Winter Running
I am really starting to miss running. My foot problem has still not been resolved, although overall it has improved somewhat over the last few weeks. I’m going to continue my break from running until I know that I can resume with it regressing.
plantapixie posted this question on 43 things.
“How do you run through the winter!!??”
I’ve had some experience with this so here’s my response:
What a great question. I think a lot of people, including experienced runners are intimidated by running in cold weather. I’ve run many winters in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Some of my favorite runs have been at night in the winter. Everything is so quiet and a fresh snowfall makes beautiful scenery.
You should experiment with various clothing and find what works for you. Although there is lots of good advice posted, when it comes to running, different things work for different people. That’s goes for my own advice too. This is true because everyone runs at a different speed/intensity and each body handles the cold differently.
With that said here’s my advice…
Personally, I’ve found it’s best to dress in light layers. For my upper body, I am comfortable in a T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, and light outer jacket down to about 0 degrees (F). I usually wear light running pants. I recommend avoiding sweatpants and sweatshirts because they are too heavy and become wet with snow or sweat and then you’ll get very cold. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. By overdressing you can be colder because you’re body and clothes get wet with sweat. I always wear a light pair of gloves (the cheap $1 pair work great) and a light hat. Most of the trail and winter running shoes are not necessary even in slippery snow and ice. If your regular running shoes are well ventilated however, you may get cold feet and want to try a shoe with less mesh.
You’ll want to check the weather before deciding what to wear each day. When you step outside to start your run you should feel a little cold. Remember that you’ll warm up considerably once you start running. The wind also makes a huge difference. On days with moderate or heavy winds it’s important to start your run into the wind. This is the coldest part. If you start with the wind at your back you’ll be warmer and then be very cold for the second half. This is a good rule for any season, but even more important in the winter.
Tailgating
Go Badgers! What a game it was last Saturday. I haven’t found much time since to write about it. It was a beautiful weekend to tailgate and go (inside boo) to the Badgers-Gophers game. It was an exciting close game for all four quarters. Minnesota played a better game but lost it in the end. The final seconds were amazing, I’ve never been to a last second win quite like that one.
Online Artifacts
Not much new is going on today. I found an interesting site from the British Museum where you can view some old books from their collection. Check out one of Leonardo da Vinci’s journals and an old map of Europe. It’s not the same as seeing it in person, but you can go to the museum without leaving your bedroom!
Cycling Finale
It was a beautiful fall day in Minneapolis today. This was nice change from some of the rainy weather we’ve had recently. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not complaining. We could have had a wicked blizzard like North Dakota. Anyway, I managed to get out for a short bike ride, which will probably prove to be the final one of the season. I may still commute via bike a time or two on my single-speed bike, but that does not have a recreational purpose.
This was more or less my view today on my ride. Thanks to surlygirl on Flickr for sharing her photograph.
I Love Saturdays
Weekends are great. The only thing that sucks is the Badger game isn’t on TV. I hate Minnesota sometimes! I’m taking the GRE on Tuesday, so I am planning on spending all day and tomorrow taking practice tests. It will be nice to have the test over with, hopefully I do as well as I want to.
I haven’t posted much on here about my grad school search. I’m applying to go back next fall, possibly full-time. I’ve finalized the list of schools I am applying to. Here they are, in (roughly) order of preference:
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Carnegie Mellon
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Arizona State University
« Older Posts