General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cold Weather Clothing Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2006-02-27 11:50 AM

User image

Regular
80
252525
Long Island, NY
Subject: Cold Weather Clothing
So, I've come to the decision that running and biking in place just ain't cutting the mustard and I've begun to venture outside for my training. Being a snowboarder, I'm used to the cold, but my way of dressing for that sport is not exactly what you'd call 'conducive' to training. It's far too baggy and 'heavy.' My questions to you all are:

1.) What is your normal 'cold weather' training gear list for both biking and running?

2.) Does the 'frozen lung' syndrome disappear after a while? (I got home from a ride yesterday - 32* and windy as a SOB - and had trouble catching my breath do to the change in temp)

Thanks in advance for all the great responses.


2006-02-27 11:57 AM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Expert
1169
10001002525
Charlottesville, VA
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
First -- don't overdress! A layer of lycra tights, a capilene or polar tech top, cotton running gloves, and a polypro "watch cap" are about all you need. If it's extra windy, a light windproof vest or pullover will do the trick.

Second -- you can't "freeze" your lungs. If you're having trouble breathing after exertion in the cold air, you're probably suffering from asthma, which can be triggered by cold air (among other things -- believe me, I've been there.) If that's a continuing problem, see your doctor or a specialist. Fortunately modern asthma medications can be extremely effective
2006-02-27 12:18 PM
in reply to: #355455

User image

Regular
80
252525
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
kenail - thanks for the quick response. My ride yesterday was more or less that kind of set-up (clothing-wise): lycra tights, polypro long-sleeve with two long sleeve cotton t's on top (one with a mock turtleneck for the wind), snowboarding gloves and a winter hat. I also wore shorts over the tights (yeah, yeah - I'm still shy about going out only in tights). I'm looking to 'modify' as necessary.

'Frozen' lungs might have been the wrong choice of words - more or less just that shocking feeling you get with cold air. But, I'll keep an eye on it and mention it to the doc if it truly becomes a problem.

Despite the sharp headwind on the second half of the ride, I really enjoyed it! Something about getting out in the cold air just feels good!
2006-02-27 12:20 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Champion
11641
50005000100050010025
Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing

I use this. It's great.

Dress the Runner.

2006-02-27 12:26 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Expert
2189
2000100252525
Dodge County, MN (out in the corn)
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
I'm a cold weather wimp. I ran a 5 mile race yesterday in the wind and 30* temps. I know what you mean about "frozen lungs". I felt like I just couldn't get a breath. Breathing in through the nose helps that. Also helps with the runny-nose syndrome.

As far as clothes go, my all time fav pants are actually a pair of horseback riding pants. They are fleece on the inside and a stretchy smooth material on the outside. Windblocking and warm at the same time. Love those pants. Yesterday I wore those pants, long socks, two tech shirts and a fleece vest along with a hat and thin gloves. I was warm enough, esp after about 4 miles. I've worn the same outfit for biking. You have to factor in a windchill for biking. Even as slow as I am, there is a bit of a breeze.

Pattie
2006-02-27 1:11 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Extreme Veteran
586
500252525
Waterboro, Maine
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
Wow, thanks for the Dress the Runner site. It is pretty basic but good to know I dress properly. I have a pair of Pearl Izumi pants that are great for cold weather running.

Today it is bitterly cold, and I wore my pearl izumi pants with a light pair of gortex wind pants over them. I wore a thin, long sleeve wicking shirt, a heavier Hot Chili shirt, and a windblock polar fleece jacket. I wore a light hat, sunglasses, light gloves and a scarf.

I like scarves. My husband prefers neck gators, but I find them awkward to pull off if I get too warm. With a scarf, I just unwind it, and tie it around my waist if I need to.

My most common run is the long way(3.4 miles) to a coffee shop, pick up a cup of coffee and walk 1.6 miles home. On the walk, I wrap the scarf around my head and neck.

I think it is so cold that my sneakers lost some of their bounce - everything felt hard and jarring today. Are sneakers rated for operating temperature?


