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Tag Archives: weather

How to Run through the Winter

January 11, 2018 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , 3 Comments

The way to run through winter is…

The Treadmill…

Most people know, but I actually don’t hate the treadmill.  All joking aside, there are other ways to get through the winter if you’re keen on running outdoors.  Last week was cold.  It was between 10-20 almost all week.  This last time last week, half of the east coast was canceled due to a snowstorm.  Thankfully, this week is better (for running).

As someone who went to college and worked in Upstate NY where there is often 2 feet of snow, I also understand everything is relative.  What is cold to someone living in Manitoba is different than Key West and there is no time for judgment.  If someone feels cold, they are and if you argue with them…it does nothing for anyone.

Personally, I’ve lived in several states that handle winter differently!  Both Virginia and New Jersey everything generally shuts down with any snow. (like last week)!  It never snowed while I lived in Texas but I do know several years ago, there was a huge ice storm.

In Upstate NY, it didn’t matter the conditions.  Heck, even a whiteout or blizzard isn’t enough to close down school, classes, or work.  Each area of the world is equipped to handle different situations.  Wherever you live, you are generally most assimilated to that weather and life.

hiking home from swim practice after this happened…during practice

With anything, it’s important to run and train smartly.

If you ever feel unsafe, run inside or rest.  There is never shame in that.

(In college, I slipped and fell on ice.  It resulted in a fractured humorous, and I wasn’t even running outside…I was just walking!)

Last week, I did my workouts on the treadmill because I was just happier inside.  Not happy or overjoyed but happier to run inside.

Another fun fact about winter training is that all of my PRs now are currently from winter races.

February 2015 Phoenix Marathon: 3:14.59

January 2016: Carlsbad Half Marathon 1:22.57

February 2016: Flower Show 5k (18:13) 

So thinking out loud, I’ve created a few tips for running through the winter.   

First and most importantly: Don’t be afraid to adjust your workout:

A few years ago, I was visiting friends in Rochester the weekend of my last long run. Rochester ended up getting a massive blizzard and running outside was unimaginable.  (You know it’s a problem when things in Rochester close!).

I ran my last 20 mile run on the treadmill (see why I don’t hate the treadmill).  It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t desirable either.  Running outside would have been unsafe and hazardous.  If I hadn’t felt good on the treadmill, I probably would have skipped the run altogether.  Luckily, I felt fine.

Prevent Sliding with Yak Trax:

You will be amazed at what a difference Yak Trax make while running outdoors.  You’ll be able to grip the ground and ice much easier and stay safe.  I cannot stress how awesome they are (no they aren’t paying me to tell you).

Don’t Forget: Main Roads are Plowed First: 

The main roads are going to be plowed before local roads and sidewalks.  Who knows, your sidewalk may never be plowed and may clear up when the snow melts.  Being smart with how and where you run is important.  Always run on the opposite side of traffic and don’t run down the middle of the road.

But Certain local roads are cleared Quickly Too:

My high school was located in a neighborhood, and the roads to and from the school were cleared quickly.  During winter storms I could often run a 1-2 mile loop around my high school.  Boring?  Yes, but if you like outdoors then that was your best bet.

Wind Protection:

Even when the temperatures are brutal outside, the wind factor can play a bigger role. Layering appropriately is important.  It’s not just about “wearing as many layers as possible”. 

Recently, I learned that Vaseline can be an excellent protection against the cold and wind. It’s waterproof and helps block the wind too.  I don’t know how I didn’t know that!

Rain and Wintery Mix Protection:

You can prepare for the snow but don’t forget about the rain. In my opinion, winter rain is one of the toughest elements to run through.  It’s important to appropriately layer.  My personal favorite jacket is from Gore-Tex.  I’ve run through 30-degree torrential downpours, and my long sleeve underneath has stayed completely dry.  While it is pricey, it’s worth the cost if you are running outdoors in the winter.

shamrock half marathon me running 2017

With that, winter running can be an enjoyable experience.  Training through the winter can set you up for Spring PRs.  At this particular point all of my PRs are in the winter, however, I have PRed in the spring too ha!

