Outdoor exercise

If it's just "some" rain, you will be fine. Either make your peace with doing short treadmill runs, or buy the right gear. For the days when I know it's going to rain and I have to be out, I use a lightweight waterproof shell jacket from Athleta, as well as a visor to keep the rain from my face.

And you don't get colds from being outside in the rain. You get colds from viruses.

If it's cold out, dress for the second mile not the first, so that you're cold when you walk out the door. Otherwise you'll overheat once you warm up. You can combat those first chilly minutes by drinking a hot cup of tea before you leave.

I live in the Pacific Northwest, and we get our share of rain. The key is to not over dress. You are going to warm up during your run. I use a light long-sleeved base layer under the Patagonia Houdini jacket. I got the jacket on sale. It's water repellent (so it's good for light rains; I don't know how it will do in a rain storm) and breathable (which is important so you don't overheat and feel all clammy with sweat, then get cold after your run). I never run with a fleece layer, as it doesn't breathe and just makes me sweaty and hot. Even though the jacket has a hood, I wear a baseball cap, too, so that the hat bill helps keep my glasses dry. You can try some lightweight gloves and see how those work for you. I wear long running tights. For years I had a pair of Sporthill XC Pants, which even provided some wind resistance.

By the way, the Houdini jacket is so lightweight that if you end up not needing it, it's comfy tied around the waist.

I couldn't imagine treadmill running. I love being outdoors. Lately the sun has been setting during my normal run time and the sunsets have been gorgeous!

When it gets colder, definitely wear gloves and a head wrap/hood/ear warmers. Keep all your skin covered so you can have a layer between you and the wind. The faster you go, the colder the air is against your ears, hands, etc (or at least for me)

I've really enjoyed getting to know the people in my neighborhood. I see the same people out and about and that motivates me, to be able to say hello to all my pals.

Also I like to look at people's yards/decorations/just generally explore around. I'll take a break and mosey about the new homes still under construction and check out the floor plans.

I think of it as being involved in my community and exploring. Also, listen to music, or podcasts or YouTube videos. Listen to chapters of a book while you run.

Happy running!

Psychgrrl wrote: »

activities1 wrote: »

Anyone go running or walking outdoors? I am no but with winter coming I'm curious what tricks everyone has to continue to walk and run outside without being stuck inside on treadmill????

I live in Southern California. Sunny and 60's in the "winter."

***Ducks****

No, no, I think you mixed that up with summer!

I walk/run outdoors daily. I simply dress in layers when it gets colder outside. If it's really raining hard I walk inside a nearby Mall.

activities1 wrote: »

Anyone go running or walking outdoors? I am no but with winter coming I'm curious what tricks everyone has to continue to walk and run outside without being stuck inside on treadmill????

Where do you live? That makes a difference in what advice and tricks are needed.

I live in Wisconsin and walk and hike outdoors year round. Our summers can go up to 100° and our winters can go down to -35°. In the heat, I make sure I wear loose clothing that wicks moisture away and stay hydrated. If it is really hot, I go out in the early morning or at dusk to avoid the hot sun.

The winters are a different story. The main thing is layers. Make sure you don't overdress so you don't get overheated, but you need extra warmth at the beginning and during cool down. During the coldest times, I will wear a pair of long underwear, jeans or sweatpants, a long sleeved T-shirt, and my down jacket (rated to -20°) with plenty of zippers I can open or close as needed. On my head, it is usually a stocking cap or balaklava. If I am wearing a cap, I will also have a scarf to wrap around and protect my face.

Mid temps (20°-40°) I will wear a t-shirt, zippered light jacket, and a zippered fleece jacket. I might wear a stocking cap or headband to protect my ears, depending on the sun and wind.

Footwear is really important too. Make sure, if you live where there is ice and snow, that you have good treads. There are some really nice grips you can use too. I am partial to Kahtoola Nanospikes for general wear. They grip really well on things like black ice. I also have crampons for hiking in the woods and snowshoes if there is a lot of snow. The other thing to remember is that you need to allow room for your toes to wiggle in order to keep the circulation moving. Adding heavy socks to the same shoes you wear lightweight socks with is not a great idea if it is below freezing.

Don't forget hydration. The drier air in winter can be just as bad as sweating in summer. Just because you don't feel yourself sweating doesn't mean that you aren't. Take that water with you for longer exercise or make sure you hydrate after a shorter workout.

activities1 wrote: »

Ya I run/walk daily now and want to continue when it starts to rain

Besides rain proof clothing (make sure you get something that vents the moisture from your body. The most important thing is to get good socks. Nothing like wet socks to bring up blisters. I like Smartwool hikers. They never seem to rub even when soaked.