Well, since today I'm on furlough today, I'm home and have time to share with everyone, I thought I'd tackle a new subject.
Tips for running in cold weather (from someone who loves running in 38 degree weather!)
Well, ladies, I had the most wonderful time running on Wednesday . . . the day before Ice Storm 2011. I was fearful that I was going to be cold, but alas, I ended up in a singlet & tights totally invigorated! I started out with a sports bra, singlet, long sleeved tech henley with a collar, and an unlined windbreaker on top (because I thought it'd be windy). On the bottom, I had thin running tights under my shorts and my usual wool socks. Then I had my favorite leopard print polar fleece gloves & earwarmers with my pink tri cap. By the time I ran .13 miles, I had shed my windbreaker because I was getting warm. When I hit .25 miles, I was in my singlet. At 1 mile, I was no longer wearing gloves and a half mile later, I wrapped my ear warmer around my wrist. You see, I HATE overheating when I run. And I'm weird--if I get too hot, when I'm done, I can't stop sneezing. Plus, I figure I'm burning more calories trying to keep warm!
For those of you who are a bit more timid about the cold, consider the following:
1. Dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer than it actually is.
2. Make sure to keep your legs warm (thin tights are a good idea) so your leg muscles (the ones that will be working) will not cramp.
3. Keep your head (ears), fingers, and neck covered. Mittens & an earband work well. Or a shirt with really long sleeves. You can also wear an earband around your neck.
4. Wear layers. As you warm up from the exercise, you make sure you shed layers so you don't get too damp. If it's windy, wear a windbreaker. Make sure the fabrics are wicking.
5. My number one tip: Get out of your damp sports bra ASAP because having a damp bra on your back will make you fell really chilled.
I don't do this, but if it's windy, a layer of petroleum jelly helps block wind.