RelatedPosts: 

How to Race in Inclement Weather 

Why I don’t hate the Treadmill

Tips for Morning Workouts

Questions for you:

What are some tips you have to train through the winter?

Did you get snow last week?  How much?

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Runners You Might Encounter this Winter

January 5, 2017 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , , , 28 Comments
Runners You Might Encounter this Winter

Last summer I wrote a post about “summer runners” and many people identified with one or more of the runners.  Thinking out loud, now that the season has somewhat changed, it’s time for another edition with:

Runners You Might Encounter this Winter:

Weather Checking William

This person is never without their technology and they are tracking the weather 100% of the time.  Even during a run, they’ll know the exact precipitation.  You can always depend on them to know when the best time of day, sunrise, sunset, wind direction, humidity level and every other weather condition you might need.

Shirtless Sam (Winter Edition):

You’ll see this runner always wearing the least amount of clothing as possible. It could be -10 degrees and a blizzard, they are still trecking along in short shorts, a tank top or possibly shirtless.  What’s even more interesting is usually this person has minimal body fat…how they continue to keep warm is a mystery to us all.

The Running Sauna

I will admit this is me all the time.  I would rather be overdressed all of the time than be cold.  The running sauna is typically wearing 5 more layers than necessary.  Even though it’s a “warm” 20 degrees, they might be wearing 5-10 layers.  In fact, their running stride more resembles a waddle due to the layers.

Complaining Courtney

You ask this person to run during every single season and every single season they complain.
It’s too hot..
It’s too cold.
Oh no, rain. 
Oh no, I can’t run…it’s absolutely perfect conditions… 

If there is a will to complain they will find it.

Treadmilling Timothy (Winter Edition)

Living a life opposite of the summer treadmill runner, the winter treadmill runner doesn’t do cold. During the winter, they disappear and retire to the treadmill.  They are most comfortable there and you know you won’t do any group runs with them until April.  If you are looking for a new TV show to watch, they can probably give you a good recommendation.

Questions for you:
What type of winter runner are you?

Broad Street 10 Miler (1:01.59)

May 6, 2016 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , , 11 Comments

My training for April was erratic at best.  Originally, I had hoped the Broad Street 10 miler would be my Spring goal race. Then my training for April altered my plans, and Broad Street simply became a “make it through race”.

As the race drew closer, the weather forecast became progressively worse.  By the evening before, the race was predicted to be in the 40s and pouring rain.  It’s weather I know too well, and as most people know, Shamrock broke me.

I kept my head up high, and my goal became to finish and do well.  My PR from Broad Street was a 1:05.20 in 2014.  In 2015, I ran it in 1:05.39.  Despite the rain and erratic training, I was determined to set a course PR.I knew my fitness was much better than previous years.

Both Tim’s parents, as well as mine, made the drive to run so we had a full house.  On Sunday morning, we woke up and drove to the start.  My husband dropped us off, we went to the bathroom and headed to the start.

broad street 10 miler 1 dads

As a last minute decision, I opted to use my Gortex jacket to stay dry.  I had no plans to drop the jacket and pinned the bib on the outside.

We stood around, and I was drenched at the start.  I didn’t want a repeat of Shamrock, and I was nervous the race might be.  We started the race and as usual, the first mile was elbow to elbow.  In a 40,000 person ten milers there is no such thing as personal space.

I saw several friends, and we hit the first mile in 6:05.  I thought: Woah nelly that’s probably too fast.

The second mile went without too much, excitement and I ran it in 6:17.  I doubt myself a lot, and I panicked I was going to positive split like Shamrock.

My goal of the third mile was just to make it through.  I wanted to see where I was time wise for the 5k.  I hit the 3rd mile in 18:30 and the 5k in 19:10.  I was pleased and began to focus on everything else.

Nothing of note happened during the 3rd and 4th mile.  The pack I was running with dropped me, and I found myself alone.  I grabbed Gatorade and hit the 4th mile in 25:45.

When I got the 5th mile, the owner of the running store I work at cheered for me.  I gave a meek wave which was a cross between: will he judge me if I wave and my hands are too cold.

