Running outside only
tephey
Posts: 44 Member
I don't have a gym membership and no treadmill and it's not looking like those things are coming my way anytime soon. I've been doing the Couch to 5K program outside for the past 6 weeks. My questions are:
Does anyone only run outside? Is it possible to keep up a good routine with weather causing issues? I know it will be dark soon when I get up and when I get home from work. I'm scared to death of the dark. But I want to run, so I'll have to get over that. What about the cold and the heat? How do you work around that?
Does anyone only run outside? Is it possible to keep up a good routine with weather causing issues? I know it will be dark soon when I get up and when I get home from work. I'm scared to death of the dark. But I want to run, so I'll have to get over that. What about the cold and the heat? How do you work around that?
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I only run outside! Running on the treadmill sucks butt!!!
I dunno....I just do it. There are plenty of clothing options for cold weather runs. Trial and error has helped me figure out what to wear for what weather and I pick up a lot of stuff at thrift stores to keep the cost down. I don't know where you live or the kind of area you live in..........I live in California in a fairly large city. We have a few parks and tracks that are well lit and well used by other runners, so I stick to those areas and areas I know well when going for runs in the dark. Honestly, I prefer running in the fall and winter....it's nice to not feel overheated on runs. I find it easier to run longer.0 -
I'm still a beginner runner, but here are some suggestions
reflective vest - cheap, screams dork, but it will keep you safe
head lamp - most of the roads I'm running don't have street lights, and no sun at 5am = rolled ankles
layers - wear layers when running. In case you get hot you can always take one off
light gloves
I'm sure more experienced guys will have better suggestions.0 -
Join a running club (any Running Room stores near you?) if you're afraid of the dark. Find a running buddy. The weather you can deal with (wear proper layers, etc.), but being afraid of the dark is something you'll have to deal with. Finding a running friend or group is your best bet.0
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I live in New England and run outside year round. I can't run on the dreadmill for more than 20 minutes without wanting to jump out a window. Get good winter running clothes (no cotton) and a good flashlight or headlamp and reflective jacket or vest. Mace or a dog or a running buddy if you live in an urban area. It's actually very soothing to run in the dark. I run with my light off and only turn it on when a car comes (I live in a rural area with no street lights, so my eyes adjust to the dark and I can see pretty well, especially with snow on the ground). Hearing coyotes makes me pick up my pace, but other than that I love running in the winter!0
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We live in TN and on a farm outside of a small town. I don't thinking finding a running buddy is possible, but getting a headlamp and having my dogs run with me might work. I'm more scared of coyotes and other animals than anything else. I usually run our farm roads. I think I can get passed my scared self. I know the cold will be okay, I'm hoping. I keep thinking about the rain, snow and ice this winter. I don't want to be sidelined because of the weather.I stopped training a few months ago because I got to hot and almost passed out. Stupid me ran at 5 in the afternoon and it was like 100 outside still. I am determined to do this. I just got to get my head on straight and get the equipment I need to get it done.
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I run outside 95% of the time. I belong to a running club that has group runs all over town almost every day, so I have people to run with in the dark. I also run with my very large dog. I would suggest finding a local running group (check at running stores or online) and making some running buddies -- I am pretty darn slow, and have plenty of folks to run with. My group costs $35/year, so it's cost-effective (this includes water/powerade stops every few miles on group runs).
If you are running somewhere really dark, invest in a headlamp or a small flashlight. Also, don't forget to wear reflective gear.
As for cold, coldest temp. I've run in is 17 degrees -- it was fine after the first mile, once we warmed up. Just layer, I rarely need more than a thermal shirt and tights and a light vest over it. You'll be surprised how fast you warm up. I actually love winter training because it is not so hot. good luck!0 -
I only run outside since I love to be outside over indoors. I run in the dark in the morning at a local park. I take a headlight and a tail light that I attached to my hydration belt. I will run regardless of the weather, I love to run in the rain since I live in the desert where we hardly have any rain. Just need to make sure you have a good rain jacket (I use my cycling jacket) to keep you dry.0
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Rare for me to run inside. It has to be something that makes it a safety issue - lightning, ice storm. That kind of stuff.
Agree with a couple of other comments. Headlamp. Reflective vest or arm/ankle bands. I'm also a fan of wearing a flashing LED light on front and back. Some may think it screams dork, but at least in my area the runners who are taking hardware home from races wear that stuff. So if winning is dorky... well.
Cold is easy to deal with. They make all kinds of specialized running gear for that and it layers. I'll run early morning most days in the winter because it fits the family schedule best. Even below freezing I'm fine once the body gets warmed up if I'm dressed correctly.
When it's hot I run in the coolest part of the day.
