Whine about the weather thread (Page 21)

I'd take a lot of things, but sleet on Saturday for the Falls Du wasn't very fun. I would have sagged if that was an option!

Oh well, I cleaned the bike and lubed the chain today.  On to the next...

I was amazing the neighbor kid by how far the grit had gone "all the way up my back" as she watched me clean the bike.  Maybe a future bike racer ?!?!?!?

Something must be wrong with my Garmin.  I went for a run this morning and it logged my location as "Venus". 

Got mine in Saturday also. Oh I love Smart Wool socks! Looks like it might have to be the treadmill at work until the bike paths get plowed.

This is my first winter for running. Any strategies/tips I should keep in mind? Do people ever run in Yaktrax?

I only use Yaktrax when it's icy. I found they get gummed up when it's just snowy.  However, I do wear trail running shoes the rest of the time.   They have a bit more lug and they aren't as "airy" as my regular running shoes.   I agree - wool socks are the best!  Step in a puddle and the cold/wet only lasts a second and then you're good.  Happy running!

Breathe over your tongue to warm the air.

Hydrate - you'll still need water. 

Wear bright clothes.

If you drive to the location, have extra clothes the car.

I wear something like yak trax. I didn't need them at all last year. I find the best use of them is on the crushed limestone trail. Too much exposed pavement can be trouble. 

Multiple loops is a nice strategy. It can be a little boring, but you can bail quickly if the weather turns or you have trouble. 

Go to a dr if you have any inkling you have asthma. Cold air is one of the triggers. 

Enjoy the quiet. It's great. It'll be you and the dog walkers out there in the cold. 

That's a good list!  I am always worried about hurting myself on some distant trail and dying of exposure before the next runner comes by, so I also do stick a lot closer to home. 

And if you're running in the winter you definitely will need a good headlamp and safety vest, since it's dark half the time.

I could go on and on about clothing choices, etc, so if you have more specific questions ask.

It warms my heart that I'm not the only winter runner, my wife thinks I'm crazy, now I can prove to her that I'm not. To add to the long list of good tips above:

learn your layers and find the balance between being warm and overheating

if you run with an ipod (or something similar) keep it close to your body or you won't be listening to it for long.

If you hear someone singing Christmas carols on the trails this winter there's a good chance it's me.

This is why I wear three tube socks and one of those purple Crown Royal bags while running in the winter....

Hopefully you are carrying the CR for hydration...and warmth.

STOP THAT!!  I'm still waiting for my 8000 gallon wading pool to freeze in the back yard...

(Rink.jpg)

Your pool - I mean rink sounds really neat. But for those of us who have any sort of freeway commute and life in areas that don't blow/shovel, winter is a real PITA.  

My ONLY saving grace is working at a place that does a good job of shoveling and cleaning sidewalks.  So, I did 5 laps around Hamline today for my run.  It really truly could have been worse (treadmill, inside track, etc).  I ran into few issues with snow at least.   I only got sort of splashed once when running the stretch along Snelling.    

I just think my drive home from work should take less than 1.5 hours (1.75 on Monday). Is that too much to ask?

This thread is for whining - I am allowed!!!!

I am very proud of you for your 5 laps, but I'm ignoring all the other stuff!!!  I'll still invite you and Bob to the skating party...

I agree, I don't mind the cold as much as the conditions.  And even for a few weeks there the sidewalks were nice and dry and clear, albeit cold air temp all around.   Then the melting, snow, melting, snow.  Sidewalks I could reasonably depend on all winter were impassable in many places yesterday.  I will really enjoy being able to run free and only worry about the occasional raised concrete or crack to trip me

I actually had to grab my running partner by the clothes and stop her from falling yesterday.  Crazy!