The fifth mile of Broad Street always goes by the fastest because it’s cut up by the turn around city hall.  By the time you’re around city hall, you are at the 6th mile.  I ran the 5th mile in 6:07 and was surprised and pleased.

Both the 6-7th mile went by with nothing eventful.  I ran mile 6 in 6:12 and 7 in 6:11.

During the 8th mile, I noticed many men beginning to pass me.  Was I fading? Was I dying? No…they just had more energy I guess.  I was running two of my faster miles.

I nicknamed miles 8-10 the rush of dudes. 

The rush of dudes was a strange occurrence because not one woman passed me but at least 30 men did.

During the last mile, I saw it would be an extremely close push to a 1:02.  I decided I might have it in me and went for it.  Keep in mind; I have zero kick.  In fact, I might go slower when I try to kick.

Broad Street 10 miler

Via Broad Street Flickr (You can see me tucked behind the male in the blue/black singlet)

I finished the last mile in 6:07 and crossed the finish line in 1:02.01.

I was 34th female overall and 14th in my age group.  Since I didn’t age group place, my gun time was 1:01.59 so I guess that counts.

At the finish line via Instagram

At the finish line via Instagram

Thoughts:

I’m pleased with this race and have no complaints.  The weather was awful for everyone, and as I said yesterday, you can’t control the weather.  I’ve been 3/3 of bad weathered major Spring Races.  It was a course PR of 3.5, and if I had run an extra 5k, I do believe I would have Pred.

Questions for you:

What is the biggest race you’ve run?

Do you have a good kick? 

How to Race Well in Unfavorable Conditions

May 5, 2016 By in Gear Review, Reads, Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , 36 Comments

My last three major Spring Races have been in crappy conditions.  Either it was pouring rain, wind gusts of 50MPH or both.  I know I’m in the best shape of my life, but you have to race for the conditions, and can’t control the weather.

How to Race in Unfavorable Conditions

The Shamrock half marathon was 40s pouring rain and windy

The April Fools Half Marathon was windy and had gusts of up to 50MPH

The Broad Street 10 miler was raining

I’m beginning to think you should avoid racing with me if you want to run in good conditions. 

I decided to think about ways and techniques I’ve learned to:

 Race Well in Unfavorable Conditions:
Rain:
  • Wrap yourself in trash bags. The goal is to keep yourself as dry as possible before the race.  Trash bag your shoes and your entire self.  At Broad Street, several people passed me at the end still wearing their trash bags.
  • Wear form fitting clothing and avoid cotton. The more tightly fitting the clothing, the less it’s going to chafe, rub and become a wet soggy mess.
  • Thin socks: This is a must. The goal is to keep your feet as dry as possible.  There are a lot of thin socks, but my favorite are the low cut CEP compression because they hug your feet.
  • Hats: Before this spring I was never a hat person.  They never stayed on my head.  To keep the rain out of my eyes, I’ve experimented with hats.  I don’t have a recommendation as my favorite hat so far is from the Shamrock half marathon.
  • While I don’t race with a phone, I know many racers do. Put it in a Ziploc bag to make sure it doesn’t get water damage.
Wind:

The problem with races along the shore in the Spring is the wind.  Races along the coast are typically flat, but you never know what kind of wind there will be.  Except the Carlsbad half marathon on the West, Coast…that was a windy shore race that wasn’t flat.

  • Try to run with a group. Running with a group isn’t always possible, but it makes running a lot easier both mentally and physically to run with a pack in the wind.  You also see other racers are battling the same elements.
  • Turn your head to the side to breathe. If you’re running through a headwind, turning your head to the side to breath makes it a lot easier.  I didn’t know that until this year!
  • Invest in a good piece of wind resistant clothing. The wind can be piercing and chill you to the bone.  Combined with rain, it is one of most undesirable weather conditions.  Try a lightweight windproof jacket.  I recommend using as much tight fitting clothing as possible so that it doesn’t blow around.

