Sunday, February 2, 2014

Cold Weather Running

I completely went against my unwritten rule of "no running outside when it's under 70 degrees out" and ventured outside at 1 degree yesterday.  

Yes, that's a 1.  

Although I was born and raised in the cold cold cold and wintery state of Montana and lived over half of my life there, it only took me about 10 minutes of Texas heat to become a summertime gal.  I ditched my coat for a tank top and sandals (without socks) pretty darn fast and have since wondered how people survive in the cold!

Well on Saturday morning when my bf was out and about chasing around coyotes and doing man-stuff, I, of course was seated on the couch watching TLC Extreme Couponers (shit, that's a good show). 

Well....

I decided to make the most of it and go for a jog. Outside. In the butt cold of winter.
(Not before I hit pause on Extreme Couponers, I had to see if the lady was going to get $1,000 worth of groceries for under $10 bucks....that's some good TV, y'all)

Let's talk layers.

#1. My CWX compression tights.  


These mother truckers are the best running rights I've ever had.  Super comfy!! They make you run faster, jump higher, etc. all while helping the circulation in my legs.

Plus, I am quite certain they were invented by the same people who make Spanx (best.thing.ever). They shave at least 10" off my arse and I'm thinking of wearing them under some skinny jeans that I have to use a pry bar to get on.

#2 I pulled a pair of Adidas loose running pants on over the top and I was good to go.

Next...my feet...
My feet are usually the first to freeze and send me right back inside to the comfort of the living room.  Knowing this, I opted for a pair of my wool Cabelas socks.  My feet actually stayed pretty toasty.

Let's move up to the top...

#3 I wore a long sleeved synthetic shirt with a zip up top over it and a thicker zip-up hooded top on top of it. Yes, that's 3 layers. 


I absolutely live this running top!  It's a Nike brand and super bright green.  I feel right at home on a construction site when I wear it!  Also, it's pretty warm and reflective so everyone can see me!

#4 I got the hat and scarf at Lulemon (love that store, but it could eat up my savings account pretty darn fast if I shopped there very often) over Christmas and they are both perfect for the cold weather.  The hat even has a little hole in it for your pony tail to stick out of.  Very stylish, indeed.

#5 As for my hands....

Duh, gloves that I don't have to take off to use my iPhone!  Fan friggin tastic!!!  (Although my phone froze up on my run...good one, Apple)
#6
Ok my favorite part....



Yak Trax!  I'm probably the last person to know anything about winter outdoorsy stuff - but if I were in sales, I'd recommend these!  They are great and have saved me from slipping numerous times!!  You barely even know they are on your feet.


Plus, they make awesome tracks in the snow!!  


When I got outside, I pulled my hood on for some added protection and was off!  I lasted a good 40 minutes and overall had a great workout!  I was happy I braved the single digit temps and will definitely do it again!  Much better than sitting on the couch!

When I got home I read an article on cold weather running to see if the experts recommended anything different.....I was pretty close.

One of the things they said was to dress like its 20 degrees warmer than it really is.  Your body heat will warm you right up.

Always wear synthetic.  No cotton.  When you sweat, cotton won't allow the water to wick away and you'll turn into an icicle.

Wear socks that go around your calves, it will keep your legs warmer.

All in all, I think I did ok with what I had, I'm definitely not a pro, but managed to pull everything out of my suitcase and the few of my things that I leave scattered aroun the bf's house.

Here's a good link to help you with cold weather running:  http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Wear-Winter-Running-6287968


When you get home, make sure to cozy up next to a nice warm fire and applaud yourself for making the most of it and trying something new!

Have a great week everyone!!

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