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Simple Green: Jogging

runner092608.jpgIn lieu of joining a gym this summer, we started running. It saves time, money, energy, and gas. But now that fall is here--and with winter approaching-- we're having second thoughts...

 
 

Take today for example: it's pouring. So while we've really enjoyed being outdoors all summer, especially after a long day at the office, it sure would be nice to jump in a warm car. Then drive to a massive gym... with a giant footprint... that has rows of exercise machines, each with its very own television.

O.K., so we're going to invest in some warm clothes: wick-away fabrics; poly-pro; a fleece top; and layer them on.

Does anyone else run in the cold weather? Have any pointers? And how do you stay motivated when it's freezing outside?

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Comments (5)

If you've got the space at home, you could rent a treadmill - that way you can make sure it's switched off when you're not using it, and you don't have to drive to get to it. Not as ideal as keeping up the outdoor jogging during winter, but much more palatable!

posted by Cactus Cat on September 26th 2008 at 2:19pm
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I run outdoors year-round in the northwest where the winter temperatures go from the low 20s to the low 40s. Tights, gloves (these are a must), and a long-sleeved wicking top are usually sufficient, even below freezing, or you can layer with a light jacket. Keeping some leftover soup in the fridge for easy re-heating post run is a good motivator, too, or finishing a run at a coffee shop for post-workout refueling.

posted by gamerabbit on September 27th 2008 at 9:37pm
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I run all year round in New England. Last winter I ran when the wind chills were 10 below zero (that was an adventure!). It is only when the temps are single digits or below that I even wore a second layer. The reason: when you run, you generate a lot of heat!! Tights and warmer shirts are key, but not too warm. I see lots of people out in fleece vests and stuff, but i never need them. I DO have a variety of different running cloths, from very light weight to heavier, and that helps a lot. But you don't need to acquire the stuff all at once.

A couple of guidelines:
- a hat helps, and gloves... but don't get carried away. I never wear those when the temperature is above freezing. Most people really don't need them I think, and you WILL warm up (see below).

- When it is cool/cold out, remember: you will get warmer as you run, so if you are comfortable when you start, you will be too warm later on. You should be a bit chilly for the first five minutes. Have faith: you WILL warm up!

- Don't over dress; you really don't want to be sweating so much that your cloths get damp. With good wicking cloths that shouldn't be a big problem, but even the best moisture control cloths can't keep up if you are over heating.

And remember: its fun! It really is nice to be outside in the winter. Absolutely my favorite time to run is when it is snowing. There is nothing more beautiful.

Keep it up!

posted by lhc on September 28th 2008 at 5:53am
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i second lhc's comment. i too live in new england and only if its blizzardy or below 15 degrees do i not run outside. i think there are 2 important things. 1: don't overdress. you will get hot, get sweaty and then all that sweat trapped against you can start to get cold. 2: ear muffs. there are all sorts for runners. i don't like wearing a hat because it makes me too hot, but some sort of ear band, or the kind that go behind your head and just cover your ears is key.

winter is a great time to run, as long as your trails & paths are free of ice. its crisp, clear, beautiful and not crowded. and besides... you'll be a true runner-bada$$ if you keep it up all year long!

posted by llchocolate on September 28th 2008 at 12:36pm
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I live in New York City and also try to run year round. I still belong to a gym so I will go whenever it is too wet to run or too icy in winter. I had a bad fall on ice in Central Park two years ago and it took me a while to recover from it so I will avoid running outside if it has been wet and the temperature fell below freezing.

As others have said, it's all about wearing the right amount of clothing. I used to overdress and now know how many layers to wear from just looking at the thermometer.

I disagree on the fleece jacket: investing in a good windproof fleece jacket like the Firefly from Marmot is a good idea when it's freezing and windy out and you don't need to wear much underneath. It gets pretty windy in NYC, especially running along the East and Hudson rivers, and I haven't found anything better.

Sugoi makes tights and half zip sweaters with a fabric called Midzero that it very comfortable to wear and warm. I have two of these Midzero sweaters and at 40 degrees that's all you need.

Ear muffs or a hat are a must I agree, and gloves. Although I have bad circulation I never have cold hands while running.

Enjoy your runs! I am sort of looking forward to these brisk winter runs myself.

posted by nyc cat on September 29th 2008 at 11:22am
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