The 7 emotional stages of winter running

[Decker]

For my cold weather friends. How many times do you switch layers before you actually step out the door? At least once for me : runningmagazine.ca/the-scen...

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

True, so true! I don't tend to change my outfit once it's on but I spend a lot of time looking at the forecast ahead of time (usually starting the night before) and planning my outfit. My biggest struggle comes when the weather changes; I'll be in a groove, knowing what to wear, then the weather warms up a bit. Is this still my cold weather gear or do I switch to my cool weather gear? That was my dilemma yesterday, but made the right decision to wear my cool, not cold, weather gear 😆. My other struggle, is cleats or no cleats? I drove to where I was running yesterday, could see the pathway was clear, but knew when I "crossed the tracks" I would reach a part of the path not as well maintained, but is it enough to wear the cleats on the cleared path? So I drove to where I normally would turn around on my out and back and started my run from there instead. Definitely needed cleats; there was so much ice... for about 8 of my 11k. Good decision, Allie, good decision! Then I also skirted around 3 of the 4 steel bridges I normally run over. The one had I to run over was actually ok with my cleats but it wasn't frosty at all. The struggles of winter running. No frozen eyelashes or nose hairs yesterday though, but definitely a cold face off and on throughout the run. Buff over the chin....buff off the chin...buff up and over the nose....buff off the face and jacket unzipped....🙄

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

You could be our resident cold weather expert you have so much ice experience! It was a balmy -2 this morn so only one or two of the bridges were icy. I’ve been researching the icebugs since you mentioned it, but so far you are right they are a bit pricey. Hoping to find a deal in a shop nearby over the weekend or boxing day. Otherwise i did see a pair of peregrines on sale, though my grip today was not too bad so I may hold out. I am usually too casual with the forecast, thinking it is generally cold or warm but then realizing the reality on opening the front door, then having to switch gear 😁

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I’ve become the stereotypical Saskatchewanian - obsessed with weather. You’d think I was a farmer 😆.

I believe runswithdogs was able to find her icebugs on sale at Sportchek which made the price more tolerable. They aren’t listed even on their website anymore but I saw the run shop by my brother-in-laws in Edmonton has them so perhaps some day when we go for a visit. They’re a stiffer shoe so I’d want to try them on first. If you do find some and try them, I’d love to get your take on them.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Well I just picked up a pair of Saucony Excursions 25% off on a Black Friday sale. Hoping they will do the job on some of the icy bits. They have a really deep tread so we’ll see. Plus I want to get into some trails this summer. I thought running was cheap? 🙄🙂

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Sweet! Now you’re ready for anything! I think when you hit the trails, you’ll be hooked! I know I prefer a trail run any day! The hardest part is getting over the fact that you will be hiking parts of it, especially the steeper hills.

I think running can be cheap, but boy oh boy, I love my gear so it is less cheap, that’s for sure. I think I might work on some speed intervals and hill training on my treadmill this winter so I should probably buy a pair of road runners again. My last treadmill workout I pulled out my old runners that I used for my walking marathon a few years ago - not a lot of tread left on those babies but better than using my trail shoes which grip the belt way too much 🤷‍♀️

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yes I’ve got a taste for them now and I’m looking forward to more trail runs. We’ll have to see about the steep hills. Maybe these shoes will get a workout.

Good gear is a great investment. I am learning that slowly, and getting better gear through the seasons. I might try some treadmill work out too at the local gym if the weather really gets nasty.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I saw this clip - no need to wait for summer to hit the trails! That looks gorgeous and SO MUCH FUN! I wish I lived closer!

runningmagazine.ca/video/wi...

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

That does look like fun! My buddy has a place in Guelph that backs onto the Bruce Trail. Maybe I should hit him up for a run soon!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

You should! I saw another video that wasn't snow covered. It looks like a great place to run for any season. Time for a road trip!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I want to run on the Bruce. Our Saturday run leader holds the record for running the entire trail: mec.ca/en/article/jim-wille...

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

One word sums that up...WOW!

I was watching a video with him in it talking about trail running and I thought he was the one you had spoke of before. How cool is it that he's your run leader!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Coolest guy ever. Now running with us at Around the Bay 30k and then running 812km to Boston to then run the Boston Marathon while raising money to buy socks for shelters!! How could anyone NOT be inspired around that?

[runswithdogs in reply to SaskAlliecat]

sportchek.ca/brands/icebug....