If your concern with the dark is being alone, as others have said finding a friend is best option.0 -
I try to only run outside except when it is too cold to do so. Any other weather is running weather. In fact I have been running in rain storms the last couple of days. For cold weather layer up, light cotton hoody, beanie and gloves. How weather light clothes with a runners shirt to wisk away wetness so you will sweat more and keep cool.0
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I live in New England and run outside year round. I can't run on the dreadmill for more than 20 minutes without wanting to jump out a window. Get good winter running clothes (no cotton) and a good flashlight or headlamp and reflective jacket or vest. Mace or a dog or a running buddy if you live in an urban area. It's actually very soothing to run in the dark. I run with my light off and only turn it on when a car comes (I live in a rural area with no street lights, so my eyes adjust to the dark and I can see pretty well, especially with snow on the ground). Hearing coyotes makes me pick up my pace, but other than that I love running in the winter!
Yes those stinking coyotes! They come right up to our house! I have a Great Pyrenees, so hopefully this will keep them away.0 -
Yes to layering and some bright/reflective clothing, although you are rarely as cold as you think you're going to be. Running with a friend always feels safer. You could always mix things up a bit e.g. do short sprints or hill sprints so that you can stay in roughly the same place, get a skipping rope and use that in your garden/yard if you have one (or do other similar cardio things) and just do longer runs at weekends (or whenever you can get out in the light) I'm happy to run in the early evening in the dark, it's no more dangerous than in the light, load of people are around as they are getting home from work etc.0
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We live in TN and on a farm outside of a small town. I don't thinking finding a running buddy is possible, but getting a headlamp and having my dogs run with me might work. I'm more scared of coyotes and other animals than anything else. I usually run our farm roads. I think I can get passed my scared self. I know the cold will be okay, I'm hoping. I keep thinking about the rain, snow and ice this winter. I don't want to be sidelined because of the weather.I stopped training a few months ago because I got to hot and almost passed out. Stupid me ran at 5 in the afternoon and it was like 100 outside still. I am determined to do this. I just got to get my head on straight and get the equipment I need to get it done.
I find it WAY less taxing to run in the cold than in 100 degrees, here, too. I think you'll probably have an easier time with that than running in the heat. You lose SO MUCH WATER while running in the heat it really is hard!0 -
I try to only run outside except when it is too cold to do so. Any other weather is running weather. In fact I have been running in rain storms the last couple of days. For cold weather layer up, light cotton hoody, beanie and gloves. How weather light clothes with a runners shirt to wisk away wetness so you will sweat more and keep cool.
What do you suggest for running in the rain? I don't mind getting soaked, just don't want to be weighed down. 0 -
I only run outside now. For the most part, it's easier for me to run in the cold than the heat, but if the weather is really bad (very, very cold or icy), I'll just have to work my exercise schedule around that. For that matter, I had to stop running last January for about 6 weeks while a stress fracture (which I'm convinced I got on the treadmill), and even taking that amount of time off from running didn't have much of an effect on my fitness or progress. Within four weeks of running again, I was back to the same pace as I was before my injury.
I enjoy running in light rain if it's fairly warm, but I'll postpone my run if it's a heavy rain.0 -
Running is great, and it's awesome that you've been doing the couch to 5k! Treadmills suck, but I understand your fear of running in the dark. If possible, find a park or a city block that's well-lit and run there, even if it means driving a little ways to get there. Or find yourself a running buddy who can run with you after the sun sets.
As for weather, cold is always more of a problem for me, since my ears hurt like mad after a run in the cold, but running in sweats helps, and no matter how dorky they look, earmuffs do help as well. Heat wise, I avoid that problem by running in the mornings before it gets hot, or in the evenings right after the sun goes down. I figure I'm going to be sweating anyways, so a little heat isn't going to change much.
Good luck!
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I usually only run outside. I would suggest getting a buddy or joining a running club. Great way to meet new people too. As far as weather conditions go, i don't make excuses. I live in Houston and run in the summer. A few weeks ago the index was 111 and i had my water bottle in hand so i didn't dehydrate. Winter isn't much of a factor for me down here. You can do it!0
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Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm going to look for a good headlamp or flashlight and my try just turning it on when I think I see something...LOL! Find me some good layers for this winter and a baseball cap for when it's raining. : ) I CAN continue to do this and nothing will get in my way, even the summer.0
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To me running outside is the best and only way to run. I have to admit it was a bit hard when it was over 100 degrees. You will find that rain is a nice and welcome distraction. At night its important to make sure you are seen and that you can see where your feet are landing. But, when this is all part of your routine you will probably not want to trade it for anything else. The only caution from personal experience I would like to add is to be very careful in icy conditions. This is coming from someone who learned the hard way.0
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I only run outside too - but I just began this training so I have many of the same questions as you as our season begins to change to Fall...
I have flexibility in the time that I run since I work from home so I was thinking I would just wait until a little later and run with layers on so I don't freeze, but also so I can strip layers so I don't overheat either.
Soon we will have a lot of rain - that will be my biggest challenge. I suppose I will have to buy rain gear soon.0 -
I run outside only as well. And yes, it's dark when I run to. I have a fear as well, but I keep my eyes and ears open. I have a reflective vest and blinker to make sure people can see me.
