two cold weather running tips
-
No new posts
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller | Reply |
|
![]() |
Pro ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() (after learning the hard way 1. iPod batteries do not do well in the cold. Keep it inside your clothes and preferably next to your skin. 2. Frozen GU is hard to choke down. 10-15 minutes before you take it: take it out of your fuel belt/ pocket/ whatever and hold/ mash while in your hand. just two things that helped me on sunday's 19 miler |
|
![]() ![]() |
Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Good points! I didn't think about the Ipod battery but I have tried to deal with really thick GU. I just stick the GU inside my glove next to my palm for about 10 minutes. Of course, here in New Mexico winter is never too harsh and it is already loosening its grip as we have been enjoying upper 50's and low 60's recently. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I usually pre mix my gu with water in a flask for long runs like that. Keeps it from thickening up like that in near freezing weather. It also makes taking it a lot easier when you hit that point where no food sounds desirable. Actually...I've ran with that mixture into the 20's and it's never frozen. |
![]() ![]() |
Extreme Veteran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I learned that a chocolate hammer gel an hour into a 19degree run is kind of like getting a fudgcicle in the middle of your workout. I expected it to be gross but it was kind of a nice treat. |
![]() ![]() |
Cycling Guru ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() trishie - 2009-01-26 2:03 PM (after learning the hard way 1. iPod batteries do not do well in the cold. Keep it inside your clothes and preferably next to your skin. 2. Frozen GU is hard to choke down. 10-15 minutes before you take it: take it out of your fuel belt/ pocket/ whatever and hold/ mash while in your hand. just two things that helped me on sunday's 19 miler Wahhh, it wasn't that cold Sunday. And the sun was out all morning with only very light winds! It was a beautiful day in Maryland! I had a great 12 miler in the same weather. |
![]() ![]() |
Veteran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() About the iPod battery - I now believe my iPod gets befuddled in the cold. The past two runs (after I've already made sure it was fully charged), it just goes dead about 20 or 30 minutes in. This last time, I actually paid attention to it (rather than just cursing madly) and noticed that it came back on after a minute or two, and indicated the battery was zapped. Knowing that not to be true, I hit play on the podcast I was listening too and voila, it played without incident for the remainder of the run. After getting inside, I noticed the battery indicator showed about 3/4 remaining. . . . Weird. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Just my $0.02: 1. As far as frozen food: as long as you're not running longer than 1.5-2 hrs you really don't need to eat anything. And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. 2. Running downwind is much easier/warmer than running against the wind. Cover your face with a shawl, ski mask or at least put some vaseline over it. And wear sunglasses. Yes, they will fog up, but the cold wind won't burn your eyes.
|
![]() ![]() |
Cycling Guru ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() markz - 2009-01-26 3:29 PM And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. Why? There is no link between getting any sort of cold/flu from doing any outdoor activities in the cold. Just curious as to what your rationalization for the statement could be? |
![]() ![]() |
![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 2:48 PM markz - 2009-01-26 3:29 PM And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. Why? There is no link between getting any sort of cold/flu from doing any outdoor activities in the cold. Just curious as to what your rationalization for the statement could be? x2. But that might just be me.