I’m not getting paid to promote any of these pieces of clothing, but they are items I’ve had success with:

Gortex Running Jacket ($249.99)

This is the most expensive piece of running apparel I own, but it’s worth it.  It kept me dry at Broad Street and kept the wind out.  If you can, I would recommend investing in a Gortex Jacket.  I never knew how amazing they were until I did.

CEP Low Compression Socks ($20):

I like the low cut socks because I can use compression sleeves as well.  My shoe size and calf size are different so the high socks won’t fit my feet and calves.  The socks themselves are thin, and if they do get wet, they won’t weigh you down.

The best piece of advice for any racing is to stay positive.  At the end of the day, you can’t control the weather.  You have to make the best of the situation, and if you’re able to think positively, you’ll be able

Questions for you:

How do you race in unfavorable conditions?

What is the worst weather you’ve run in? 

Things that Got me Through the Winter

March 19, 2015 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , 17 Comments

Guess what my blogging friends?

These are the last few days of Winter!   Insert 20 dancing emoji woman here.

dancing emoji

Long story short, if you lived on the east coast this winter was rough.

Running outside was rough. 

Walking outside was rough. 

 

December and January weren’t too terrible.  Then in February it got very cold, very fast.  After I got back from Upstate NY it just kept getting colder and colder.  I honestly felt like I never left that area.  The days we received snow were the better days because it meant it was warmer and less windy…

Now that I’m done complaining about the weather I thought I would talk about some of things that got me through the winter this year!

None of these products were sponsored or afflicant links.  Here are some of the top things I think got my through the winter.

Northface Jacket

I bought this jacket is November.  I didn’t think it would become my best purchase of the season.  It’s warm and I have no regrets.  It was staple jacket and most people at work don’t remember a time I wasn’t wearing it.  (No really…).  I like to add photos of my jacket in action and on dates so here we go.

My jacket and Theresa.

My jacket and Theresa.

My jacket and Christine

My jacket and Christine

My jacket and DadLOLZ

My jacket and DadLOLZ

Basically if you have seen me in the last 3 months, it’s probably been in this jacket.

Injinji wool Socks

injinji wool socks

These babies are long and warm (TWSS).  They kept me feet warm but also came above my leggings so that my ankles didn’t get cold.  I wish I had more pairs but alas Injinji was sold out when I went online.  They are my favorite sock in the history of socks.

Space Heater:

Without my personal space heater, I would have some miserable days.  The personal space heater allows me to control the temperature around me without causing everyone else to live in a sauna.

 

Two Vacations in the winter:

As most people know, T was deployed during most of the winter.  It was a cold, miserable and lonely month.  Having two vacations with friends really helped propel me through the months of January and February.

The end of January, I went to Rochester and visted Laura, Heather and Brittany.  Hashtag Dream team (#DreamTeam),

How did this even happen?

How did this even happen?

Then obviously at the end of February I ran my Marathon in sunny Phoenix.

Party foul...my eyes are closed but everyone else looks nice so this photo won!

Party foul…my eyes are closed but everyone else looks nice so this photo won!

I think having things to look forward too really kept me balanced and ready to propel through the winter.

Questions for you:

How did you get through the winter this year?

Are you Prepared?

February 5, 2015 By in Articles Tags: , , , , , 15 Comments

This isn’t a normal topic for LOLZ blog, but last week I thought about how the Winter Storm “Juno” didn’t affect New Jersey/Philadelphia as predicted.  While I was happy that it was’t as serious, it did made me think what if had closed down everything for a few days.  After graduating with a degree in public health, I can truly say staying healthy and safe (mind, body and soul) has always been a passion of mine.  While I no longer work in the field anymore, I do volunteer and educate to stay current in the field.

Then after spending time in Rochester last weekend, I realized I’m no longer in my “winter element”. If there was a snow storm in New Jersey, I don’t know if I would truly be prepared.

I was discussing with a coworker yesterday that it’s important to be life prepared. It’s important to be prepared so that you don’t “just run out of food”. It shouldn’t be the night before a storm and half of the town is at the grocery store.  The night before the storm last week, half of my town was in the grocery store.  Did we need those items?  Probably not…we could have made it through a day or two stuck at home.

