When to let the weather win....

[sbhoa]

Just wondering when, if you have the option, it becomes sensible to choose to run indoors on the treadmill.

Since I hit a wall in week 6 I've been doing two gym sessions a week with one and now aiming for two outdoor runs. The gym sessions are more general but designed with running in mind. I don't mind going out in the cold and wet (something pleasantly anti-establishment about going out in the rain in running gear with no coat).

Given the time of year when is it actually sensible to do the running sessions in the gym? Only when it's unsafe underfoot?

[Fingalo Graduate]

I was about to ask something similar.

I've only been doing this a week and one of my runs was in light drizzle, where I only felt a bit wet until the 5 minute walk at the end. However it strikes me that my run tomorrow morning might be in proper rain. My instinct is just to go for it and get soaked but unsure what the norm is?

[JoP1 Graduate]

It's up to you really. Ive been running outside in absolute pouring rain, you do get some funny looks! I think the biggest problem is when it's icy. I went out yesterday morning and came across an accident. The police were dealing wih it, I was so busy nosing to see what had happened I didn't notice a huge patch of ice, on the side road that I was crossing. This was obviously the cause of the accident!! Luckily I had the pushchair so didn't slip over completely, but had I not have had it I think I would have gone over. I guess in future I'd t looks too icy I should go to the gym!

[Fingalo Graduate]

Thanks JoP. I go straight into the shower when I get in after a run so I don't suppose being soaked through will do me any harm.

[sbhoa]

Having been out to the supermarket today I've decided that if it's been a frosty night on top of wet pavements it would bee sensible to run indoors. Some of those icy patches don't get enough sun to thaw and are not always easy to spot. You only need to miss one to do yourself a mischief!

[Treborstone Graduate]

I agree with the others, that ice under foot is more likely to stop me running than a bit of rain.

[shelleymcb Graduate]

if its icy then dont venture outside. any injury could take ages to recover from completely. & if its just wet & you are finding the cool down walk leaving you shivering then perhaps add a base layer (vest maybe) to your running gear. Ive just bought skiwear base layers from lidl or aldi (£10 each for top & leggings) & they were great in the rain. didnt leave me too hot & felt like a second skin.

& a baseball cap is great to keep the rain/wind off your face.

personally I get a real buzz from running in the rain ~ something I thought Id never say

dont let this weather interfere with your running ~ have fun x

[sbhoa in reply to shelleymcb]

Useful information about a base layer. I tend to be more concerned about getting too hot than too cold and generally just wear capri length running tights which I've found even in the gym don't make me too hot and in this weather a long sleeved shirt.

I do have a running jacket which in nice and lightweight and gloves too but have rarely worn the jacket and never the gloves and I've been glad I didn't once I got warmed up.

[shelleymcb Graduate in reply to sbhoa]

me too. I get too hot when running so this is probably why I like running in the rain. last week I was out for a long run in the rain & was absolutely soaked through when I got home & got the shivers. I tried running this week with an ordinary vest tshirt underneath my long sleeved tshirt & found that my body couldnt breathe & I felt really uncomfortable. thats why I got the base layer stuff. seemed to let my body breathe & wasnt soaking wet from the weather when I got home. only wore the tshirt though & wished Id worn the leggings as my front thighs were frozen from the snowy cold rain. I end up with my running jacket round my waist after a couple of minutes running aswell

[Oldgirl Graduate]

We tend to get a lot of black ice up here in the NE Scotland where everything looks fine but is a nightmare to everyone, thats drivers, people walking and runners are just asking for trouble. Hard frost shows up nice a white, black ice just looks like a wet road or pavements. If in any doubt and you can run on a treadmill or at least leave your run until later in the day, 12.00-1.00 when the ice has had a chance to melt and you can see more easily.

Take care and be careful everyone. Me, well I've headed indoors to the gym, I can't afford any broken bones and if the truth be told none of us can or want that to happen.

[phoenix5422]

I nearly let the brisk cold weather beat me today, but syked myself up and away I went, was bloody cold though, even with the extra layers on!

[sbhoa]

Today was a gym day for me (general not just to run) but the heavy overnight frost meant that it really would have been unsafe to run outdoors. I don't think it got warm enough to ensure that everywhere was safe. I slipped on one small patch of ice but remained upright while walking home from the gym.