Despite the fact that I was awake 'til 3:30am thanks to the aforementioned kryptonite juice, I managed to go exercise this morning. I didn't feel like running in the frigid rainy weather, so I decided to be gymalicious (jill's word--i love it). And I've come to the conclusion that I canNOT face an entire winter of the treadmill. Treadmills are for gerbils.
How can I be Forrest Gump on a treadmill?
I managed to knock out 1 hour, but STILL. Instead of the zen-like euphoria I usually work myself into, it was torture. So I've decided to brave the running store & stock up on outdoor gear. Somebody help me; what should I get to stay warm but not be overly bulky? All you marathoners out there, feel free to wax philosophical! Holly? Kristi? Chloe? Anne? (bet you all didn't know I've been stalking your blogs.) Anyone?....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
I (do not) heart treadmills
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18 comments:
No...you're not a stalker...running brings out the inquisitiveness in us all. To be honest, I am in the same boat, as I didn't do as much running outside last winter. The things I would say you NEED are a good hat and/or ear covering (they make great ear warmer/head phone combos that I will be getting), good gloves (not bulky ones...ones in which you can still function). I will also be heading to my running store to get some gear. The one thing I did find last winter is that a good windbreaker type of top is worth triple it's weight in warmth!
I definitely don't mess around when it comes to blogging requests. I guess it also helps that I am trying to stretch out the teeny bit of work I have to do across a few days...
I didn't do a ton of outdoor running last year (I just started running at the end of January and didn't run outside until I could run a half hour non-stop, so about two months later!) but when I did, I wore my capri-length spandex pants and a thin long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Sometimes I'd wear a hoodie but it usually got a little too warm.
I think for this winter I'm going to invest in some spandexy pant thingies (yes, this is the technical term), a nice long sleeve wicking t (or possibly just my St. George marathon performance t), some lightweight gloves and maybe a hat (if my ego allows. If you hadn't noticed already, I don't really have a lot of hair, i'm afraid I'll look too much like a boy if it's all hidden). I mean, this all hinges on me actually running again. My legs are still mad at me and are refusing to do anything but rest on my bed...
I'm glad you love my music. It really is great to run to. Now here's a thought (unless you find it just a little too blog stalker-ish), I'd be happy to burn you a few discs (if my laptop cooperates) and send them on over to you. Email me if you're interested. If not, that's fine too! :)
Chloe has better advice than me, forget I said anything! ;)
i am not much help since i only started running in the spring and have never run in the cold. but is say you but the nicest stuff your can afford. there is too much great gear fabrics out there to not take advantage of them.
Good luck with winter running i am so itching to get back out there but my body is saying "let me sleep" so tomorrow i may give it a shot.
and i am telling you listen to everything chloe and anne have to say - they have never steered me wrong - they are supportive and answer emails and are so willing to help. they could seriously have a business being marathon motivators!
I'm in the same boat for biking. I just don't know what to do for cloths for the winter and I don't want to just stick to spin class. I love being outside and seeing all the beauty around me. Plus, like running for you, it is my time for myself. I guess I'm going for the long pant / sleeve spandex paded pants and some good gloves and ear coverings. That is a must! Good luck! and wish me luck too.
I've just posted this tip on Kristi's blog as well, but the best advice I have for staying warm but not bulky is to use men's dress socks for arm warmers. Just cut off the toe and put the heel part on your elbow. I get mine from a dollar store.
I use them for bike riding early in the morning.
If you're in a race you can just toss them and you're only out a buck instead of throwing away a shirt.
I agree with what the others have said. Here in TX we don't get too many really cold, cold days, but I did run outdoors last "winter".
I have a pair of capri running tights that I wear when it's hovering around the 40s or less. They also help prevent wind burn. Look for technical fabrics that provide warmth, but also breathe since you will still sweat.
Layers are great so you can peel off as you warm up. Either tie the sleeves around your waist or have a safe drop spot that you can pick up later. Technical fabric gloves, a headband or hat, maybe wool socks. You may need something that's waterproof or water repellent too.
If you keep your core, head, hands and feet warm you should be fine. I LOVE cooler weather running, we just don't have enough cool/cold days. Remember Body Glide or Sport Shield for chaffing (or Vaseline).
Running good. Chaffing Bad. Evil.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks, runners!
Heeheehee, loved the video - had to watch it twice! You see, that is why we live in AZ. Not because we WANT to run in the winter, but because we COULD.
Hey Miss Crystal, once I get Brooke truly sleeping thru the night, I'm heading back to the gym & I love the Pump class! I won't take Brookie to the day care at the gym so I have to go early early morning. But the pump class is the best & I love it tons!
I suck at running, so I would love to brave the cold with ya, but my fat butt wouldn't last down the drive way!! ha ha
I hate gym day care too, which is why I go NOW. Ugh.
I love running in the rain! Thinking about it makes me want to go now! The sick, snotty baby on my lap has other plans for me this morning however.
I don't wear cool stuff. I should. Right now I should just freakin run already! It's been so long since I could it makes me sad (I have some major joint ailments that make me hurt when I run). BUT... for some reason running in the rain makes me run longer and better. Maybe its the temperature, I don't know.
And yes, Evie is, as Jon would say, a snot nose cowboy today and I haven't slept since yesterday. I have to stay awake right now though since I have to go help in Gracie's class in an hour. Oy! I'm tired!
Treadmills definitely are for gerbils or for the freakishly dedicated exercisers who I find suspect.
I haven't been very gymalicious lately and I'm feeling it, but it's so cold lately and so hard to get out of bed. Plus now I'll have to scrape ice off the car windows at such an early hour. Excuses, excuses.
Good luck to you!
Miss Crystal - The gym that I'm guessing you go to has a pump class at 6 am. That is the one I'm planning on attending when Brooke will cooperate.
I know you've had a ton of advise, but my sis runs outside & she uses a longsleeve underarmor shirt & then capri or long pants that are lycra something. Good luck, I was thinking about you this morning. It was so beautiful out there, but so dang cold!!
Good luck!
Like Cecily, I also run better (faster and longer) in the rain. There's just something about being outside getting soaked, when everyone in their right mind is taking shelter. I love it. I wish it would rain every day!
Oh, and Crystal? I was dead serious about my offre! Email me your addy at anniesblog@gmail.com and I'll start working on it.
I just saw this little Q&A regarding cold weather running. Hope it helps!
http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2007/10/cold-weather-ru.html
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