weather and running

Amy_B

I live in Indiana (northern), and we tend to get a variable amount of snow each winter. I currently only run outside due to not having a treadmill and not having a gym membership. I also run after work on weekdays, which is no earlier than 5pm. Well, around here in the winter, it gets dark by then. Any suggestions on what to do with my running in the winter then? I would really like to continue doing it. (I'm looking at used treadmills on Craigslist, but I am not sure I can actually afford one just yet.)

annasid78

If it is safe to run where you are in dark. Just dress in layer and get some reflector tape to put on your clothes and head out dispite the dark.

That is my plan anyway. I hope you can figure something out with all the great advice I am sure you will get here a MFP

nicolee516

I would run in the dark. I run in the dark, unfortunately at a slower pace. I use a florescent bib with reflectors on it and I have reflective vlecro bands that go around my ankles. I also carry a flashlight. Believe it or not the flashlight serves a couple of purposes. You can see better, cars can see your light, and it actually teaches you good form with your arm swing. If you are crossing your arims over your chest, you can see that with the light beam. It may seem scary at times, but if you start with shorter disitances, you will get a little more comfortable with it.



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lizzys

i can"t run have bad knees so i just find some good exercise tape i like doing and do tham i have looking for tham and some i find are really good

liz72

I don't have an answer for you, but I just wanted to say I live in northern Indiana too. Hello, fellow Hoosier! :happy:

astridfeline

I clip my red blinky bike light to the back of my fanny pack or shirt. I've also thought about getting a head lamp.

Amy_B

Hey, Liz!

I do have exercise videos I can do, but I just also wanted to keep up with the running.

I think you have good ideas for running in the dark, things I will look into. Any ideas for when there are several inches or feet of snow on the ground? I know when it's packed, it might be okay, but otherwise?

Thanks!

Azdak

Hey, Liz!

I do have exercise videos I can do, but I just also wanted to keep up with the running.

I think you have good ideas for running in the dark, things I will look into. Any ideas for when there are several inches or feet of snow on the ground? I know when it's packed, it might be okay, but otherwise?

Thanks!

In my more intense running days, we had some pretty severe winters which made running on the streets or even the sidewalks almost impossible. During the worst of it, I would go out to a shopping mall and run around the parking lot--they always kept that shoveled. It was about a 1/2 mile loop.

Boring? you betcha. But for about 2-3 months, it was the only safe footing around.

Amy_B

Hey, Liz!

I do have exercise videos I can do, but I just also wanted to keep up with the running.

I think you have good ideas for running in the dark, things I will look into. Any ideas for when there are several inches or feet of snow on the ground? I know when it's packed, it might be okay, but otherwise?

Thanks!

In my more intense running days, we had some pretty severe winters which made running on the streets or even the sidewalks almost impossible. During the worst of it, I would go out to a shopping mall and run around the parking lot--they always kept that shoveled. It was about a 1/2 mile loop.

Boring? you betcha. But for about 2-3 months, it was the only safe footing around.

Good idea! There's a school about a mile or two from us, so I could run there.

iplayoutside19

As you can tell from my handle I like to do most of my running/walking outside. Call me old school but I just can't justify a treadmill in my mind when there are billions of miles of outside to go run/walk in.

As far as visibility in the dark. There are a number of things you can do. The least expensive is you can get a yellow vest at Wal-Mart for less than 5 bucks.

I live in a very small town, so I've identified a half mile course that includes the main street of the town, All of the streets are well lit, so i just run there and at 530 am I literally run in the middle of the street. In the daylight I do an out and back on a dirt road.

I don't know about snow and ice, we've had such mild winters here lately I kind forget to worry about it.

Azdak

The other thing I forgot to mention--clothing.

With all the great stuff that's out there, there is no reason to be uncomfortable in the cold.

If you don't have some already, invest in some layering--wicking undergarmet, fleece type 2nd layer (there are different thicknesses available depending on your "thermostat", and a windproof/water resistant/breathable outer layer.

Dump the sweatshirt/windbreaker combo--there is a huge difference.

Most of the challenge of keeping warm during cold weather exercise involves moisture/wind management rather than insulation. You generate quite a bit of heat when running--what causes the chill is not the temperature as much as it is the wind and perspiration.

Azdak

As you can tell from my handle I like to do most of my running/walking outside. Call me old school but I just can't justify a treadmill in my mind when there are billions of miles of outside to go run/walk in.

My 56 yr old knees beg to differ....

Just kidding--I know exactly what you mean--I have just had to make concessions to reality, esp when I was just starting to lose weight.

Actually, I had begun to transition to outdoor running in August, when I tripped and hurt my hip. That led to a hamstring injury that I am still nursing along and that has prevented any running whatsoever...:sad: