I've had the opportunity to test out my new quilted running skirt in all different temperatures now, thanks to a return to wintery weather and I must say, I love it! I've ran with it over my ColdGear tights when it was just above freezing, over top of my winter trousers last week when it was -7C and now today as my 3rd bottom layer over top of my merino tights and winter running trousers given it was -15C. My bum and tum were toasty warm and with my merino tights, even my inner thighs were not cold at all today. I was running behind when I got home so wasn't able to pop into the shower right away to see if my skin was bright red as it usually is after cooler weather runs and had to head straight to my home office to participate in a webinar (thankfully I could keep the video link off so nobody knew how sweaty and disheveled I was 😅). It may not be the most attractive look but I'm past worrying about how I look when I run. It is about warmth and comfort in my world! I would highly recommend it to anyone who has to run in cold weather conditions and battles a cold bum and tum despite wearing layer after layer.
I also tried something new today - running to a 30 minute guided run from Asics studio. I downloaded the app a while ago but hadn't really used it much. This week I noticed they had a 4 week butt workout program that I started and am enjoying (I'll get these glutes strong yet!). I was flipping through the app last night and saw they have some treadmill and elliptical workouts as well as some guided outdoor runs on it. I tried the Motivation to move run today and really enjoyed it. It has been over a year since I haven't been following some sort of training plan and am really enjoying being footloose and fancy free .... for now. I'm not running very far or for very long but it feels like the love is working it's way back in 💕
Happy running everyone...in whatever conditions you run in!
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Graduate10
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Lol thanks OF. We're in the season where -3 is balmy now but we can't complain. The cold seems to come and go pretty quick around here lately. Next week I could be back to my fall running gear 😁.
I remember last year when I first saw the skirt in a running shop I made fun of it and thought it was silly (especially the price tag attached to it!). But I can sure see the benefit (and this one wasn't a bad price) and will continue to sing it's praises. It's fun trying new things right now without any sort of pressure. Of course, come February I may be singing a different tune, as the HM starts to creep closer.
This skirt is by Craft but Solomon and outdoor research also have one as well. The most important thing is to ensure it has a slippery inside so it doesn't "catch" on your tights and ride up. Mine is mid thigh with zippers on each side so I could unzip it if I found it restrictive (which I don't)
It's all about having good winter running gear. My first year I didn't have run specific gear but it makes a huge difference to use breathable materials. I actually use a really thin merino buff and as long as it isn't windy, it is perfect. I have a neoprene half- face mask I bought last year for skiing when it was below -30 , I might try it running this year if it gets really cold or if it is windy. I'll run up to about -24C but not below that. It's just not worth the risk but I really hate the treadmill so you do what you have to do.
Fabulous look Saskie. Oh I do love guided runs now and then. They can certainly add the joy. NRC have some good ones. Plan less sounds like a good plan. I’ll tell you all about chi running after my workshop. 😘
Please do! That's fun that you are attending a workshop about it. Much better than trying to learn by reading a book. I haven't done a guided run before but enjoyed the change. I will likely do another one at some point. I'll have to check out the NRC ones.
I love hot weather, l mean proper hot weather. Like that heat when a slim guy sweats while simply sitting down. At the same time I'd like to love cold weather but here in London we don't get that kind of thing. My next on kin in Toronto get a feel of it at times but your pastures look fine and proper. My idea of fun, and l hope that one day it will materialise, is to run in your conditions and enjoy it. You look business, by the way. I always appreciate when people look rock, as well as roll, when they show up - and you certainly do!
I hope you get to run in some true Canadian winter weather some day. It is an experience everyone should get a chance to try. I enjoy winter running; it is easier to put layers on but can only take so much off in the heat.
Wow Sask!! 🤩 Now that’s some running! Absolutely love your photos and you have made those temperatures sound so good, I’m almost wanting it to snow! (Almost 😉)!
Now, looking homeless is certainly not what comes to mind! You look amazing and you sound unstoppable!! I’ve had an education on how to stay warm even in the coldest of weathers too. You’re brilliant! Loved your post so much!
Thanks Fab 😊. I really love a nice calm snowy run. I've had to learn what to wear for each season and it seems like the start of winter, I have to relearn because I forget what works for each temperature range. I was actually overdressed on my top half yesterday and could have gotten away with 2 layers only. Time to make a chart for each temperature range 🤓
Yay! I'm so glad you were able to get out despite the cold weather. I find the trick is to actually be a little cool when you start out (but not too cold). Once you warm up, you're just perfect. It is a bit of a balance though and takes some trial and effort, for sure.
Running in these temperatures does bring a new challenge. There is nothing fast about these runs (I run about a minute per km slower, especially if icy) and you have to go slow while your muscles warm up.
