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« Observation | Main | Today ... »Monday, December 18, 2006
Running In The Cold
This morning during our run, Glin and I were struck by how inappropriately dressed I was for the weather. Well, I was. I think Glin was having too much fun watching the squirrels. I mean, I had clothing on - long, spandex pants, long-sleeved cotton shirt, hoodie, scarf, ear warmer, Eucerin ointment, and gloves - but I know that everything we had on is probably a big no-no when it comes to running comfortably outdoors in inclimate weather. We were only out running for 30 minutes but it was clear that if it was just a little colder, I would have been screwed. But winter running gear is EXPENSIVE. Oh my Lord. At least where I shop, and I know there has to be other options. Anyone out there have any suggestions? I'm also not 100% sure what I should be wearing. I mean, I know enough, of course, but ... Thoughts? Posted by Erin at 03:31 PM | filed under: Training commentshttp://www.roadrunnersports.com/ When you sign up online or buy something, they automatically add you to the mailing list. You get a catalog every month or so, and it is a great reminder to get off your ass when you do. Great prices and service. posted by: supplementyourlife at December 18, 2006 04:54 PM Learn the mantra "cotton is rotten". If you wear cotton you will be cold. I second the suggestion for Target's new C9 line from Champion. I've been very happy with the wicking clothing I've bought there. Also check Kohl's - they sometimes have good deals in their fitness clothing section. Just look out for 100% polyester - no cotton! Not even a smidge. I like the running socks that Nordstrom sells - their own house brand. Not too pricey and, man, do they last. And they make a thicker variety for outdoor running. I also like Campmor for online shopping - you can score some good deals. I've been riding my bike every day, even in December, and usually wear a thin thermal, a long wicking shirt and a jacket on top - thin long underwear and wind pants (from Filene's Basement) on the bottom and I'm good to go. You'll do great - it's just getting used to it. And Glin will make you run! Good luck with your training. I'm planning on the GA 1/2 Marathon in March - new race and new to me - HILLS! Yikes. posted by: Sarah Palmer at December 18, 2006 05:08 PM No on cotton, that's No. 1, but you really don't have to purchase super-expensive stuff to be warm. The last three winters, I ran outside every day, even through hail (I know, crazy), and I was relatively warm (except for my face). On a day that's 10 to 20 degrees, for example, I'll wear lined track pants (sometimes long underwear underneath) with a longsleeve shirt (some kind of poly blend), and three zip-up jackets (heavier-weight poly blends). Also, obviously, hat, gloves and scarf, as well. The hat, gloves and scarf are cotton, but they don't bother me too much. The jackets are Champion, but not top-of-the-line tech running stuff. You don't have to get the highest name brand, just try to avoid cotton. The wind goes right through it. posted by: Hanna at December 18, 2006 05:36 PM UnderArmour rocks. Check the Reebok/Nike/Puma/Adidas outlets down at the Joliet outlet mall next time you're visiting home- they should have some good technical gear. There's also an Underarmour outlet in Kenosha- not sure if you want to schlepp that far. I second RoadRunner Sports- also try Running Away in Bucktown and maybe Mission Bay. posted by: Kate at December 18, 2006 09:46 PM 1. again, no on cotton...holds 10 times its weight in water. You sweat...you're carrying it with you. 2. after you know what you need to get...my big advice on inexpensive running gear - TJ Max, Filenes Basement, and Marshalls. Same name brands, cheaper price. If, of course, you like to bargain shop. posted by: me at December 19, 2006 09:21 AM Hi, I live in Canada's capital (Ottawa)--the 2nd coldest capital in the world, after Ulan Battar (sp?) in Mongolia. I run outside all winter. I agree with everyone's suggestions. In weather close to zero (celcius), tights, outdoor running socks (wright socks makes fabulous ones), a long sleeved tee-shirt, and a wind proof type jacket (you don't need an expensive, lined one, a thin one works fine for all weather) is enough, along with gloves and a hat/band/etc. When it gets a bit colder (say, to -10 or so), mid weight tights OR your light weight tights plus shell-type pants will work. And add a layer to the top half, as well--say, another tee shirt or a vest or something. Colder than that--say up to about -20, you start needing heavy weight tights--the ones that have windproofing on the front are best, and add in the polar fleece--polar fleece is amazing. It's cheap, and is a great insulator against the cold. But remember to always wear a wind proof jacket on top, or you will freeze. You may also want to get a polar fleece tube thing that you wear around your neck and that you can pull up a bit over your chin so that that part of your face does not freeze. Below -20 (I don't know if it gets that cold in Chicago), you add in (on top of the long sleeved tee, under the polar fleece sweater) your vest, or another long sleeved tee. On the bottom, you wear your thickest tights, plus polar fleece pants (on top of the tights), and your shell pants over that--you may not need the polar fleece pants if it's not windy. And on top of your running gloves, you add mittens--I've actually found that the wool ones my oma knitted me ten years ago work the best. If it's unbelieveably cold, you add some sort of shell-type mittens (wind resistant) over that. all this to say, to survive winter running you need (in my opinion): -tights--light weight and heavy weight and if it's REALLY cold, add I would say that the only things you shouldn't scrimp on (ie, go out an buy really good ones, even though they won't be cheap) are the heavy weight tights and the running gloves--for me, cotton gloves would be a nightmare. I think that I would get frostbite. The running gloves shouldn't cost more than 10 or 15 $ (US), I would say. I've bought fabulous stuff at Mountain Equipment Co-op (but it's Canadian, I think) and the Running Room (I'm not sure if they have them in Chicago, also a Canadian chain). Sugoi, Louis Garneau and Asics all make great running (and cycling) clothes. Good luck!! You probably already know most of this info, so I'm sorry that it's so long!
