Fit Chick in the City » Winter Running

The Coldest Cold

Jess — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:26:01 +0000

I talk a big game when it comes to running outside in the winter, but the truth of the matter is I hate being cold. I’m probably the first runner in NYC to sport pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tomorrow morning the temp is supposed to be 17 degrees without the wind chill. Right now its 22 degrees with a wind chill of 8.

Here’s what I’ll be wearing tomorrow morning:

1st Layer:

Smart Wool Ski Socks

Hot Chilly’s Long Underwear (that I bought for skiing 4 years ago)

Asics Thermopolis top

Un-pictured glove liners

2nd Layer:

Craft Storm Jacket

Sporthill XC Pant

180s Convertible Training Glove

Trail Head’s Ponytail Hat (which is ugly, but warm)

Bonus Layer:

There may be a game time decision to add in hand warmers.

This will actually be my first season wearing the craft jacket. In the past I’ve stuck with a running jacket, thermal top and sleeve-less base layer. I’m hoping this jacket will allow me to stick with two layers on top.

Wow, I just realized its after 11:00 p.m.. If I’m actually going to make it out the door to meet SJT at 6 am, I better go to sleep. Good Night!

P.S. I did not pay full price for any thing other than the hat and gloves. Always buy your running gear on sale, never pay full price!

Fail and Succeed

Jess — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:16:13 +0000

“If you want to succeed double your failure rate.“ Thomas Watson

My stay-cation is officially over. Man, how I love being at home for so many days. Sometimes it really is better than going away. Yesterday, like any other day was filled with failures and successes. Here’s a quick recap.

Fail

My 5 mile run ended at 3 miles. I’m really trying to stick with my training plan(something I am not known for). I didn’t want my cold to get the best of me, but I guess it did. When I cut my run short, I felt like a wimp. I was annoyed with myself, that I couldn’t mentally push through the breathing problems. FAIL

Succeed

Ending my run at 3 miles. When I got home I looked horrible all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. My eyes were bright red and I couldn’t stop sneezing. Upon second thought, the fact that I called it at 3 miles a success. At least I made it back home before I passed out in the park. SUCCESS!

Fail

I found that my favorite water bottle has been living on the Husband’s bike full of water for months. Moldy water bottles are not your friend. I failed to find the same bottle at the bike shop.

Fail

I tried modifying a recipe from one of my new cookbooks by adding in 1 tsp of mint. Which you can imagine is a wee bit too much!

Succeed

Sweet, sweet slumber… oh how I needed you! Thanks to Tylenol PM I slept for a solid 10 hours. No pea was going to keep me awake last night! Sleep was a success!

Winter Running Tip: If you want to have a successful run in the cold weather, but are struggling with a burning throat or trouble breathing (not due to a cold) try this:

Breathe through your nose.
Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or balaclava. Its easier to breathe in slightly warmer air.

Commando?

Jess — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:42:18 +0000

I’m getting a little personal here on FCITC today. We’re talking underwear.

Panty lines are a drag even when your working out. This is an even bigger nightmare when an entire room full of people are staring at your butt while you demonstrate the perfect squat. Therefore, I’m stuck wearing somewhat uncomfortable underwear so that I’m not humiliated in front of all the fashionistas in the room.

Running tights are not forgiving. As much as I hate the way they look, they keep my legs warm. In fact, I have brand new pair that I can’t wait to bust out when the temps drop. Summer on the other hand is easy peasy thanks to running shorts.

Choosing what underwear to wear becomes a dilemma in the winter. The last few years I’ve ran in the dark hours of the morning when no can see my panty lines. This year I will probably be running during daylight hours, but will not compromise comfort during a run.

According to a Gear Test in the NY Times I have more options than I realized, but wasn’t fortunate enough to be their gear tester.;)

Do you have any recommendations? What do you do wear for both your winter runs and while working out???