As far as weather....you just deal with it I guess. I was asking the same thing yesterday about coolness...it'll be around 36 when I get up and run tomorrow, so definately cooler. It's a learning process I guess!0 -
I try to only run outside except when it is too cold to do so. Any other weather is running weather. In fact I have been running in rain storms the last couple of days. For cold weather layer up, light cotton hoody, beanie and gloves. How weather light clothes with a runners shirt to wisk away wetness so you will sweat more and keep cool.
What do you suggest for running in the rain? I don't mind getting soaked, just don't want to be weighed down.
No cotton hoodies! In fact, avoid cotton altogether if you can. In the fall I'll usually run with a wicking base layer under a light half-zip top and if it's really windy or raining I'll wear a running shell (look for one with reflective striping on t it for improved poor weather / night time visibility and think bright /high contrast colours . When the weather gets colder a fleece layer under you shell will probably suffice but everyone has different cold tolerances. I don't know how cold it gets in TN but where I live we'll get down to -30 or -35C in the winter - a decent hat (preferably fleece lined) and warm gloves are a must.
Get yourself a headlamp too - the newer generation of LED ones are light and bright and they keep on coming down in price.0 -
I only run outside.
I personally don't care if it's dark, I prefer to run when it's cooler but visibility is a bit of an issue for me in the dark. Also, my husband freaks out and starts driving around to look for me and makes me go home if it gets dark out and I'm not back yet.
But the weather is another issue. Heat/Cold don't bug me too much but bad rain, ice, snow etc. are going to be an issue and I'm going to have to break down and just run on a treadmill at the gym. Not looking forward to it though. I prefer to be outside.0 -
I use a reflective jacket, and a portable clip on flashing taillight. :-)
I use a wicking base layer and the jacket. Wool socks.0 -
I usually only run outside. I would suggest getting a buddy or joining a running club. Great way to meet new people too. As far as weather conditions go, i don't make excuses. I live in Houston and run in the summer. A few weeks ago the index was 111 and i had my water bottle in hand so i didn't dehydrate. Winter isn't much of a factor for me down here. You can do it!
I think that is what I am trying to do. To eliminate all the excuses before they come up. That way I don't have any. : )0 -
I'm just starting to run, but I've been doing outdoor fitness walking with my dog for awhile. One thing about exercising with a dog is that no matter the weather, the dog has to go out, so I've been out in all kinds of rain, snow, cold, etc. The best thing I've found for rain and snow is a lightweight rain jacket to keep you dry. Also, as you get going, listen to music or something so you can get "in the zone" and avoid being distracted by things like bad weather0
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I try to only run outside except when it is too cold to do so. Any other weather is running weather. In fact I have been running in rain storms the last couple of days. For cold weather layer up, light cotton hoody, beanie and gloves. How weather light clothes with a runners shirt to wisk away wetness so you will sweat more and keep cool.
What do you suggest for running in the rain? I don't mind getting soaked, just don't want to be weighed down.
No cotton hoodies! In fact, avoid cotton altogether if you can. In the fall I'll usually run with a wicking base layer under a light half-zip top and if it's really windy or raining I'll wear a running shell (look for one with reflective striping on t it for improved poor weather / night time visibility and think bright /high contrast colours . When the weather gets colder a fleece layer under you shell will probably suffice but everyone has different cold tolerances. I don't know how cold it gets in TN but where I live we'll get down to -30 or -35C in the winter - a decent hat (preferably fleece lined) and warm gloves are a must.
Get yourself a headlamp too - the newer generation of LED ones are light and bright and they keep on coming down in price.
Thanks for all the info!!0 -
Like many others, I only run outside. And for whatever weather amusement value it's worth, I live in Canada.
Learning how to run in any weather from +40C to -40C takes time of day experimentation and layered clothing choices. On the latter, basic core layer wicking fabrics are good choices all year round, which are pretty light if you're drenched by the rain, sweat or snow. Just make sure to have on some reflection material or lights of some sorts when it gets dark.
In terms of footwear, for the winter, I would suggest looking into trail running shoes (ex. La Sportiva) in lieu of running shoes. The added grip coupled with taking smaller strides and being lighter on your feet is a good way to prevent slipping. However if regular running shoes work, use them.
In terms of running in the country, I'm envious! Great to hear your have your canine companions joining you. My most enjoyable runs have been with my dog (or a friends) in cottage country in the middle woods. So far, we've not been eaten by bears, chased by moose, or pranced upon by dear. Phew...0 -
I only run outside. If it's cold I'm cold, if it's hot I'm hot and when it rains I'm wet. I try not to get caught in the dark, but if it's dark I can't see. I can still run 0
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I only run outside. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 515am and Saturday mornings at 730am. I have a 'night light' for runners that have have attached to my jacket and I wear reflective shoes and bottoms. You sould check out Road ID. They have a lot of items that are geared for outdoor athletes. Good luck to you on your running!0
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I only ever run outside. I run at 5am, so heat is rarely a problem. I hardly ever wear tights, it's rarely below 0 where I am in the UK, has been -4 C or so a few times though. I love the rain, I wear technical polyester gear which doesn't get too heavy.0
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