Thanks Jell6 😊. Like I said on the reply to your post, it is a relative thing. I have great run gear for these temps. I actually tried on a pair of quilted running tights that were amazing a couple of weeks ago but they were rated for -20 and with the way our winters are I thought the skirt would get more use. I may get them yet though depending on how our winter fares. I looked like the Michelin man in them though 😂
Wow, I had to look at your profile to see where you are. -15?! Think I 'd be sitting at home next to a radiator with a hot drink in my hand....I do like the idea of running in the snow though. It looks amazing. And so do you. I love the running skirt. Trying to find a reason why I might need one 😀.
With the first real cold spell, I feel the same way. Fortunately we acclimate after awhile and can get on with life. We've learned to enjoy winter since it is our longest season and are wishing for more and more snow so we can get out and be active again - skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling - it is so fun!
I'm on the Prairies in Canada (Saskatchewan) so we see very distinct seasons. Hot dry summers, long cold winters, super short spring and fall but they are there. You just might blink and miss them 😆
It's nice that winter has finally arrived. Hopefully it sticks around now. This is our third (?) snowfall this year but it keeps warming up and melting. Come November, I'm ready to get on with winter ❄️ ☃️
That does look amazing weather - like every run is an adventure. Here in southern England I think I've done one run in a long sleeved shirt so far this autumn - otherwise always short sleeves. Seems like another world!
It means I get to buy a lot more kit 😆. I have 3 different weight running tights, 3 different weight long sleeve shirts, a merino base layer for when it is really cold, 2 different weight running gloves. Good thing I like to buy running gear 🤑. Unfortunately with all the kit comes a lot of faffage - check the temperature, figure out what layers to wear, check the wind, change my mind, check for ice to see if I need to wear cleats, oh right weave my ear buds up through all the layers, then not to get too warm before I head out so I don't start sweaty 😆. It's fun though.
I'm new to running, but an experienced hiker, and though it rarely gets very cold or very hot here we do a nice line in rain. Looking at the weather and seeing we're in for a downpour lasting several hours I love that I just put on the right walking gear, and it's no problem.
In my own small way - because the weather here is not a killer like -24 and colder could easily be - I maybe enjoy the same feeling of enjoying an adventure.
It is amazing how the right gear makes all the difference with any activity. We have great gear for skiing and different winter gear specific for snowmobiling that is more wind proof. It is expensive having different kit for each activity but it makes it so much more enjoyable. You can probably use some of your hiking gear for your cooler weather runs, being breathable and lightweight - at least any jacket and light weight gloves you may have. I found when I started running, I was using too heavyweight of hat and mitts. My hands heat up nicely within the first 10 minutes but are often quite cold at the start. By doing it this way, I can keep my gloves on the whole run and just keep them curled in a fist until they warm up. I used to get too hot and have to take them off midrun even though we were well below freezing but the risk for frostbite would have still been there. It is much safer doing it this way. My buff is a lightweight one now too, instead of my old thick polar fleece one from skiing that would have my face get too hot.
I want that skirt! And the head gear that would be perfect for me ....I love being incognito!! I also love that you got straight on with work full sweat! You are embracing all the things that I need to... I don’t know how you do it in that temperature you are certainly determined and committed. Too icy here this morning to brave it out! That’s my excuse anyway! Xx
I was that way last week when it was glare ice everywhere. Now it is just icy patches. I have a couple different type of slip-on grippers I wear on my trail shoes and it helps. I'm currently liking my Yaktrax but they are getting very worn so may need to order new ones.
I had hoped to shower and eat before my webinar, but oops! Didn't happen. Fortunately it was only an hour long session. Of course, I was getting uncomfortable sitting in my sweaty gear so had to peel a bit more off mid session 😳. I'm glad I figured out how to turn the camera and audio off. Otherwise some may have got more than they bargained for 😂
Great running kit - just goes to prove that there's no such thing as the wrong weather if you have the right clothes! A quilted running skirt! Don't think they sell too many of them in England. Fab photos too - happy running!