posted by: wilma at December 19, 2006 09:25 AM Just wanted to drop a line and let you know that, cotton kills, because cotton keeps the moisture you are more apt to get chilled...you want something that can wick the moisture away even if it's just an under layer of clothing and wear something else over it...you know maybe Santa needs to drop you off some nice things for winter running...have you been naughty or nice??? posted by: donna at December 19, 2006 09:57 AM I trained for the Boston Marathon last winter (with TNT - I am not normally a runner). I found the GREATEST deals at Marshalls or TJMax - They both carry brand name goods --New Balance, Brooks and other big names for very little price. I bought NB Winter running tights for 14.99, a running jacket for 29 and climax shirts galore. My favorite winter running thing was a fleece, climax, turtleneck made by columbia for 14.99. I wore mine out and found them again this year. Go check it out you will NOT be disappointed! PS My running coach drilled in to us that COTTON is not your winter friend. You want material that will wick the moisture away from your skin (including your feet) posted by: lynne at December 19, 2006 11:26 AM Hi! I've been lurking your blog for a while and have decided to unlurk! I would go with layers. I have to have natural fibers against my skin because even the best wicking polys bug me. Nothing worse than being cold, clammy and sweaty! This time of year you should be able to find silk long johns. Not only are they warm but super thin. Cotton can work with the layer technique, but don't let it be the outside layer. Cotton takes heat and moisture away from the body. But if a synthetic layer (jacket, sweats) is over the cotton, it can keep you quite toasty and fairly dry. But in general, think layers for warmth. And I just had to comment about the WW entry. I was completely turned off to Weight Watchers when at 14 years old I stated my goal was to wear a bikini, and the leader said, "Oh, I don't think you'll ever be able to do that, honey!" Yeah, how sweet was that for encouragement? I had started WW at 172 lbs, but I had been on an ice-skating drill team and had muscle galore. I think I got down to 155, but I also felt like I could never, ever react my goals. It was so disheartening. Then many years later I heard Kate Winslet talk about how she had weighed 180 something but lost weight because she wanted to be an actress. She was butt nekked in Titanic! Why couldn't I have been able to wear a bikini someday? Well, I feel better about myself and I weigh more than I ever have. And I haven’t given up on losing weight either. Main reason I’m writing is to say taking one day a week where you eat up to 150% of what would be your maintenance weight calories is essential for weight lose. Eat anything you want that day as long as it’s not more than 150%. Not sure if you’ve read up on leptin – naturally in our bodies; not that lame, supposed weight-loss pill. Permanent weight loss seems to be all about faking out the leptin response in our bodies. Eat too little and leptin tells us to eat more because we’re starving while simultaneously lowering our metabolism. @_@ Eat too much consistently and the brain ignores leptin because it’s bombarded by it. @_@ So the idea is to trip it up. Be a good dieter most of the week; pig out with in reason one a day a week. If you have a cookie or two on the none pig-out day, don’t sweat it – just as long as it’s really only one or two cookies and not every single day or meal or snack … well, you get the idea. It was a little hard at first because my natural response was to feel guilt even though I read I could do this. Then it was hard not to eat more junk the next day. But constantly reminding myself I could eat bad foods once a week is helping me control the binge urges. posted by: Alexis at December 19, 2006 11:47 AM I second the campmor.com recommendation. Once you figure out what you need, go look there - they have some great deals, particularly on tights. posted by: Elizabeth at December 19, 2006 02:37 PM |
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Expensive, yes, but totally worth it. I would check Target first - they have a line of tech sportswear called C9. I haven't tried any of their winter wear, but their warm weather wear (tanks, shorts, etc) has been pretty good, and it's cheaper than what you'll find in running stores.
However, I would recommend investing in a good pair of winter running pants and a jacket. It'll hurt, but you'll be amazed. I have a jacket from SportHill (http://milemarkersports.com/product.php?TypeID=2540&gender=w) that I absolutely love. I can wear that with a long-sleeved tech shirt and be perfectly warm down to single-degree temps.
posted by: Dawn at December 18, 2006 04:14 PM