The storm taught me a valuable lesson.  Despite not affecting us the way it was predicted too, it made me think about how prepared am I for emergencies?

How prepared are you?

Not only prepared with food but also prepared with making sure to have items like a flashlight or extra batteries incase the power goes out.

While it is true that disasters are relatively rare, they do happen. It’s better to be over prepared versus under prepared. Similarly, it’s better for the weather channel to overestimate snowfall versus underestimate.  If one life, injury or problem is saved because everything closed, then good.

After googling different ideas and lists to stay prepared, I came across this infographic!

The public health major in me says: when creating a food checklist, you should be detailed. Don’t simply gather random snacks from the pantry and place them in a storage bin.  Since you are preparing and putting foods away for later, try to have foods from each food group if possible.  Something I often forget is also making sure to also store necessary equipment and utensils to eat the food. Food checklists are an important part of emergency preparedness.  

Preparing for the Unexpected an Emergency Food Checklist Infographic

Source: Shop.Honeyville.com

When I got home from Rochester yesterday, I actually printed this out and stocked up on some food to keep in my pantry.  I can survive a few days without power and with food.

I decided to grab:

Canned: 

  • Canned meat including salmon, tuna and chicken
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned fruits.  I really like canned pears and peaches
  • 4 miscellaneous canned soups as well as black beans

For section 2, I opted against freeze dried foods.

“Staples”

  • Let’s be honest that we have enough instant coffee, sugar and cream packets to last a week already.

Some of my favorite snacks that we stock in the house:

  • Beef Jerkey (so much protein!)
  • Pretzels
  • Cheese its
  • Wasabi Nuts (Has anyone tried these?)
  • Cereal

Beverages:

  • We always have powered juice packets (It’s actually a staple in my current diet because you can bring them anywhere and I prefer that over water)
  • What are some good dairy options to keep stored?  I know almond milk doesn’t spoil
  • We have 2 cases of water and a brita filter stored too.

Equipment for food:

  • First Aid kit.  Every single family should have a first aid kit in their house and vehicles.
  • Quick Stove.  This is something I used in backpacking to make food when there is no access to power.
  • Utensils and food preparation: Make sure to have cutlery as well as a can opener and pan to boil water on a quick stove.

As you can see this is just one list to help in food preparation.  There are many more.  I liked this one because it gave me a good list of what to have.  

Questions for you:

Are you prepared for a big storm?

What are some foods you stock up on? 

 

 

Running on the Cheap

January 9, 2015 By in Running Tags: , , , , , , , 29 Comments

To be straight up honest running is not an expensive sport.  There are many sports that are much more expensive.  With cycling, it costs upwards of 2,000 dollars for a “legit” bike.  Cycling with an old bike is like running a marathon in Nike frees.  This is just one example but many sports are much more expensive.

Most running shoes cost between 120-150 dollars.  People complain about the cost of running but in reality if you spend time searching for good deals and lower “no frills” races, it’s not an expensive sport or hobby.  With the increase of runners in the population, there is an increase in running product (both expensive and not).  Companies want to make money so it makes sense to create more products for a sport more people are participating in.

The most important thing to spend money on is good shoes.  If you aren’t running in appropriate shoes (for your gait and foot type etc.), you won’t be running for very long.  Many new runners ask me my biggest piece of advice:

Get your gait analyzed and invest in a good pair of shoes.  You won’t look back. Every company designs great shoes but it’s important to really get your gait and feet analyzed.  Like getting a bra fitting, you don’t know what you are missing until you do.  Just by being in the right shoe, your training will immediately improve.  

Don’t go cheap on running shoes. 

After purchasing a good pair of running shoes there are not a lot of other expenses.  Sure there are pieces of apparel that cost over 100 dollars but do you need all that?  No, probably not.

————–

Since it’s winter time, I’m going to show you an outfit I put together for running in the 30 degree temperature (all for less than 100 bucks).  

winter meme

Nothing in this post is sponsored and there are no affiliate links.

Running in the winter is all about layering.  You can run outside if you layer appropriately.  I hate the cold weather but I have clothes to run in 10 degree (and below) weather.  You can run in colder weather with warmer clothing but I’m a baby.  I’ll run outdoors if it is cold but if it is icy, I normally won’t.