It is definitely all about the gear! When I bought the skirt, the sales lady showed me a pair of full quilted tights too. They were very toasty (maybe too toasty; they are rated for up to -20) but I felt like the Michelin man. Who know though, I'll probably end up buying them next year given my history 😆. I thought the skirt was silly last year and now can't imagine running without it in these cold temps 😁. My best purchase though was my jacket last year. It was more than I ever thought I would spend, but it is so nice and thin and so breathable. It is perfect for my weather! I look forward to winter so I can wear it 🙃
Heroine! Ice Queen! Ruler of the Frost! Splendid post. You look fab, the info is great, and no one in the UK gets to complain about the cold ever again! ❄️☃️❄️🎉
Wowee Sask, running in -15 is sheer dedication...but then needs must, can't stop when you're an addict 😉
I'm the same when running, who cares what you have to wear as long as it's right for the weather...though I think you look awesome as I've a thing for running gear! 🏃♀️👍
I might have a bit of a running kit addiction 😂. Between trail running in the hills that I run in the summer and the winters I have here, I have quite an eclectic collection of run gear for all seasons. But it is so fun and like ForbiddenPlanet said, it's always an adventure. It keeps it fun and exciting, and a little costly. You get into running thinking it is a cheap pastime. All you need is shoes, right 🤣. Ya, right 🤑. I'm sure I'll find more kit I just have to have. Good thing my husband doesn't mind. His hobbies are a lot more expensive and I'm the frugal one in the relationship, so he likes it when I buy more gear. Then he feels less guilty about his purchases.
I have a drawer for just running clothes but it is overflowing now. I also have a bag that I carry my trail running gear in (poles, bug spray, sunscreen, gaiters). My hydration vest is currently hanging in my closet and then my jacket and shoes are in the front closet. I hang my winter trousers and merino base layer off my mirror in my bedroom after my run so they can dry. I have some gear hanging off the chairs in my dining room (my toque, buff and jacket right after the run so it dries). I guess I have it spread all over the house but I know where most of it is. Hmmm, that’s a little embarrassing 😳 😂 It really is fortunate my husband is very supportive of my running. In my defence, he has a separate garage/workshop for all his hobbies 😂
I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked. When it is windy, the thighs can still get a bit cool but to have a warm bum and tummy makes all the difference!
I had overdressed on my top half for this run(should have only wore 2 layers) so was glad it was a shorter run. I tend to warm up pretty quick which is nice. I just have to start nice and slow to allow the muscles to warm up a bit but with the ice, I've been keeping the whole run slow and steady lately. No speedy bits for me 😁
I wear a driwear sock that is a little thicker than my normal sock and quite warm. They are not a running sock but an outdoor activity sock. I use my regular trail shoe as well, which is not waterproof but has a tighter weave to it. Surprisingly my feet seem to be warm enough despite running in -20 or colder. They don't tend to get wet with our snow here due to the dry air but would likely be a bigger issue on the coast where the humidity is higher. As a consequence, we don't have very good snowman making snow here because the air is so dry ☹️. If I step in a big fluffy snowbank snow can get in the top of my shoes but it really hasn't been a big issue.
You’re looking great! All set for the weather. The nice white layer of snow you have is beautiful. It’s great that you’re running and having a good time. 😀 The skirt looks perfect for a Christmas wish list or after Christmas sales.
It’s always fun to see the tourists from the UK when they discover running in wintry conditions at our parkrun. The slight trepidation at the beginning turns to smiles at the end. ❄️
I haven’t been running. I need to go soon in order to not lose the ability. Winter running in the city just isn’t very appealing. My last venture out was a week and a half ago at parkrun. Your post is inspiring ! Your love for running shines through loud and clear. I’ve got to get out there and find some running love!
Thanks a Lavender 😊. Getting out in the dark and cold in winter for a run has it’s challenges so I’m just trying to get out when I can without too much pressure (and to keep the skill 🙂). I hope you are able to get out for a run sometime soon. I bet seeing the tourists at your parkrun not used to winter weather embrace it is fun. It would be nice to have a local parkrun to try and help keep the love going strong.
Hi! Well you certainly look prepared! I am glad to know that it’s normal to be red on the patches that went cold. My last run was at +4C but wasn’t dressed right. Turns out that at some point between 10 and 4 you need to put on a longer layer... how is it going since ans what’s this butt programme, i need to strengthen mine!
I'm pleased to say after yesterday's run which was also -15, my tummy wasn't red at all when I popped in the shower after. It was great! I haven't been running as much as I should be right now but taking every run as the treat it is. The butt programme is going pretty good. It is through a myAsics app that was linked to Runkeeper and I seem to get free with my premium Runkeeper subscription. It is only twice weekly and each session is under 30 minutes so easy to get motivated to do which is nice. At least if I'm not running as much as I should be, I'm doing something that should help it.
-15? I wish. A vicious common cold decked me for a week or so. Nose and throat business. And it's plus 8C!? At least thank god there's no flu around and hasn't been for many years but this little bugger of a virus still managed to stop me. Good to see you all running though and knowing me I'll be out soon and ready for a 'proper' London winter (simply embarrassed to translate it to Canadian, no comparison). Sask, in the height of our 'freeze' l run in a single base layer and an NBA top. Ok, at times (wooo, scary), l may put on a little hat to cover my ears so they don't fall off. Runners like you should have streets, if not boulevards, named after yourselves.
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Back at last! (at least I hope so)
An autumnal 8k
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