22 January 2008
Chillatonis
Posted by Mike Dopke under: Mike Dopke (Coach) .
WOW, what a weekend for running in the winter wonderland of Michigan. These were some of the coldest temperatures yet this season, and if you got out to train, you are truly a hardcore runner. I had previously set my personal limit to 12 degrees for outdoor running but I believe I blew that away both Saturday and Sunday. There was a time in the not too distant past when I would have called you insane for even considering running outdoors when it gets this cold. I thought that a wicked case of shin splints from running 30 miles a week on an indoor track was an acceptable trade for staying warm. Now it appears that I will run in just about anything Mother Nature has to offer. Hey, whadaya know, no more shin splints!
The truth is that if you dress properly, you should be able to run in a wide range of conditions. I have seen people go a little bit overboard with the bundling up though, and there is definitely a learning curve if you are uninformed. If you put too many clothes on, you get really hot and then sweat a lot. Then the sweat freezes and so do you (especially when it is windy). I find that it is best to be a little bit cold when first starting out on a run. As your body warms up during the first couple miles, you become comfortable and avoid over sweating.
Let me say that you need to avoid cotton at all costs when running in the winter months especially. Cotton does not breathe well, and when you sweat it stays with you and does not evaporate. Continue sweating and you end up getting cold very quickly. You need to wear wicking materials (especially as a base layer) to prevent getting cold during the winter months. I know that some of these clothes are a little bit heavy on the coin but you are investing in yourself right? Plus it is the end of January and now is generally when there are a lot of good deals to be had on winter running clothes.
The following are a few examples of what I wear in a variety temperatures. Keep in mind that these will vary according to your preferences and conditions like wind or rain. I am just suggesting them a starting point for beginners.
- 60 degrees and over- Shorts and short sleeves (duh)
- 50-59 degrees – Shorts and a long sleeve top.
- 40-49 degrees- Shorts or tights, 2 tops, hat (baseball style but wicking), light gloves (if you have poor circulation in your hands like I do).
- 30-39 degrees- Shorts for faster runs, or tights, 1 long sleeve top and a windproof shell or a vest, a hat and light gloves or mittens.
- 20-29 degrees- Tights or pants, 1-2 tops and a windproof shell, winter hat and gloves or mittens with instant hand warmers.
- 10-19 degrees- Tights and pants, 2-3 tops and windproof shell, winter hat and scarf, gloves and mittens with instant hand warmers.
- 0-10 degrees – Tights and pants, 3-4 tops and windproof shell, facemask and hat, gloves and mittens with hand warmers.
- Below 0 – Is that a treadmill I see before me?
I have been wearing trail running shoes in the snow as I find that they give me a little better traction than the normal light- weight shoes I wear during summer months. After Sunday’s run I tried on Shelly’s YakTrax and immediately found even more traction. So I thinks I will be a treatin myself before Saturday. I will also say that I am a huge fan of body glide and these little circular band-aids that fit just perfectly somewhere I tend to need them after about 8 miles. It’s not much fun taking them off though.
3 Comments so far...
Nasreen Fynewever Says:
23 January 2008 at 9:36 pm.
Thanks for the clothing guide. I saved it in a place where I can refer to it long after the road warrior feed is over. I am glad I subscribed to the feed this year. Best wishes as you run.
Troy (DDH Running) Says:
25 January 2008 at 2:41 pm.
It’s funny how each person is different. What you have listed for 20-29* is all I wear for 5-30*.. Anything over 40 I wear shorts and a tanktop.
effective years Says:
20 February 2008 at 8:24 pm.
When lilacs last in the dooryard bloomed,And the great star early drooped in thewestern sky in the night,I mourned, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.
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The trouble with the Internet is that it’s replacing masturbation as a leisure activity — Patrick Murray