On clearance! I have the Anima3

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to runswithdogs]

Nice! I just got a pair of Saucony Excursions for 25%off so maybe next year for the Icebugs. I just really like the Sauc fit. I’d be interested to hear how you are liking them through the season.

[runswithdogs in reply to Decker]

I picked them up last year. They are very stiff on the sole, which is my only complaint. But on ice they are the absolute best, even that slick meltwater-refrozen ice. Most winter runs I just use my usual run-of-the-mill Asics, but now if I know it'll be slippery I use the bugs. I've also tried slip on grips to mixed success, but it's an economical option. I believe Solomon also does a studded pair of shoes.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to runswithdogs]

Sound like they are worth the money esp from a safety perspective.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

You and SaskAlliecat are an example to us all! Almost leave me lost for words the conditions that you run in!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Sask is the real expert. She has -20 and I only have -2 today😁 I am spoiled in Ontario most of the year. February is another story... ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Yesterday’s run was at a balmy -3C, as well! I find that temperature messes with me a bit. Too warm for my winter gear but what to wear for my cool weather gear?. I found my coldgear under armour tights with a lovely fleecy technical top and my super thin breathable windbreaker (it has mesh under the arms and sides and small holes along the back) with a merino buff and my running toque fit the bill with my thin running gloves. I’ve almost got it down to a science for what to wear at each temperature. Anything below -7, out comes the winter running kit, the layers determined by how much below -7 it is. Yup, I’m a super geek in all aspects of my life 🤓

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yeah I debated on layer count this morn. Went from 4 to 3 layer and it was the right call as I was a cold sweaty mess by the end of 17. I’m sure the other people in the coffee lineup later on really appreciated that. 😁

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

😂

That’s what I love the most about my new winter gear - 2 layers only (one layer on the bottom unless it is really cold). I’m working on getting used to going out of the house with only 2 layers on the top and wearing my thin fall long sleeve top only under my jacket instead of my fleecy top. So crazy! Love it though! It was well worth the investment. I also don’t get nearly as sweaty during the run despite staying warm enough. I’m super pleased with my arc’teryx atom LT hoody 💕 (less happy with the price tag 😳)

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Love it..... thankfully we have a thermometer that shows the temp outside so I have my rules.....

Above 5 degrees thin top optional shorts depending on type of run

Below 5 degrees jacket and long trousers

Below 0 woolly hat and gloves

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to ju-ju-]

That is a good system Ju. I just got some long run tights and with shorts over top they are fine for most temps. If it is really cold i will wear a base layer too. I bought a buff finally!! which i used on a cold night run last week. Worked like a charm. I use my run skullcap for most cooler temps too. And mitts for anything below zero.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to ju-ju-]

That's a fab idea!

[Lordi Marathon]

I've wimped-out by running down in my running bunker/parking hall the last few runs while it's dark, rainy, windy and 1,2,3 degrees (hypothermia territory). I'll be back outside when it's sunny and Finnish minus stoopid though

I've found I run hot even in sub zero temps, so I only have to worry about a wind stopper and covering my hands and ears, and not go too far from civilisation in case of a slip up!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

I think I would do exactly the same if I had a concrete run bunker close by!

I find if i keep my head and hands warm that I can get away with a light run jacket and an insulated vest over a t-shirt.

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

It is tricky knowing what to wear. I was usually dressing too warmly and getting too sweaty the first few winter runs last year but learned from that. I’m not a fan of cold weather and find the first 5 to 10 minutes of cold uncomfortable but worth the comfort later on during the run. Saska really does seem to be an expert on this. You have to be brave and hearty to run in a Saskatchewan winter.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Or just really desperate to keep the running happiness going 😂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lavender1962]

It is tricky, I am still learning the best layer combos for different conditions and efforts. But cooler at the start is a general rule that seems to work. Not too cool mind you Yes, anyone that can run through a Saskatchewan winter is a special kind of runner!