|
![]() ![]() |
Expert ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Cold chocolate mint Gu is the best stuff EVER to chew (yes, chew) down during a long run outside. |
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 2:48 PM markz - 2009-01-26 3:29 PM And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. Why? There is no link between getting any sort of cold/flu from doing any outdoor activities in the cold. Just curious as to what your rationalization for the statement could be? Just a subjective perception of difficulty. It seem to me it is harder to run in very low temps. Again, I'm not a doctor, just observed higher energy loss on those runs, which seems logical. If you have a very strong base and are motivated to run for hours - why not. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Cycling Guru ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). |
![]() ![]() |
Veteran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 4:45 PM If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). Good post.... ...that would also lend itself as to why Marathon season is done through out the cooler/colder months. Put me in the below freezing for HOURS before putting me on the dready for an hour...UGH! Edited by Tri'nNC 2009-01-26 4:00 PM |
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 3:45 PM If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). No to be over argumentative, but even if you're dressed properly you would be wearing few layers of clothes that would became wet eventually and you'll be carrying that weight plus if your mouth is covered the breathing is a bit harder etc. Overall - it is harder. And I said: 'most likely' - if you have a spring marathon, you're one of the few 'special' cases... |
![]() ![]() |
Pro ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() markz - 2009-01-26 3:41 PM I have noticed a few things for me that make it more difficult running in the cold- one, my cold cold weather gear (sub 5 degrees) weighs about 4.5-5 lbs excluding shoes. So I am carrying a little more weight on me as I run. No biggie as this will help with strength. Second, I dont drink nearly as much as I need to during cold runs. I keep my fuel belt under my coat to prevent the freeze ups. Running loops helps a bit, but with all the pain of reaching up and under stuff, its tough to stay where hydration needs to be. While clothing negates the cold and sees my sweat rates therefore similar to normal conditions, there seems to be less evaporation going on and more retention in the running gear of fluid that melts away normally. So that generally means the 5 lbs of water on a 90 min run aint going anywhere but my clothes or freezing up. Finally, when its really cold, it can feel like the bottoms of some shoes go stiff. I have had that with Brooks it seems. Maybe that one is psychological though. Still, would rather be outside. Bummed I am indoors with sore throat, but thats from rugrats with colds and not from being outdoors. Just keep anythign you dont want to freeze up as close to your body and covered up as possible and it should be fine.Daremo - 2009-01-26 2:48 PM markz - 2009-01-26 3:29 PM And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. Why? There is no link between getting any sort of cold/flu from doing any outdoor activities in the cold. Just curious as to what your rationalization for the statement could be? Just a subjective perception of difficulty. It seem to me it is harder to run in very low temps. Again, I'm not a doctor, just observed higher energy loss on those runs, which seems logical. If you have a very strong base and are motivated to run for hours - why not. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() | ![]() markz - 2009-01-26 4:02 PM Daremo - 2009-01-26 3:45 PM If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). No to be over argumentative, but even if you're dressed properly you would be wearing few layers of clothes that would became wet eventually and you'll be carrying that weight plus if your mouth is covered the breathing is a bit harder etc. Overall - it is harder. And I said: 'most likely' - if you have a spring marathon, you're one of the few 'special' cases... Over argumentative - you called? For me, I tend to sweat WAAAY more in the summer heat than I do in the cold with multiple layers. I *do* sweat in the cold, just not nearly the buckets I produce in the heat. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 4:45 PM some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option +1 on that! My limit is 10k on the treadmill. Plus, I feel super tough, even if a bit frozen, for getting out there. Oh as a side note to the OP - I did gatorade this weekend that turned into lemon/lime slushy. Didn't really want to come out of the bottle :S - i suppose that's when a carefully time break at a convenience store is in order to find non-frozen beverages ... |
![]() ![]() |
Cycling Guru ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I don't (this year). But I run all year round outside. Most of my runs are in the teens and twenties for temps and I have run all the way up to 22 milers in the cold. Really, it is not a big deal, and is easier to run than when it is warm. Again, it is not harder at all, except in your perception. From a physiological standpoint, it is actually EASIER to run in the cold. Somewhere in the range of 70% of your energy is lost as heat in the human body. Your body doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool when the air temp is lower. And the air is more dense, so you are taking in more O2 per breath than you would be in normal temps. There have been studies on this. In one that was mentioned at my USATF clinic for every 5 degrees over 50, an athlete loses about 1/2% of performance. So running in a race at 80 degrees, you lose about 3% of your performance capabilities. The most interesting about it, below 50 - no matter how far below - there was no loss in performance. |
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() lisac957 - 2009-01-26 5:05 PM For me, I tend to sweat WAAAY more in the summer heat than I do in the cold with multiple layers. I *do* sweat in the cold, just not nearly the buckets I produce in the heat.
Another +1 - after 3 winters of training for long distance races, I can honestly say i've never felt laden down with moist clothes ... most of the stuff i have is technical and weighs next to nothing and i kind of like trading my fuel belt after a hot summer for a coat with pockets ... Though I do slow down in the winter. Though i doubt it's because of the clothes but more with poor footing and colder muscles so i take longer to warm up.
