Do You Like Running In Cold Weather?

Do you like running in cold weather?  I’m usually O.K. with it, but there’s cold, and then there’s obscenely frigid.  That’s what we’ve gotten here in Kentucky the last few days, and I’ve definitely lost my motivation to run outside in this mess.  I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve either gotten soft, or I’m just way too picky.

Why don’t I like running in cold weather?

It’s not so much that I don’t like running in the cold.  When I was training for my first (and only) half-marathon, I was completely committed to the idea, and weather really didn’t affect my running schedule.  And, truthfully, I don’t mind running in inclement weather.  Rain doesn’t bother me, as long as it isn’t too cold.  And to be honest, running in a light snowfall is something I actually enjoy.  There’s nothing quite as peaceful as running in a fresh snowfall.  I think its because it deadens sound, but when you add wind to the equation, I start to lose motivation real fast.  I don’t enjoy running in high wind even on a warm day, and when the temperature drops below about 20-degrees Fahrenheit, you can just about count me out.

I’ve read that running apparel can make all the difference on that front, and I’d have to agree, up to a point.  The addition of a good base layer of wicking fabric, underneath a fleece works wonders for staying warm.  Add a wind and water resistant shell as an outer layer, and the combo works wonders in helping keep you warm.  I’ll add a pair of gloves and hat to round out the outfit.  In extreme cases, I’ve was recently gifted a fleece balaclava (thanks Mom!) that works wonders.  All of this stuff works wonders for staying warm while running in cold weather.  But add a stiff wind to the equation, and it seems like the whole thing just goes in the toilet.  There’s nothing quite as miserable as running into a 20 mph wind when its 10-degrees outside.  So, if anyone has a ideas for running gear that helps out when running in the wind, I’d love to hear it.

If you’ve read this week’s posts, you’ve probably figured out that, insofar as my fitness goals are concerned, this week didn’t turn out too good week for me.  It’s been cold and windy.  I lost a day at the gym because life stepped in.  Sometimes that happens.  Then I lost a running day because I wimped out due to weather.  I know I can’t “make it up,” but maybe I’ll get in some bodyweight work this afternoon.  That would make me feel better, anyway.  Right.

And, to add insult to injury, as I write this post, my wife is trying to figure out teach a Zumba class to September (Album Version) by Earth, Wind, and Fire.  I’m going to go do some pushups.

Related posts:

1. Is running the fountain of youth?
2. Preparing for the half marathon