Winter running tips

I run outside all year.  Rain, snow, hot cold...not much gets in the way of me gearing up and heading outside.  On those super cold days I may run more slowly and my runs will be shorter but those runs seem more rewarding.  Safe running in the winter requires care and attention.  Here are some good winter running tips:

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Winter Running

Who likes running outside in the winter?  True confession:  I do! But it takes me a couple of weeks to get used to the cold before I can honestly say I enjoy running outside in the winter.  

I actually prefer the minus double digits temperatures because I get to use all my deep freeze running gear:  Socks, double layer of tights, full head balaclava, mitts. Getting dressed and undressed is a real pain though and Sally is unimpressed with the room I take up in our guest bathroom with all my drying gear.  Ahhh...the pleasures of apartment living.

Here's my mantra for running outside in the winter:

See you outside in the cold!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Who was that Masked Runner?

At 5:30 am in the morning hearing this Masked Runner pounding up behind you could be a little disconcerting.  Fortunately I rarely see any non-runners out on super-cold winter mornings at that hour.

I knew winter was coming.  And especially the frigid 'well-below-freezing' wind chills. But I still wasn't ready for the arctic blast that hit Toronto last week.  One day clear conditions with temperatures hovering around freezing, the next day a couple of inches of snow but absolutely bone chilling minus double digit temperatures.  It was definitely time to break out the deep winter running gear...and add 10 minutes to my run just to get ready.  Dressing for cold weather running is certainly a chore and having a place to hang the sweaty post-race gear is a major challenge in our apartment.  Just ask Sally!  Here's my routine (non-runners stop reading now):

• I start with socks from my downhill skiing days.  They are fairly thin but provide superior warmth and comfort.  Plus they cover my ankles completely which really matters running though deep snow.
• Next up is my base layer.  I'm particularly fond of the Kombi poly base layer top and bottom. Really thin, super comfortable and un-restrictive leg movements.  
• I've always liked running in tights so for the winter I have a full-length winter-weight tight. Around freezing I can wear them by themselves but around -10 degrees Celsius I pull them on over the base layer.  
• For my top, I have an old ski fleece top with a full zipper that goes over the base layer.  I like this because it is fitted.  Not much bulk to worry about. I top it off with a wind shell with lots or 360 reflection.
• On cold days I just wear a heavy poly toque but at the super frigid temps I have a full-head balaclava that goes on first.  Ahh...the Balaclava...the Masked Runner! Not particularly attractive but totally effective in keeping my head and neck protected from the wind.

So if I wanted to scare someone...just kidding!

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Dressing up to go running in the Polar Vortex

It sure feels like it this winter in Toronto!

After 6 years living along the shores of Georgian Bay running regularly on snowy roads with temperatures and wind chills well below freezing, I thought the move back to Toronto a couple of years ago meant those running days were over.  Wrong!  Now getting out for an early morning means dressing up in multiple layers just to keep cool...it's just not possible to fully warm up at the super cold temperatures we've experienced this winter.

My base layer is all polypropeline.  Tight to the skin socks, tights, top and balaclava. All this is designed to keep what little heat I generate close to my skin.

Layer two starts with a second pair of socks that pull up to mid-calf, my regular running tights, a fleece jacket and a fleece hat over the balaclava.

Layer three on the really cold days sees me pulling on a pair of windpants.  Otherwise it's just a zip-up running shell.

For my fingers I go with mittens.  I find these keep my fingers warmer than gloves.

Finally, I apply a thin coat of vaseline on my cheeks, lips and around my nose...anywhere there is exposed skin.  All of this to go our for a 'fun run' at Polar Vortex weather conditions!  No wonder non-runners think runners are crazy.

I suppose it would be easier to go to a gym and run indoors on a treadmill.  My sister and her husband do that during the winter months but I've never been a fan.  And now that we live in an apartment that would be totally impractical and extremely noisy for downstairs neighbours.  So it's outside I go.

Until next time...

Bummed out over the cold

I'm a wimp!

Well, I was a wimp last week during the ridiculously crazy combination of snow, ice, frigid temperatures we endured in Toronto.  I didn't go running for 3 days!  I almost drove myself crazy...pretty sure Sally was happy I got out on Thursday morning even though it was still 'well below freezing'.  No, I did not enjoy the 'time off' one bit.  I do like my early morning pre-dawn runs.

I thought about heading to the gym.  Without a membership that wasn't an option.  Plus we don't have anything convenient near our place.

Also thought about going swimming.  Only for a minute though...driving on icy roads at 5:30 am to hit the Etobicoke Centenial Pool had me shuddering too much.  The thought of stripping down to bathing suit and swimming in water with ice and -40 C feet away wasn't so appealing.

Skipping rope!  That was an idea...not a good one unfortunately when we live in an apartment.  Solid concrete floors but the neighbours below would have not been pleased at 5 am.

In the end I settled for re-starting my pushup and sit up routine.  Not the same as running but strengthening the core is a great way to improve overall fitness.  Thankfully though I got out for a run on Thursday morning. The icy cold air and still slippery sidewalks worked to keep me focused on running:  left, right; left right!  It was good!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Running in the snow in Toronto

A few years ago when living in Wasaga Beach running on hard packed snow was normal in winter. It was actually safer than it sounds:  Wasaga Beach used sand on the roads and this provided some decent traction. And combined with a lack of salt, there was not much ice.  On many early morning runs after the frequent snowfalls making tracks through freshly fallen snow was truly special.

Fast forward a couple of years to this winter in Toronto!  Who ordered the snow!

One of the 'nice' things about winter in Toronto is the lack of snow.  At least that was how it was up until this year.  We've had frequent snowfalls and with below freezing temperatures it's been sticking around.  I've had to re-learn snow running techniques from Wasaga Beach!  Normally that wouldn't have been too bad but the real challenge has been the ice.  Snow control in Toronto is all about the salt.  Regular salt, sodium chrloride makes things sloppy and dirty when temperatures are near freezing.  As the temperature drops into the deep freeze levels...and we've had that too this winter...the salt stops working and the slush turns to ice.  And that's no fun!

With winter officially only 12 days old now it looks to be 'interesting' running ahead for the next few months. So far no slips or falls but the winter is early.  Stay tuned...

Oh and remember, 'Don't eat the yellow snow'! :)

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy