Cold weather

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TT: Mental Benefits to Running (in January)

Running in Cold Weather Tips: How to Run Outside in the Winter | SELF

Do you hesitate to go for a run outdoors when it is freezing?

Here’s why you should bite the bullet and ditch the treadmill, if possible:

  • Running releases feel-good chemicals:

Running releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can improve your mood. 

This is important in all seasons but often more needed in the cold weather months.

  • Running reduces symptoms of depression:

Regular exercise such as running can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Ever get that post-holiday blues?
  • Running improves sleep:

Running in the morning can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. 

And since it gets darks so early now, morning is the best time to run.

  • Running increases confidence:

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Setting and achieving running goals can help you feel more confident and accomplished. 

Now is the time to start on those goals.

  • Running improves focus:

Nature can provide a break from daily stimuli, which can help improve focus. 

Do you stare at the computer most of the day?

Try to take a break and go for a run…

  • Running increases energy:

Exercising outdoors (by going for a run) can increase your energy levels. 

No matter how tired you feel, if you go outside for a run, you will feel more energized when you return indoors.
  • While Running you absorb vitamin D:

The sun provides vitamin D, which can improve your mood and energy levels.

Obviously it’s best to go for a run on a sunny day but there is still more vitamin D outdoors on a cloudy day than inside.

Happy Running! Do you run outdoors in January? Why or why not? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Weekly Run Down: 12.22.24-12.29:24: Holiday Celebrations

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah or both (like I do).. this was the big week.

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I hadn’t run in a week!!

So what would you do?  -10!!!!!

I waited until 10:00 am and prayed that I wouldn’t freeze to death.

Deb & I ventured out in the cold and wind at UAlbany… and survived (barely).

I called it quits after one 3 mile loop…

After I thawed out, I went to see the Wicked movie with my BFF to celebrate her birthday. Afterward we had a nice dinner out.

We enjoyed the movie… looking forward to part 2…

  • Monday – DAY OFF. Again a single digit day. So I waited until afternoon for it to warm up…and went for a run.

still freezing out 😦

  • Tuesday – WFH but had to go into the office to get a few things done. It had snowed so I called it a rest day and did errands rather than headed out for a run.

Yes, I still mail holiday cards… Below is my 2024 card:

  • Wednesday – DAY OFF! I started the day off with a Christmas run

warmer than my previous runs but the lack of sun made it feel chilly…

and then in the afternoon we went to my MIL’s for a family dinner.

And I lit the first candle to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

  • Thursday – Another WFH day so I was able to get out for a Chanukah run…

another dreary COLD day…

and some errands after work.

  • Friday – A WFH morning and I was able to get out for a walk before I headed to the office in the afternoon.

I had a hair appt after work and then it was mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Training began for the February HM. 7 miles!

I had decided on the neighborhoods of The Crossings as an alternative to the paths of UAlbany.

Nope!!! Freezing rain during the night…Too icy!!!

Instead I convinced Deb to go with me for an icy walk in town (with a stop for coffee.) We stayed upright and met a NYC runner in the coffee shop. (sorry no pic.)

And in the afternoon, I continued my holiday celebration out with a friend at a farm…

  • Sunday –  Hopefully a re-scheduled 7 mile long run… (though rain is predicted 😦 )

and then an early dinner out with my stepson, DIL and GD (since they were away for Christmas.)

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – run, dinner out
  • Tuesday – walk. NYE dinner out
  • Wednesday – DAY OFF – HMRRC Winter Series #2 race 
  • Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run 
  • Friday- train home
  • Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 8 miles
  • Sunday – ??

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2024 in Review
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Attending any holiday parties? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

I must say that I HATE the cold.  I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long. And although, it’s ONLY December 11 (and not even officially winter) …it’s COLD!!

I think that about sums things up.

So here are my top tips to make it through running in the winter:

1. Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly.  If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable.  You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them (keeps my butt warm). I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a beanie.  My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

if you are properly dressed, you can smile in the cold.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.

I prefer knuckle lights

4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

love my Yaks but always hope I never have to wear them

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear old race shirts and vests and jackets from Target.  I buy gloves at Dollar Store. I use $1 cut off knee socks as arm warmers.

The important thing is to just get out and RUN! And talk your friends into doing the same.  Misery loves company LOL.

Remember:

beasts

Happy Running!  Do you like running during the cold weather months? Any other tips? Has it already gotten cold where you live?

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Already)

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

I must say that I HATE the cold.  I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long. And although, it’s ONLY November…it’s COLD!!

I think that about sums things up.

So here are my top tips to make it through running in the winter:

1.Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly.  If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable.  You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them (keeps my butt warm). I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a hat.  My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early in the winter), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.

I prefer knuckle lights

4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

love my Yaks

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear old race shirts and old windbreakers.  I buy gloves at Walmart and tights at Target. I use $1 cut off knee socks as arm warmers.  Wonder Wool may work great but who has the $$$?