Edited by juniperjen 2009-01-26 4:14 PM |
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() lisac957 - 2009-01-26 4:05 PM markz - 2009-01-26 4:02 PM Daremo - 2009-01-26 3:45 PM If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). No to be over argumentative, but even if you're dressed properly you would be wearing few layers of clothes that would became wet eventually and you'll be carrying that weight plus if your mouth is covered the breathing is a bit harder etc. Overall - it is harder. And I said: 'most likely' - if you have a spring marathon, you're one of the few 'special' cases... Over argumentative - you called? For me, I tend to sweat WAAAY more in the summer heat than I do in the cold with multiple layers. I *do* sweat in the cold, just not nearly the buckets I produce in the heat. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() lisac957 - 2009-01-26 3:05 PM markz - 2009-01-26 4:02 PM Daremo - 2009-01-26 3:45 PM If you are dressed properly, then you would not exert anything more than normal for maintaining your body heat. Most people tend to run better in the cold. But as you mentioned, it is your perception. Just keep in mind that everyone training for spring marathons doesn't have too many other options for their long runs (some would not consider running on the dreadmill an option). No to be over argumentative, but even if you're dressed properly you would be wearing few layers of clothes that would became wet eventually and you'll be carrying that weight plus if your mouth is covered the breathing is a bit harder etc. Overall - it is harder. And I said: 'most likely' - if you have a spring marathon, you're one of the few 'special' cases... Over argumentative - you called? You beat me to it |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I found out the Ipod thing a few weekends ago. Garmin goes slow as well. This weekend, I discovered that the drops of moisture on my eyelids, are not drops, they are actually icicles (as well as on my eyebrows!). |
![]() ![]() |
Pro ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Daremo - 2009-01-26 4:08 PM Talking in terms of what one wears on a 50 degree day vs at zero, there is a weight difference in gear. I am no physicist, but the reality is that if you are wearing heavier stuff (mass is higher), more energy or force or whatever is required for a similar speed, right? I am sure the study had conditions in place for an apples to apples comparison, but that is probably only practical up to a point in the real world as temperatures get colder and one needs to bundle up. In the end, it doesnt really matter. Just bundle up and get out there folks. Its not as bad as ya think.I don't (this year). But I run all year round outside. Most of my runs are in the teens and twenties for temps and I have run all the way up to 22 milers in the cold. Really, it is not a big deal, and is easier to run than when it is warm. Again, it is not harder at all, except in your perception. From a physiological standpoint, it is actually EASIER to run in the cold. Somewhere in the range of 70% of your energy is lost as heat in the human body. Your body doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool when the air temp is lower. And the air is more dense, so you are taking in more O2 per breath than you would be in normal temps. There have been studies on this. In one that was mentioned at my USATF clinic for every 5 degrees over 50, an athlete loses about 1/2% of performance. So running in a race at 80 degrees, you lose about 3% of your performance capabilities. The most interesting about it, below 50 - no matter how far below - there was no loss in performance. |
![]() ![]() |
Pro ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() markz - 2009-01-26 3:29 PM Just my $0.02: 1. As far as frozen food: as long as you're not running longer than 1.5-2 hrs you really don't need to eat anything. And when it's really cold you most likely wouldn't run that long anyway. well... I WAS running longer than 1.5-2 hours. |
![]() ![]() |
Expert ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() My run pace gets slower once the temp gets down below 10*. I think it's a combination of my muscles not liking cold, dealing with so many layers of clothing, difficulty with frozen nutrition, and windchill. I did 10 miles yesterday with sub-zero windchills. The wind is just brutal at those temps. I definitely know the nutrition issues. I try to fill my bottles with hot fluids to start, but after 45 minutes in -9* even that starts to freeze. And Gu gets nearly impossible to choke down. I can't deal with that chewiness. I try to do what the OP said and store it in an inside pocket or warm it up with my hands first. And when I forget - Yuck! Edited by MissKelly 2009-01-26 7:51 PM |
|