Winter Running

Winteris my favorite season for most things recreastion wise in the last decade.  Mostly due to having children, I find the beauty is amazing in the Okanagan, really reminding me of winters in Ontario with snow possible each week leading to Christmas.  We got some snow the other day, so I am happy.  One of the reasons I run is that I wanted to be that dad who could keep up with the kiddies to go up the hill several times without dying.  Success! 

I do not, however enjoy slush when running or driving.  Or running NEAR driving.  My asthma can be triggered by the perfect combination of cold and pet hair, or dust, so an inhaler may be needed when winter sets in more often as well.

That being said, a nice crisp morning like I had yesterday, with the breath steamy and the snow crunching underfoot, makes me be in wonder.  I love the winter scene, it is Christmastime to me.

Merry Christmas and happy running. 

Crunchy New Snow Running

Dark morningswith fresh snow give me a chance to take in a bit of Christmas cheer!  I love the sounds of fresh snow, the sparkle when under street lamps, how when snow gathers on the finest of branches.  It feels like a wedding veil on the earth!

I only went 5 k today, but it was well enjoyed.  I kept under the light of the street lamps locally and thus can get my head into other things than hazards.  I did a bit of stretching my buttock as its been stiff especially in the morning.  Feels good all around.  Came home to our new house all decked out in Christmas cheer. 

Happy Christmas Season!

Frosty Run

Frozen Solidtoday, this morning's run was a really good one, but I felt slow.  I actually like this frigid weather.  Not so much the dark mornings, so I need to stick to the highways around my place to keep well-lit.

As long as I have extra, er, insulation 'down there' as I tend to feel the chill there first, I like getting out into such cold weather, especially when it snows.  I think because parto f me feels so hard core!

It is miserable to have wind against you though!

I feel that I am thoroughly prepared this winter for cold though.  What about you?  What are your must haves in cold weather to make things more bearable?  Share and I will probably think about getting that item.  Has anyone used hot paws or a toque with ear buds in them?  Electric socks?  What are the ultimate trend in stock stuffers for the runner this year?

Things I need for cold weather:

• toque/beany
• gloves
• wind resistant pants/underwear
• highly visible breaker
• thermal long sleeved shirt that wicks
• hot shower afterwards
• a dream of a future hot tub
  

Geared Up for Winter

2nd Winterfor me in running. Well, second and a half.  I began back in the January of 2008.  That makes two years of serious running.  My body has changed, my clothes have changed, but now I am geared up and looking towards a winter of running with all my barriers addressed.  I have just received from Roadrunner sports.com my thermal compression tights.  They are Pearl Izumi Therma Phase Tights. I don't feel the liner inside will be able to keep my nether regions warm enough,  so an extra pair of underwear is necessary, also for support on longer runs.  Why cant they make them more 'brief-like'??  I do feel like a superhero in them!  I am hoping they keep me warm for the really cold weather.

I also have a high-visibility marathon jacket (illumiNITE Marathon Jacket) I have purchased so I don't look like a dark ninja on the road.  Both were affordable and I got a great discount from the site for having a VIP membership, with free shipping!
If you are inclined to stay indoors, there is a site which may interest you :  It is devoted to reviewing treadmills and there are some quizzes to do!  Unfortunately, I cannot afford the space for a treadmill, in my home thus my heading outdoors in the wind and snow.  I have to say, wind is a bigger difficulty than is snow in my books. 

Dark Running

Afterfollowing my 1/2 marathon up with some runs for the last few weeks, I have been having such a hard time staying motivated to get out there.  I missed my long run yesterday.  This was because of the transition to later in the day runs because of the darkness factor. 
I am not stationary, and have been going to the gym twice a week lately as well as running, but my motivation to go out after work is really taking a hit.  I feel winter slumpsville.  How do you handle the change in season??

I have purchased equipment, all except a headlamp, which I will probably need, but do not really want to have to use.  Running in the dark is a HUGE barriere for me!  Anyone else feel that way?

Dark Run

Winter booshave started.  I hate when my runs are altered sue to the sun being absent.  I just cant go out with the pitch blackness of night still looming.  I bought a reflective shell to wear, but will likely need to buy a headlamp bright enough for winter dark running.  Maybe then I can get out still before work.  With my wife working longer hours, it will be very difficult to go after work, as I am with the kids.  Winter can really be a challenge.  And if it snows, don't get me started.  I need to stick then to the highways, where large semi truck zoom past me, blowing wet sand and wind at me.  The loop is about 12.5 k on my consistent run then.  Makes for a dreary run.