Anyways enough about me and to the running deals: 

Headwarmer: 

In the Spring of 2012, I purchased this head warmer from Walmart.  Since it was Spring it was on sale for 2 dollars.  It’s fleece and it’s warm.  Walmart has some cute headwarmer gems that are 7 dollars at full sale and 2 dollars on clearance.  I have a few cute ones that have worked from 0 degree temperature to 40.

Here is a glamour shot of me using the headwarmer.

Here is a glamour shot of me using the headwarmer.

Cost $2.00

Similar products: Nike head warmer 18.00  (I also have this one and they are very similar).

Jacket: 

One of my all-time favorite running jackets (you’ve seen it on the blog several times) is this Avalanche jacket.  I found it at Marshalls for 5 dollars.  Yes, 5 dollars for a jacket that was originally 60+.  It blocks the wind and keeps me warm.  The downside is it’s not water resistant.

So cold. Lake Effect 2013

Proof of how much I wear this jacket: Lake Effect Half Marathon 2013 (Roughly 15 degrees+wind chill)

running sucks.

Running my worst 5k ever! (Roughly 25 degrees)

Good times with my brother running

A few weeks ago running with my brother!

Cost: Avalanche Jacket 5.00 (Total Outfit cost 7.00)

Similar items: Northface Denali Jacket $179

To run in conditions that need wind and rain protection I have another jacket. My Nike wind and rain resistant jacket was also $9.98  at TJ Maxx (a season or two ago).  This is my best deal to date.

There are other brands offering a similar wind breaker for 150+ dollars.

I paid 9.98.  The jacket folds and compresses into any sized bags.  It can be worn on top or long sleeves, short sleeves or as just as a wind shield.  It is a great top layer.

Nike Windbreaker 1

via instagram last week

Jacket photo via instagram last week

Cost: 10.00 (total cost 17.00)

Similar jacket: The Oiselle Fleshman Flyer 160.00 

Pants: 

Everlast Pants (22 dollars for both):

I’ve had my Everlast pants since college.  They literally do last forever…and so does my wallet because I’ve had them 4 years and still run in them.  One has fleece lining and one does not.  Black leggings are boring to photograph and they are logo free.

Rocking The Everlast leggings and jacket while I'm not running! So functional!

Rocking The Everlast leggings and jacket while I’m not running! So functional!

Cost: 22 (total cost 49.00)

Similar pants: the Saucony shield and Nike legging (75 each)

Long Sleeve Top:

With the Christmas over there are a lot of January sales now too.  I haven’t found a long sleeve top I’m in love with but have plenty of base layers.  I found a few long sleeve base layers for sale at Target.  Each is a black top (so boring) but also dry fit material (meaning you won’t chafe) and costed 10 dollars.

Cost: 10 dollars (total cost 59)

Similar options: Nike Dri Fit  70.00 

Two of the most important pieces of winter apparel are gloves and mittens.  Mittens are warmer than gloves so if you get cold easily, that might be the best route for you (it is the best route for me).  If your hands are cold, then everything is cold.

I haven’t found a method to find extremely cheap gloves and mittens.  The best method is to look for deals when the season changes over.  For instance, in March companies will start cleaning out their winter line.  This is the time to buy gloves and mittens.  I found these Nathan Gloves (different color) for 20 dollars last year.  They are the warmest mittens you’ll ever find.

Online at the Cymb (I just googled) they are 25 right now!  It is worth it.

nathan mitten

Cost: 20 dollars (Total cost 79)

Total outfit cost: 79 dollars (21 dollars left to sign up for a 5k) 

In summary my advice is this:

  • Find apparel in the off season.
  • Splurge on the necessary items such as good shoes.
  • Stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross can give awesome deals on clothing.  You can find cute and functional summer running clothes on sale right now…there is no time like the present…literally.
  • You can look cute and not spend a lot with running.

Next week I will talk about a few products I’ve splurged on and I like.

Question for you: Where do you find the best running apparel deals?

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