Virginia has decided it wants to be a Northern state. I’m kind of crabby about it because why should I have to run on 100* 99% humidity days in the summer and in negative windchill in the winter. Must we really have both extremes?
Anyways, Friday wasn’t so bad – I got in a nice 3 miles in a reasonable number of layers. Then on Saturday, I managed to hit the perfect window: 30+ degrees with little wind and some sun. I stopped just short of 6 miles as my knee decided to complain. (I really wish it would heal completely instead of deciding to hurt at random points in runs…)
Beer Geek also managed to get in his two hour bike ride. Yeah, that’s how we celebrate Valentine’s Day: we each get a good workout in and then we drink good beer.
Sunday was cold! We made it through the 50+ MPH winds on Saturday night without losing power (woo hoo!), but it was still super windy on Sunday morning, plus things were a bit icy from the short snowstorm. My plan to get out and run at 10am was thwarted by reports of icy spots on the roads. I was willing to deal with the wind and cold, but I don’t do icy.
Mid-day we went to a National Symphony Orchestra performance: Casey at the Bat. It was a family concert and a ton of fun. Such talented musicians!
The amazing thing was the concert finished a few minutes before 3 and we were home by 3:07. Wow! That’s some kind of amazing around DC! So, of course, I took that time and went for a run because the “feels like” had reached a balmy 8*. I may have put on a few layers…
1. Layers, layers, and more layers. I was a touch too warm up top, but my rear was a bit cold. Since we don’t get the wicked cold here that often, I’m still figuring out what works best on the super cold days.
2. If the wind is howling, wear a windbreaker as your top layer. That way, even if you warm up when you aren’t being buffeted by the wind, you’ll not have the wind cutting through your clothes when a gust comes.
3. Vaseline or aquaphor on your face to prevent windburn. I found this really helpful to protect my skin from the wind gusts. I forgot chapstick and was really regretting that.
4. Wool socks. I’m in love with my Smartwool socks. I need a few pairs that go up higher on my legs.
5. Wear sunglasses and something you can pull up over your face. When I ran into the wind, I was so glad to have something protecting my eyes and I did pull up my buff up over my nose a few times.
Glad I got the run in as I totally ate cake at our Ragnar Cape Cod team meeting. So yummy.
I’m not sure what this week will bring. The boys have today off and it’s supposed to snow tonight. I need to get in 15 miles and 10 miles as my long runs this week, but it’s supposed to be snowy and then super cold again. I have a feeling I may be paying to run in small circles at the rec center late in the week. Ugh.
How about you? Did you run in crazy cold this weekend or do I have to be jealous because you were someplace warm?
Linking up with Tara from Running ‘n’ Reading for my weekend update.
Love the Ragnar cake!
I layer up and get out for runs when I can, but now it’s the snow taking up all the room on the side of the roads that’s keeping me indoors.
AmyC recently posted…Knee Rehab Week 9: Running for Time
i ran outside yesterday in the wind and snow. I should have worn my ski goggles! At times it felt like someone was pointing their snowblower right at me. And then it would clear and the sun would come out. I’m over winter and mega layers. Give me hear any day!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Boston Marathon Training {Week 5 & 6}
I never would’ve thought about Vaseline to protect my face against wind burn. I’ll have to tuck that away to use even if it’s not cold. The wind here can be brutal on some days.
Lesley recently posted…Monday Musings 2/16
It is freezing here too! I love cycl!ing but my bike is gathering dust right now
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog 108: YogaLean Giveaway, Love Yo’ Self Playlist & Tips of the Scale Podcast & More
You are braver than I! I simply won’t go out in the ice, it’s not worth it to me. I’ve made peace with the treadmill this year. Your ragnar cake: AMAZING!
RFC recently posted…12 Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Running Coach
There is no way that I’ll be out running in this crazy cold weather! But I do bundle up in lots of layers to keep warm to and from the gym. 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Shamrock Half Marathon Training Log – Week 13
I am thinking that although I do not ski, I should invest in some ski goggles for those really cold windy days. I do find that unless the windchills are below zero more than 2 layers on top is too hot for me as long as the outer layer is a nice warm one. I hate cold hands so sometimes I use handwarmers, which I then usually regret having when my hands get sweaty, but then they feel good in my pockets.
