staying fit during cold winter?

Runner2shed

Hey!

I have a Tough mudder coming up in June, and with the winter, I really thought I'd be better on staying on top of my running schedule. But it's been so cold I just can't get myself out the door (it's been about 10-18 degrees the last week).

I have been using an elliptical about 3-4 times a week, but I can tell it's no where near as good as running.

Any suggestions for how you either motivate yourself to get out there or suggestions for good "winter" training?


Thanks!

Deedsie

1) run with a group or partner and commit to them. It's harder not to go if you know someone is waiting for you.
2) layout your running gear right next to the bed where you have to step over it to get up
3) put on your gear, drink a coffee if you like and meet your group
4) brrrrr brrrr brrr
5) mile 2- oh wait this isn't so bad
6) mile 3- wow I'm kind of a super hero
7) change out of your sweating clothes and enjoy knowing you are stronger than nature today

danimal5867

Lightweight thermal base layer. Winter running is great. I layer up, grab my hat and gloves, put on my face mask if there is a significant wind chill and go for it. The general rule is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer. The first half mile or so should be a little chilly but your body will heat up and you will sweat. I live in Iowa and I've already logged 70 miles this month. It can be done!

camrunner

I'll run outside if it's above freezing. It hasn't been much of an issue this winter, but I tried yesterday when it was in the 20s and windy with most of the sidewalks still covered in snow, and I don't think I'll be trying that again. When I was running into the wind I felt like my eyeballs were going to freeze... my eyelids started twitching and everything. I barely made it 3.5 miles, when a normal weekday run for me is usually around 9.

My winter goal is really just to maintain my level of fitness, rather than trying to improve it too much. I go to the gym a lot more, focus more on strength and toning without bulking up too much hopefully. Today, for example, I'll probably hit the gym after work and lift, run as much as I can tolerate on the treadmill (5-6 miles maybe?) and then ride an exercise bike until I'm too bored to continue.

Dark_Roast

I run no matter what temperature it is outside. I do use my treadmill when it's not feasable to be outside (ie at midnight or when I need to be in the house for the kids). Once a week when my husband and I run our long runs, we usually only have one day we are both off and can go together. No matter what it's like outside, we run. Lots of layers, and I have an older pair of shoes that I wear if it's wet out. My motivation is that I already paid for the run, and I'm GOING to run it, so I had better train for it! And the fact that my legs look freaking awesome.

Runner2shed

Thanks everyone! You've given me some great motivation and tips! I might try and get a ski mask or something and brave the outdoors.

Zekela

Id suggest that you try and run especially since you have an event coming up. I also have a mixed marathon 8 mile leg run in February so I try to get out there. I'm more trying to go for speed since that's an okay distance for me to complete. Anyway, thermalsare good. Heavy gloves, head gear is necessary to keep in the heat. If the actually temperaturw gets below 0°F my body will not get warm and I'm prone to hyperthermia. Hence, I cut my run to around 3 - 4 miles (can't improve the speed as much due to exteeme cold). If this temp is prolonged then I intend to hit up a treadmil at the closest fitness centre
L

sarahc001

Think about it this way- if you can get your *kitten* out and run in THIS weather, it will be a piece of cake when the weather improves! And if you're doing TM you'll have to get yourself moving after the arctic enema LOL.

It's been in the teens here (with a "feels like" temp of 2 deg on Wednesday) and I've been getting my runs in. I'll be the first to admit that it isn't easy (particularly for the first mile or so) but I'm always happy that I stuck to my plan once I'm done. It also helps that I have some friends whose lower limit for outdoor running is 0degrees (one lives in upstate NY--brr!) Not "feels like" temp but actual temp...I figure if they can do it, so can I.

Good Luck!

Runner2shed

Thanks Zekela and SarahC001!

I had been thinking about the "arctic enema" on TM and had been trying to make myself get out there and do the run anyway. Cause running in general cold is not gonna be nearly as bad as running after being dunked in ice water.

BakerRunnerBadass

You'll feel great after you get it done, though I will admit it is hard to get out there some mornings (we had -20 degrees last week). But I am training for the TM to in May and the artic enema is what I think of, using the cold to condition my body. Only days I don't go is when there is ice, no need to fall and break something.

Good Luck on your training :drinker:

moustache_flavored_lube

time of day is important. In the winter I run at lunch so that it isn't sooo cold.

Also doing speed work on particularly cold days is effective. Running hard / short keeps you warmer, and out in the elements for less time.