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Winter Running:

This winter is starting out with a bang! I’ve been spoiled the past couple of years with relatively good winter running weather. But this year, so far there’s been lots of snow and cold temperatures since mid December. Being a blind runner and requiring a clear controlled path to run on, as long as there is snow and/or ice on my winter running trail, I’m forced to find different ways to get my cardio workout in and my heart pumping.

As mentioned in my blog from the other day “The Dreaded Treadmill,” I use running on a treadmill at the gym to compensate for not being able to run outside. And up until a few days ago, I had also been shoveling lots of snow, and that certainly gets my blood pumping!

But by far, the biggest reason I really love running is because I can be outside. I love being outdoors, running at a comfortable pace. I’m not too much into running fast or doing hill work; I just like to run. And it’s incredible when I’m in “the zone”, that cool spot where everything is working in unison…my breathing is in sync with my stride…I feel like I could just run forever. But unfortunately I’ve never been able to hit “the zone” on the treadmill. Maybe that’s because I just haven’t given it a chance, but I personally believe it’s because the treadmill surface is not as forgiving as running on the ground. Plus, there’s no variation as it just keeps you running at a consistent pace.

When I am able to run outside during the winter, there are a few things I do to make sure that my winter run is as safe and comfortable as possible. To start with, I tend to run in temps above 20F degrees. Primarily because when it’s colder than that, I have to use a scarf or something over my mouth to warm the air before it hits my lungs. I find it too constricting and a bit claustrophobic, not to mention the material gets all wet from the moisture from my breath, and then I get chilled from it touching my neck.

The other reason I avoid temps below 20F is my inability to run for long distances since the longer I’m out in that kind of cold, the harder it is to keep my body warm.

So when everything is aligned, the temperature is right and my winter running path is clear, I will venture out for a winter run. I always dress in layers. This includes a long-sleeve running shirt and my running jacket. I bring along a fleece hat and Turtle Fur neck wrap, along with my running gloves. I wear my running tights, and sometimes I will put on a pair of spandex running shorts under them for extra warmth for my thighs, as I need to keep my leg muscles warm. I prefer to have a few extra items to wear and carry then to not have them with me and end up getting chilled.

One of the nice things for me is that the controlled path I run on is asphalt. So when the sun is out, the snow melts fairly quickly. This gives me a black running surface, and the snow provides a white border, and because of the high contrast of black against white, it makes it much easier for me to see the path.

Some of my favorite runs have been winter runs. There is just something about a winter sun that makes me feel nostalgic. I still haven’t quite figured it out, but I get this positive feeling of the past for just a split second then it’s gone, but the general feeling remains and I feel happy and content.

My winter runs are usually shorter than and not as frequent as in other seasons, so I use the winter months to let my body recover from my more strenuous training seasons.

One thing that I need to remember while running in winter is to keep hydrated, as well as eating to replenish my glycogen stores after a winter run. It’s easier to forget, as I’m not as thirsty or hungry. But even though it’s winter, I am still burning energy and sweating.

I always keep my belly covered up with a Turtle Fur neck warmer. This keeps my core from getting cold and allows me to run longer as I don’t get chilled as readily.

In the winter, my long runs tend to be about 5 to 6 miles depending on how well the trail is maintained. There have been times when I have turned around and run the same stretch of path over again because it was already cleared of the snow and ice, just to get my miles in.
I’m hoping by mid January to be able to forego running on a treadmill and be able to do my winter running outside again. And even if it is just for a couple of days at a time in between the colder or snowier spells, that will be enough to keep me from getting cabin…err gym fever.

How ‘bout it?

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 2% [?]

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This is the third (and last one before the end of the year) installment of our “Gifts for Runners” series. Because sometimes it’s hard to know what to get the runner on your shopping list, to help you out, I’ve written an eBook that you can get for free. It’s called “Gifts For Runners – More Than 50 Unique and Creative Gifts For The Runner In Your Life” It’s written in an easy to read, relaxed style in a quick downloading .pdf file format. It’s yours at absolutely no cost, just by clicking on the link above or filling in the web form just below. It’s also available via a link in the sidebar under “Pages” if you know someone that wants to download it later.

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In the meantime, here’s an excerpt with clothing accessory items that make great gifts for runners….the links are active, and they should all be formatted to open in a new window. So you can click on them to see pictures or get more information or even go ahead and order online and not lose your place on this page…

Not only do runners need the basics like running shirts and shorts, they need other accessory apparel items, giving you the opportunity to choose from a plethora of great gift ideas.

• Running Socks – The double-layer socks are great for preventing blisters. I wasn’t sure about these socks at first, but with a blister-free guarantee, how could I go wrong? I tried them out, and they were right! Not even when breaking in a new pair of running shoes did I get blisters. So keep these in mind as a great gift idea for your runner.

• Running Hats – I wear a running hat all the time. Any generic visor or baseball cap will perform the basic function of keeping the sweat out of my eyes, as well as blocking the glare. In the summer, it’s relief from the hot sun baking the top of my skull.

However, a cap designed specially for runners is even better, as the style and fabric is specifically designed to vent out the heat and wick away the moisture from sweat. Even in the winter, I can usually still wear my running hat most of the time, but there are days when it’s cold enough on my ears that I need a skull cap or fleece hat.

• Gloves – I like to wear the stretchy knit gloves. They are kind of a one-size-stretches-to-fit-most thing. We just got some on sale a few weeks ago for $1.99 per 2 pair of them.  We stocked up. They come in all sorts of colors, and if you lose one, who cares. At $1.00 or $2.00 a pair, it doesn’t hurt so bad to lose them. But some runners need warmer gloves, and there are many styles to choose from.

• Sweatband/Headband/Wrist Bands – There are so many different styles and colors, it’s hard to choose. They have the elastic band style; they have Velcro closures; they even have one called the Sweat Gutr Headband, which I haven’t seen in person or used, but looks like it channels the sweat from your brow away from your eyes – like a rain gutter. Hmmm. I’d be curious as to how well that one works. If you’ve tried it, let me know.

• Neck Wraps/Warmers – I like the kind by Turtle Fur. I use it as a neck warmer when I’m running in windy and cold conditions, but I also use it to tuck into my running tights over my belly.  It’s important for anyone (but especially an outdoor athlete) to avoid losing too much heat from the body’s core, so that’s one of my strategies to keep one of the most important spots warm.

If you still need more ideas, and haven’t downloaded your copy of the free eBook yet, you’ll want to do so post-haste. Just click here right now – “Gifts For Runners – More Than 50 Unique and Creative Gifts For The Runner In Your Life” The price is right anyway…

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 22% [?]