Christy @My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted…Training Talk, Race Goals, How things are Going
My number one tip for running when it’s cold out is to run inside! treadmill all the way! haha
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Slow Cooker Paleo Chili
Very good tips. It was not very cold but it was very windy. Throwing a buff around your neck really helps as it can be used in many different ways.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Critter Crawl (Weekend Update)
I actually don’t have any wool running socks-I think some on line shopping is in order! Great to see you last night 😉
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie-Meatless Monday
Erika, we woke up to a thick, solid sheet of ice on everything; I managed to make my way to the fitness center and got a few miles in on the treadmill. I’m afraid things will be the same tomorrow and then we have more yuck in the forecast this weekend. If I have to do 12 miles on the treadmill Saturday, someone will need to send me on to a mental institution afterward – ha! I’m totally with you on the extremes; I feel like we should only have to put up with one of these. Thanks so much for linking up with the blog again this week; hope the weather doesn’t get too bad over there.
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update
You can be jealous of me being in the warm gym for my runs, LOL. I give you cold weather girls a lot of credit. I don’t know how you did it. Somewhere between living in Texas and Arkansas, I became warm blooded despite my New Englander heritage!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Paris Marathon Training Recap: Week 5
Wool is the best!! Love that ragnar cake and your tips for running in the cold
katie recently posted…The Value of Experiences and Regret
Wow good for you for getting out there regardless!! I have yet to run this winter lol. I can’t imagine running in yesterday’s crazy wind. But I really want to find a neck gator thing (that thing that covers your face) and try running outside because I can only take the treadmill for so long…
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Training Week 7/52 – 2015
It was super-cold here too! Wool running socks are the bomb! Way to get out there–I mostly head indoors in the winter!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…7 Ways to Stay Motivated
I’m totally in love with wool running socks. They rock my world.
Thanks for these tips! I am from SoCal, so living somewhere where it actually gets FREEZING has been difficult for me to figure out exactly what to wear on my runs outdoors! So complicated 😉
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Yogurt Perfection with Liberté Yogurt + Recipe and Visa Gift Card Giveaway
The hardest part is everyone is different. My hands will be overheating and I’ll take off my gloves, while my butt has 3 layers and is cold…
Ahhh, running in the cold . . . I have to admit I am not missing training for Boston this year. Winter running is rugged and dressing like an onion is definitely the key that and a good hat and something to pull over your face. Hopefully this cold spell will end soon! Dreaming of warm weather running.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Why Starting with âWhyâ Means More Success Before Embarking on a Triathlon Training Plan
Yes, having something to pull up on my face was key yesterday!
Great tips! That is a lot of layers! 🙂 I am a newbie when it comes to cold weather running… and the coldest I have run in is -11 windchill … but am still learning. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Staying Motivated During Winter Weather
I felt a bit like Randy from a Christmas Story LOL.
Warm here? I wish! In fact we’re snowed in today. Great tips!
jill conyers recently posted…5 Life Quotes That Will Inspire You To Live Your Dreams
Yeah, we have a snow day today. Luckily we live on a corner lot and the street next to the house is a snow emergency route. Just need to get from my driveway to that and I’m FREEE!
I’m all about the layers when I run outside. It’s definitely worth investing in good quality running clothes so that you can layer up and still bend your arms and legs.
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Mayhem Monday: Admitting to my UnPinteresty Life
Ugh right? I just want to live somewhere where the temp is nice and moderate and outdoor running is an easy everyday thing!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #16
I’m starting to feel really guilty. I have commented on so many blogs today where it is below freezing. I live in a bubble ! SoCal is gorgeous right now! You guys are WAY stronger than us wimpy Cali people!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…Do The Things That Make Your Heart Race
Great advice and way to get it done! I love love love my smart wool socks too. Winter is CRAZY cold up here in Canada but I’m too stubborn to dreadmill it unless it’s colder than -16C.
Janice – Fitness Cheerleader recently posted…5 Health Benefits of Juicing + How to Juice Without a Juicer