounds like my run today, -14/-26. Now, I'm pretty acclimatized, and have a natural layer of insulation, but I wore a long sleeve tech, a fleece, a running shell/jacket, briefs, running pants, a headband & buff on my head, shoes and socks, and mitts. I could have used a second buff for a face covering when I ran in areas with less cover, but otherwise I was fine.

I'd likely recommend more for you.

Thanks. That's helpful. My bottom always gets cold so I'm thinking about adding a second pair of light running pants over my winter running tights to help with the wind. I'm even considering adding some shorts too, but that might be overkill. Today I wore a headband and buff, but it was only about -5 and somewhat windy. Tomorrow I'll wear a hat and buff.

[babysteps]

So today's run was done outside in -13/-25 conditions. I was too warm as I was overdressed. I feel it was a "prove something" kind of run - that I CAN run in those conditions. However, I'm not sure what the benefit is. My pace was slow - 7:16 where I've been averaging 6:40 for my easy runs but it felt like a tempo run in terms of effort. I'm a bit worried running outside in the snow will end up slowing me down. So, is there any real benefit to running outside when I do have easy access to a TM or am I better off sticking to the TM? I certainly couldn't have run tempo pace out there today, so I will go back to the TM for those as long as there is this much snow down.

[VeloCarrie]

I'm a bit worried running outside in the snow will end up slowing me down.

Your pace will be slower because the footing isn't that great, just like your pace on a trail is much slower than on a road. But trust me, come the spring, you will see the results of running outside.

ETA: Not to mention what running outside to your mental run. You really see the results in the mental game. "if I can run through this, I can run through anything!"

[MINITEE]

I'm a bit worried running outside in the snow will end up slowing me down.

Your pace will be slower because the footing isn't that great, just like your pace on a trail is much slower than on a road. But trust me, come the spring, you will see the results of running outside.

ETA: Not to mention what running outside to your mental run. You really see the results in the mental game. "if I can run through this, I can run through anything!"

And in the spring/clear sidewalk days.. you will feel like you are FLYING!

[turd ferguson]

So today's run was done outside in -13/-25 conditions. I was too warm as I was overdressed. I feel it was a "prove something" kind of run - that I CAN run in those conditions. However, I'm not sure what the benefit is. My pace was slow - 7:16 where I've been averaging 6:40 for my easy runs but it felt like a tempo run in terms of effort. I'm a bit worried running outside in the snow will end up slowing me down. So, is there any real benefit to running outside when I do have easy access to a TM or am I better off sticking to the TM? I certainly couldn't have run tempo pace out there today, so I will go back to the TM for those as long as there is this much snow down.

1. Yes it will slow you down, but that doesn't matter. Running in any adverse conditions i.e. trails, hills, cold, snow, heat slows you down but also makes you more resilient and stronger.

2. The benefit is resiliency and strength, both mental and physical. As I like to say, anyone can run outside when its nice, it takes a tough person to run when its crap out.

3. I find outdoor running good for my spirit and soul. Even if I can't do outdoor speedwork this time of year, I can recharge my batteries by going for one of those runs where my eyelids freeze shut and I can send myself the message about how much I enjoy this, the sort of message you can't send yourself on a treadmill.

[ian]

I'm a bit worried running outside in the snow will end up slowing me down.

Your pace will be slower because the footing isn't that great, just like your pace on a trail is much slower than on a road. But trust me, come the spring, you will see the results of running outside.

ETA: Not to mention what running outside to your mental run. You really see the results in the mental game. "if I can run through this, I can run through anything!"

Carrie (and Mike) nailed it. Some of my winter runs are as much as 50% slower than they would be on a TM but history has shown me that winter running will make me faster when spring hits. That doesn't mean that all your winter runs need to be outside, but that you'll benefit from any kind of running, especially if you can convince yourself that you're enjoying it.

[Kristen]

Here are some tips for winter running if anyone is interested: http://www.mraweb.ca/articles/winter_running.htm

My legs are *still* sore this morning, so I've been doing some reading on winter running. The 9th tip says that after your first runs on snow or ice you might experience slight soreness because your supporting muscles are working hard to support your slipping.

However, I didn't notice any serious muscle soreness until this past weekend. The difference? In December I had 9 outdoor runs, including some LSDs, but these runs saw comparatively little accumulated snow and ice. If you have to run through inches of slush, inches of snow, slush with snow or ice underneath, snow with ice underneath, or just inches of hard-packed uneven (and slippery) snow, your muscles will take a pounding. I had two of these runs this weekend (one that was 20K, and another that was 24K) and I'm paying for it. I'm all for strengthening the legs, but I do believe I may have punished my legs a little too much in taking both of these runs outdoors.

My personal advice to anyone doing back-to-back winter runs is to keep one of them indoors until your legs have totally adjusted to January/February conditions (not early winter conditions), or keep one of your runs indoors for the duration of the winter if your soreness seems to linger for a significant length of time.

[mcshame]

Here are some tips for winter running if anyone is interested: http://www.mraweb.ca/articles/winter_running.htm

My legs are *still* sore this morning, so I've been doing some reading on winter running. The 9th tip says that after your first runs on snow or ice you might experience slight soreness because your supporting muscles are working hard to support your slipping.

However, I didn't notice any serious muscle soreness until this past weekend. The difference? In December I had 9 outdoor runs, including some LSDs, but these runs saw comparatively little accumulated snow and ice. If you have to run through inches of slush, inches of snow, slush with snow or ice underneath, snow with ice underneath, or just inches of hard-packed uneven (and slippery) snow, your muscles will take a pounding. I had two of these runs this weekend (one that was 20K, and another that was 24K) and I'm paying for it. I'm all for strengthening the legs, but I do believe I may have punished my legs a little too much in taking both of these runs outdoors.

My personal advice to anyone doing back-to-back winter runs is to keep one of them indoors until your legs have totally adjusted to January/February conditions (not early winter conditions), or keep one of your runs indoors for the duration of the winter if your soreness seems to linger for a significant length of time.

I experienced this as well. A Saturday run and then a Sunday LSD in SNOW, heavy and unplowed. I definitely felt it in the legs and the knees. I was tough. A day of rest yesterday and this morning I was feeling pretty strong with light snow still on the ground. I just can't bring myself to run indoors...just can't...