2006-02-27 1:27 PM
in reply to: #355584

User image

Master
2629
200050010025
brummie land
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
layers is the way forward! i live in england so am used to cold weather. i wera my cycling shorts then lycra tights over the top. a cycled top, a fleece l/s top and my bike jacket on top then gloves and an ear warmer and helmet (not to keep me warm!) - toasty warm especially when i have two pairs of socks on.

i get asthma and cold air aggravates it. not had problems on my bike but find a quick puff of sabutamol (or whatever you yanks call it) helps on the runs. on my runs i stick to ym biking tights and wear a wicking t-shirt, a fleece top and my waterproof - that helps whilst i warm up). gloves and silly looking earwarmers remain

and is the effort in dressing properly for the weather that makes me love swimming - one speedo cossie from jan through december
2006-02-27 1:36 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Expert
1169
10001002525
Charlottesville, VA
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
Good advice coming your way for sure -- my previous post was more centered on running than cycling -- I'm a weenie when it comes to riding my bike below 50 degrees, but I'll hit the road about any time when it's cold, as long as there isn't ice.
2006-02-27 1:39 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Elite
2673
20005001002525
Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
One more thing regarding the lungs...be sure to cool down outside.  Don't just finish your run/bike and head in the warmth to cool off.  I had problems until I made sure to walk a couple of blocks and cool down outside first.
2006-02-27 2:11 PM
in reply to: #355640

User image

Regular
80
252525
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
morey1 - 2006-02-27 1:39 PM

One more thing regarding the lungs...be sure to cool down outside. Don't just finish your run/bike and head in the warmth to cool off. I had problems until I made sure to walk a couple of blocks and cool down outside first.

You know, now that you mention it, I think this was the problem. My face was stinging enough that I jumped right inside the moment my ride was over. I'm going to experiment with this technique and see what happens. Sometimes it's the simplest things.....
2006-02-27 3:38 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Expert
1166
10001002525
Colchester, CT
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing

I'm a big fan of the Under Armor cold weather gear.  Use it all the time for running in temps below 20 deg. 

Chris



2006-02-27 7:10 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Member
43
25
Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing

The frozen lungs thing is exactly why I didn't like running... until I figured the solution!

First, I live in Chicago and I've done a bike/run brick in 7 degree weather (wasn't all that much fun, but wasn't as bad as I feared it would have been). Here's what got me through it all - three layers. underwear, shorts, sweat pants... then t-shirt, longsleeve shirt, and heavy sweatshirt.

BUT! the key to it all was this:

A seirus all in one. It's great, not only does it provide a lot of warmth for the head & neck, but it'll cover both your mouth and nose, while (very importantly) still allowing enough air to come in and out. Essentially, it's a way to warm up the air before it freezes your lungs. It doesn't make the air super warm - but has made it possible for me to finally enjoy running in the winter. Before I would feel the cold down my windpipe and it would just flat out hurt!

The best part aobut it is that you can control the release / retention of heat.

I've searched a couple of sites, including Seirus, but can't find my exact model. It look CLOSE to the one below, but mine has a form for the nose as well as air holes over the mouth. I can't remember the exact name of the model, but it was something like "3-in-1", I remember that was prominent on the packaging. They advertised it as a neckwarmer, a hat, and a ski mask. It does all three masterfully. I bought it a Sports Authority, but looking at Seirus' web site, it's sold at many chains.

Plus, you look pretty intimidating with it on, so no worries running through rough and tumble areas of a city (as in my case).

It's also thin enough that you could put a bike helmet on top.

I know this sounds like a commercial, but it's totally changed my outlook on workout out outdoors. I don't work for them at all!

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=129455&c...
2006-02-27 7:47 PM
in reply to: #355440

User image

Elite
2673
20005001002525
Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Cold Weather Clothing
A hood/facemask like somarye77 links in temps below 15 or high winds is a great way to stay warm while training in cold weather.   I wear something like that with a hooded sweatshirt over the top on super-cold days and feel fine.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cold Weather Clothing Rss Feed