The important thing is to just get out and RUN! And talk your friends into doing the same.  Misery loves company LOL.

Remember:

beasts

Happy Running!  Do you like running during the cold weather months? Any other tips? Has it already gotten cold where  you live?

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Friday Five: Winter Running Tips

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Tips for Running in the Winter

I must say that I HATE the cold.  I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long.

I think that about sums things up.

Here are my Top Five:

1.Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly.  If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable.  You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them. I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a hat.  My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early in the winter), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.


4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear race shirts and old windbreakers.  I buy gloves at Walmart and tights at Target.

The important thing is to just get out and RUN!

Remember:

beasts

Happy Running!  Do you like running during the cold weather months? Any other tips?

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Weekly Wrap for 2.5.18-2.11.18 – Decision Time

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Do I continue training for a March 17 Half Marathon (check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) in case I find a substitute one in Florida on the same date or do I just run whatever until spring (when I will start training for my May 19 Half Marathon)?

Last week – 

  • Monday –  Snow returned. Wind and cold temps, as well. We can’t catch a break this winter. Not knowing what the busy week would bring, I forced myself to run in town (and I froze!)

Afterward I met a former coworker at the gym. You heard that right. I went to the gym.

  • Tuesday – Off to Buffalo for work. I arrived early in hopes that I could find somewhere to run especially with a snowstorm on the way. It was cold and windy but I got it done.

I squeezed in 3 miles but the most interesting part of the run was when a lady stopped me whom I thought wanted money but she really just wanted to know how to start running. I told her about the couch to 5k app and she was so grateful.

  • Wednesday – A long day at work. Too dark, too cold, and too much snow to run on the streets. I could not bear to run on the hotel treadmill so nada for today.

  • Thursday – Another day similar to the day before. But I decided to take on the cold, wind and snowy-covered pavement.

3.5 miles and I didn’t fall. At least there was no ice. Accidentally found the Shark Girl statue that I had heard about.

  • Friday -I was planning on a rest day because of the long drive but another snowstorm kept me in Buffalo for an extra night. Out of boredom I took to the treadmill before dinner.

3 boring slow miles

  • Saturday – Almost 30 degrees!!! Of course not even the snowy sidewalks could not stop me from running before checking out of my hotel and driving 5 hours home.

so no long run today but throughly enjoyed my run even if the pace was 15 mm.

  • Sunday –  My original plan called for Hot Yoga. But since I didn’t get home Friday as expected, there was too much to do.  Instead, a rest day to catch up before I take off for 5 days of work in Queens. (It rained all day so I wasn’t even tempted to pound the pavement.) But at least I went out with the hubby for an early Valentine’s Day dinner.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  train to NYC for work, 4 miles??
  • Tuesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
  • Wednesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
  • Thursday – work in Queens, rest day, evening webinar
  • Friday – rest day, train home from NYC
  • Saturday – 10 mile run?
  • Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #5 (4.5 m)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home 

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Please share.

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Friday Five 2.0: Ways to Keep Warm

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Ways to Keep Warm

Unfortunately, this topic is so relevant this year.  We’ve had the coldest temps since I’ve started running.

Well, one way is to stay inside and run on the treadmill or indoor track but all runners know that it’s not the same as running on the road.

So here are my FIVE TIPS:

1. Run Loops

This way you can stop if you get too cold.  You can also warm up in your car and then go out for another.  It is dangerous to be outside for a very long time in sub-zero temps.

I ran 2 miles in one direction and then 2 miles in the other…then QUIT!

2. Cover your face.

It’s the only place that you can’t cover with clothes but I either wear a baklava or just tie my scarf backwards and pull it over my face.

3. Wear wool.

Wool seems warmer to me.  I wear a wool hat, wool mittens and wool socks.  They keep me pretty toasty.

4. Use Hand warmers and/or Toe Warmers.

I just put them in my mittens and they last for 10 hours (too bad I only run for 1 lol).

5. LAYERS Everywhere

Yes, layers on top.  Layers on the bottom (I wear a skirt over my tights).  I even wear gloves underneath my mittens.

So you don’t have to stay inside and hunker down when it gets cold.  Just bundle up and GO OUTSIDE and RUN!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Running! How about you… have you been running outside in these frigid temps?  Any other tips for staying warm?

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Running Update:12.25.17-12.31.17

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Last week – 

  • Monday –  Christmas Day and snow had fallen.  A lot of snow and it was windy. No running for me. Instead it was off to my mentee to exchange gifts with her and her two sons.

Amanda’s BF, Amanda, Richard (11), Matthew (6)

Of course, later in the day, it was time to celebrate with the family.

  • Tuesday – Another rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening.

that’s me in the far court

Besides it was freezing! I almost bit the bullet and used the treadmill where I play tennis. But the gym there was closed due to renovations. Guess it wasn’t meant to be.

they could renovate it in the summer when no one plays tennis indoors….

