Confession time: I like cold weather, even really cold weather, but I’m kind of over winter running for this year. I think it’s because not only have we had snow, but we’ve also had a lot of cold and windy days. My inner Wisconsin girl is ready for spring (even if it does bring the awful allergies with it.)
Since today’s category for Friday Five is “Favorites” and I’m feeling contrary, here are the five things that are not my favorite about winter running…
- How long it takes to get put on all.the.layers – I swear, if I’m going for a short run (3-4 miles), it might take me longer to put on my clothes than it does to actually run the miles. And I can guarantee you that I’m going to need to pee as soon I get them all on.
- When your balaclava or buff sticks to the Aquaphor or Vaseline on your face – Yes, they both rock for protecting your face, but on a cold and windy day you need both. Invariably, the buff will get stuck on your face and then it’s just gross.
- Frozen water bottles and/or gloves – Depending on the temperature and length of the run, the contents of your water bottle can indeed freeze. Add in a bit of leakage from said bottle and suddenly your glove is frozen to the bottle full of stuff you can’t even drink.
- No selfies – I don’t know about your phone, but my iPhone is seriously temperamental. I have to keep it in a pocket near my body and even then sometimes it shuts down. Forget running with it in your hand and snapping pictures at will. Even with good planning, the occasional selfie will be totally ruined by premature shut down.
- The whole run is uphill into the wind – OK, maybe that’s not even possible since I always do a loop or out and back, but on windy days around here, the wind seems to blow from all directions. And it seems to be particularly strong on the uphills. What’s up with that?
Thankfully, we are supposed to have a beautiful weekend, so I’m looking forward to running in single layers and maybe even a skirt without tights underneath. Of course, this being Virginia, there’s a potential for snow again next week. Virginia, you so crazy!
I’m linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five. Go check out the linkup and see what everyone else is raving about this week. I’m sure no one else is being a Negative Nelly this week.
I love winter running, but I so agree with you on the phone thing. I hate when it shuts off mid selfie or mid run so I have no idea how far I’ve gone! If I could find a way to keep my phone from doing that I’d be all set for winter running for a long time!
Yes to all of these things except selfies. I’m not a big photo-taker on my runs so that’s not really an issue for me. Another thing I would add is hard (or harder) fuel…I always end up holding my gels or gummies inside my gloved hand for a few minutes before I eat them to warm them up so they’re soft again.
I am tired of trying to figure out WHAT to wear. If our weather were consistent it would be easier, but with temps in the teens, 20s, or 30s on any given day I am always confused!
Oh, I did not know about putting vasaline on your face. Makes sense though.
I have a hard time swiping my phone to come on when it gets cold too!
Thank goodness we are headed towards warmer temps this weekend!
I keep hearing these snow rumors for next week but I’m crossing my fingers they are inaccurate!
Seeing your pic in a tank top in the snow is making me cold. I am so over winter! Looking forward to spring so I can run outside without bundling up.
Ugh! I agree with all of this! My last winter running in the DC area before we moved was tough with all the snow and cold temps. The frozen water is terrible. Also, the lack of sidewalks because of the plowed snow was really hard to deal with on some of the more busy streets. Constantly changing course mid-run due to unsafe roads was something that particularly annoyed me.
The wind is always the worst, and yes, I end up running into the wind in all directions. I also run loops and I’m always facing the wind.
I hate all the layers! I am more tense and stuff when I am padded up like a marshmallow woman! We are supposed to get some nicer temps this weekend, too. Maybe it will be a 2 layer run on Saturday??
When I still had my iPhone 5 I had that problem with it shutting off in the cold. I found out there was actually a battery recall and I got a free replacement battery from Apple. Never had that problem again. Now with my iPhone 6+ I’ve never had that issue.
I’m fortunate that my winter layers would rarely go over your #2. If only we could get cool enough during the summer!
I too am over this winter weather. I finally ran outside last night for the first time since the fall since enough of the snow and ice has finally melted off of our sidewalks. Even though it was cold, it was such a nice change from the treadmill. Hard to believe there’s another chance of snow next week…
#truth!!!!
OMG I need some good running mittens…the glove never seem to work and my hands are always FREEZING!!!!
Looking forward to maybe just one layer for my race on Sunday 😉
Yeah, all the clothes and gear needed for Winter running definitely makes it harder to get out there. And my phone does the same thing in cold weather 🙁 I’m looking forward to the great weather we’re supposed to have this weekend!
In addition to all the layers – all the laundry! I’m with you girl. So over winter running!
haha, we all have those weeks! The layering thing for me – UGH! it takes me longer to get ready and out the door. This is why I end up on a treadmill for a lot of my shorter runs – just too much hassle! Enjoy the weekend weather 🙂
You can be a negative nelly! This time of year pretty much sucks for running. So today, it was 60 but we had 50 mph winds. So sure, it’s warm but yep, there’s a price.
Sigh…
This post are reflective of my thoughts EXACTLY. My phone can’t handle the cold weather. Dies within a second of me pressing the camera button. And yes to the buff sticking to vaseline! Gah, it’s so gross!! And I am OVER all the layers. Over it. Completely.
I’m with ya, girl!!! Bring on the warm weather!
Ha, see I could complain about windy cold days here this time of year, but I’m in Florida. It’s NOTHING compared to your weather. Still, I’m over the winter too. LOL
I can relate to all of these (I’m in Iowa). I don’t take water with me because I’m usually not going farther than 5-6 miles in the winter, so it’s not needed. The phone dying (UGH)…I try to snap a few pics in the first mile or they won’t be happening most days, and usually have to grab my Ipod (from inside the house) when I get back home (for those post-race selfies!) if I don’t want to wait for the phone to re-charge.
I’m done with winter too. Although I’ve been inside most of it. I don’t even try to mess with that crap anymore! I’ve been inside so much lately….but it’s time to get outside for me!!!!