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Although I don't run in anything like the temperatures you guys do it can get pretty chilly in Scotland, it's more wind chill than base level cold though—'body so warm, face so cold' is a very familiar issue! I always check the 'feels like' part of the local forecast as my only rule is that if it feels like less than -5 I wear a thermal layer under my jacket. But my outfits don't change all that much because I don't like to take layers off, and I'll run chilly rather than overheat. I don't have a lot of different kit for cold days aside from ice grips, I did buy a hooded fleece buff when I first started running but haven't yet had occasion to wear it, merino is usually enough. Also Mr Sqk told me it made me look like a lycra monk which put me off a bit.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sqkr]

Yes the “feels like” is the only part of the forecast that matters😁 I usually err on the opposite side with one too many layers. If my head and hands are warm then I’m good with my vest and a jacket. I even bought a buff for very cold days - not a hooded lycra monk version though 🙂 It is warmer today at +1, though it is bucketing down, so my hooded rain jacket is going on.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

When I was training for my first Spring marathon I read something about how one should always keep the muscles covered up to keep them warm, so in the icy temperatures of January and February I always wore long sleeves and long tights, and just sweltered! I was dying to run in shorts and a vest, but I persevered until the weather warmed up. And as it turned out the day of the race was a hot one, and I felt that my months of sweltering had prepared me somewhat 😊

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Some of the runners in our group still wear t-shirts and shorts in minus 10 weather. Brave souls. Your sweltering wardrobe training set you ip nicely for that first marathon! I doubt our spring race will be sweltering. Probably still be icy 🥶

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Very brave! Because of course my "cold" is pretty mild to some folk 😊😊😊

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

haha yes mine too

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

And the main point here is that nobody mentioned running inside on a treadmill. How’s that for passion, eh?

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

I'm quite sure I would immediately face-plant if I stepped on one! I think Sask has one at home - if anyone could use it, it's her with that Saskatchewan weather :). Crazy weather running can be like an adventure - once I convince myself to actually get out the door...also LAYERS. Getting them right every time is a black art.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I have one and use it if it is windy and cold where frostbite is a real risk but would much rather run outside. I did a hill workout on it last week because it was so icy around here. It was ok since every few minutes the speed and incline was changing. I’m thinking i’ll do some speed and hilly workouts sometimes just to change things up this winter, especially when it is windy and cold. But I got out and ran the mountain bike course yesterday through the snow. That was a fun, slow challenge.

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

You and SaskAlliecat reached an upper dome of this game. I tried and managed the Adriatic heat in the summer and l suppose it’s a mix of how much you want it, how persistent you are and what your body says about the whole business.

On the treadmill front, l ran like a marionette when my physio asked me to and I’d rather take up another hobby (knitting or face-painting) than subject myself to a half Marathon on that machine.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

I prefer running in cooler temps than crazy heat, though I lean to warmer climes generally. It seems to change daily as to how well I can perform. So many factors like too many layers in the rain (today), or adding extra miles (these last few weeks adapting to the new plan) make a big difference.

My hat is off to you on the treadmill experience!

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

You’ve read it wrong, lol. I only ran for a couple of minutes (if that long). If, IF, l had to run HM on that thing l would probably take up knitting as an alternative hobby. Sorry, l should’ve been clearer (never talk to runners while being distracted by a teenager who’s asking you to pay for his iCloud storage increase).

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

Lol ok that makes more sense! I’ve been debating whether to give it a try this winter but you’re making a good case against it so maybe I’ll give it a miss for now 😁.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

Full disclosure: I’ve run the indoor track a few times too in nasty weather. The most was 18km last winter and I also DON’T advise it. 😳🙂

[runswithdogs in reply to Decker]

Good gravy. 18 on a track? That deserves a medal.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to runswithdogs]

Haha. It was an ice storm or something similarly nasty outside that day so I recall there was not much of an option

[runswithdogs]

I more often than not overdress and then suffer, including this week. Default should be to wear less than I think I need. We also get the chinooks coming over the mountains, which can shuffle the temperature 15 degrees in no time at all, making for terrible clothing decisions.

Happy winter running. Are you or Sask doing the Resolution run this year? I think I'm going to sign up for the 10k on my end, but it was dreadfully cold last year.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to runswithdogs]

I’m the same way. Though I went for a run to grab some bagels today and stuffed my vest into my backpack just in case. I was so hot that I did not need it. You are really at the mercy of your weather there. I read it will be a long cold winter with less precipitation on this side of the country for whatever that is worth. I have not signed up for the resolution run. At the moment I just have the Around the Bay 30k in late March. I may still add another winter race in there.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to runswithdogs]

I haven’t committed to anything yet. I just found out I have the first week of January off so I am hoping for lots of snow so we can explore some different snowmobile trails in the north and take our kiddo to a few of the small Saskatchewan ski hills that week. I’ve been toying with the Hypothermic Half in February but February can be so ugly I haven’t committed to that yet either...just trying to build up my distance, just in case 🤞

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

People should get a medal just for showing up for that race!