  • Wednesday – Single digits or not, I had to get outside for some miles. But my hands were so cold even with two pairs of gloves that I had to cut the run short.

  • Thursday –  Well, it was even colder today!! Didn’t let it stop me. “I will survive!!”

again I cut my run short for fear of frost bite or hyperthermia

  • Friday – The cold weather continued but it was a rest day and an evening out for mah jongg (finally)
  • Saturday – Although it was cold, there was little wind and it was lightly snowing. So it felt rather nice to be out there.

I could have run longer but didn’t want to be late for brunch and it turned out I was early. Mittens helped keep my hands warm today.

I tried to convince the Wineglass ladies to brave our arctic temps and run with me. Nope, they stayed local or indoors to run but we did meet after for brunch.

  • Sunday –  A rest day but celebrated New Year’s Eve with the hubby, tennis friends, good food, music and dancing.

Next Week –

  • Monday – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M race   cancelled due to the cold temps, 4 miles?
  • Tuesday – rest day, tennis
  • Wednesday –  drive to Buffalo, rest day
  • Thursday – drive home from Buffalo, rest day
  • Friday – 3 mile run?, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 6-8 mile run
  • Sunday – rest day, day in NYC

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

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TOTR: Winter Motivation

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Winter Motivation.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

HMRRC WS#4 - 15K

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

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However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

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3. It’s pretty outside.

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Well, at least most of the time.

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4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

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It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

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5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

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In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

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But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

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Runnin’ of the Green Race Recap

This used to be a very popular race.  It was flat and fast with awesome swag.

Two years, they changed the location.  It is no longer flat and gone are the tech shirts, beer glasses, etc. As a result, not as many runners do the race.

I ran it that year and didn’t like the course as much but still enjoyed running it.

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in 2015 – 37:27

I had just run a half marathon this past Sunday and only ran once this past week.  So as I have said about all my races, I run for fun.  I race because I enjoy it.  I don’t really train so I don’t expect a good time.  Of course, I am over the moon if I unexpectedly PR.

I did run a 4 mile race in February and I finished at 37:21 – a PR!!  I was pretty sure that with the wind and my weary legs that a PR would not happen in this race.

Plus, this is the weather I woke up to:

the coldest day of the year!!

Yes, you got that right. -9 with the wind chill.  Most runners would stay home and wait until later to run or run on the treadmill.

I did consider DNSing the race but in the end, I fished out my winter clothes (clothes that I didn’t even have to wear this winter or even last winter) and headed out.

The race began at 10 am but I left early in order to make sure I got a parking space in the school lot.

We received a cotton tee shirt which I will send to my running buddy. Then I debated about how many layers I would wear. I ditched one shirt and a fleece vest and decided to only wear one layer and a down jacket (I have never run in it before.) I even wore my heavier tights for the first time in years.

all dressed in Green for “Runnin of the Green”

I bumped into the usual folks that I see at all the HMRRC races.  I also saw the lady that I will be rooming with in NYC for the Shape Half Marathon. We chatted until it was time to go outside.

In fact we waited until the very last second.  It was FREEZING!!!!!!! The wind was blowing and I was wondering why I was running in this weather. As was everyone else.

I normally start near the front but I wasn’t paying attention and we were standing somewhere in the middle when all of a sudden, the race started.. .Oh well!

At least I was prepared that there would be hills and mostly at the end of the race when you were tired.

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course

So we left the school parking lot, turned left onto a main road and we ran INTO the wind. Similar to Florida except it wasn’t 70 degrees, it was 7 degrees.

My face was freezing.  I couldn’t feel my lips.  My hands were numb as well as were my feet.  Plus it was so hard to breathe. So I just trudged along.

Eventually we turned in a residential neighborhood and the wind wasn’t so bad.  In fact, I almost felt a little warm in my down jacket.

That didn’t last because the hills came and we, of course, were again running to the wind.

I managed to run without walking until mile 3 and then the wind and hills were getting to me.

Finally we were back on the main road that lead to the high school and I got a second wind as the wind was finally as our backs.

I crossed at 37:48.  Not a PR or even a course PR but I was surprised that it was under 38 minutes.

I quickly ran inside to thaw out.

The refreshments, as usual, were decent – soup, pizza, fruit, cookies, hot chocolate.  I ate everything while waiting for the awards.

I hung out with the same ladies as before the race. The awards were for 10 year age groups. I didn’t win anything.  I think I was 6th. (It was only a medal anyway!)

Considering that I have done no speed work and just ran a half marathon, I was pleased with my time.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:17
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:53
mile 4 – 9:09
.04 – 6:43

Garmin time – 37:36 (I used my old 205 since the battery does last for 4 miles.)

I had planned to run 3 more miles as I am supposedly training for my next half marathon on April 30 but it was just TOO COLD.

Maybe I’ll have better luck next weekend and be able to run 8 miles in warmer, less windy temps.

I am sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

 Happy Running! Do you run a St. Patty’s Day-themed race?

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