I was asked this question a lot last winter, and I've started to hear it again this year. The short answer for anyone who has known me for any length of time is no surprise...I'm stubborn, or as some of my more positive energy focused friends like to say...tenacious.
The long answer to this question last year was..."It's only about a half hour and you can put up with just about anything for a half hour", as the length of my runs extend closer to the 2+ hour mark this winter I've had to reconsider my long answer...I gave it some thought on today's short (half hour) run...and this is what I came up with..."I do it because I have been inspired (how and by whom will have to wait for January's announcement), it allows me to reaffirm my commitment to my goals and it feels awesome once I'm done".
The truth be told, it really is not all that bad if you have the right Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos.
What exactly are Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos...listed below are this Newbie's classifications (I'm sure I missed a few, feel free to post your comments):
What exactly are Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos...listed below are this Newbie's classifications (I'm sure I missed a few, feel free to post your comments):
Gear - The essentials in my book
2 pairs of well fit running shoes (you'll want to rotate them)- Spend the 10-15% extra it costs to buy from a reputable running store with staff that are trained to observe your walking and running gait and recommend the best shoes for you. Most will let you indoor or treadmill test the shoes for up to a week with an exchange for like merchandise
Windproof underwear - Men especially...Trust me on this one, when it reaches -30 C with the wind chill, you'll be glad you did 'nuff said!
Moisture wicking long underwear top & bottom - for those sub -20 C temperatures
Microfleece top - This is the keep you warm layer
Windproof running tights - Keep your knees and hips happy and you will be too.
Good quality wool socks - The feet need to be happy too.
Toque, facemask, gloves & overmitts - not much explanation needed here
Windproof jacket - The outer layer for the upper body.
A good quality watch with countdown timer - set the timer for 1/2 your running time so you know when to head back to the stable.
Reflective vest (or clothing or tape over clothes) - an essential if you're running in low light conditions.
Band-aids - Carry an assortment, you'll eventually have a reason to use them all.
Gatorade, PowerBars or equivalents - I didn't use these until I started running over an hour...your requirements may vary.
Sunglasses - Running on a winter day can be blinding without them.
A positive mental attitude - Otherwise how would you get your butt out of bed at -20 C to go for a run, or know that the wind is always at your back pushing you towards achieving your goal and onto your next challenge?
Sunglasses - Running on a winter day can be blinding without them.
A positive mental attitude - Otherwise how would you get your butt out of bed at -20 C to go for a run, or know that the wind is always at your back pushing you towards achieving your goal and onto your next challenge?
Gadgets - The nice to haves
Merino wool long underwear (Ice Breaker 200 for me) - Keeps you nice and toasty wicks moisture away and it's lightweight
Merino wool socks - (Ice Breaker again) see above
MacGiver'd winter running shoes or Yak Traks - for those slippery ice covered roads and sidewalks
Heart rate monitor - to keep track of your level of exertion during your runs
Moisture wicking Wool cap - Hey I don't have much hair for insulation...gotta' protect the noggin' too!
Nipguards - may you be so fortunate as to never need them! If you've ever experienced chafing, you know these things are worth every penny you pay for them!!
Reflective arm bands with blinking lights - adds to your visibility which means if you survive the cold...you might also survive the traffic.
Fuel Belt to carry Gatorade, PowerBars or their equivalents - Easier than carrying them or stuffing you pockets
Sunglasses with replaceable lenses - you can get some for around $30 + about $10 for a pair of lenses, I suggest a grey tint for sunny days, clear for low light days, and yellow for overcast days, while sunglasses are not really required on the not so blinding days wearing them helps keep the blowing snow and freezing rain out of your eyes, and if you tear up in the wind like me...it's helpful to prevent frozen streaks of tears down your face
Gizmos - cool stuff that just makes it more fun
Sunglasses with replaceable lenses - you can get some for around $30 + about $10 for a pair of lenses, I suggest a grey tint for sunny days, clear for low light days, and yellow for overcast days, while sunglasses are not really required on the not so blinding days wearing them helps keep the blowing snow and freezing rain out of your eyes, and if you tear up in the wind like me...it's helpful to prevent frozen streaks of tears down your face
Gizmos - cool stuff that just makes it more fun
Garmin or other GPS to map out your routes, and all kinds of other nifty stats on your workout
Blinking & solid lights for your hat, fuel belt, shoes or anywhere else you can strap them on without being annoyed as you run - more lights = better visibility = arrive alive
Sunglasses with polarized lenses - if your eyes are sensitive to light and glare like mine...these babies are awesome!
In a nutshell, my experience is, if your upper body is warm and your lower body is protected from the wind, the running will generate enough heat to take care of the rest. Tested to -30 C with wind-chill for up to a half hour (as of today), for the record...somehow the wind was at my back the whole time...go figure!
Oh most important thing you need that doesn't fall into any of these categories and sometimes gets overlooked, although I'm not sure how since no athlete could do what they do without it...
The Support, guidance, advice and encouragement of family and friends! A big thanks to all of you who have kept me running and cycling over the past couple of years, honestly I could not have done it without you!!
Oh most important thing you need that doesn't fall into any of these categories and sometimes gets overlooked, although I'm not sure how since no athlete could do what they do without it...
The Support, guidance, advice and encouragement of family and friends! A big thanks to all of you who have kept me running and cycling over the past couple of years, honestly I could not have done it without you!!
