Thursday, February 11, 2010

How I Run When It is Cold

ready for a morning run in the cold
6:24 am - Bundled up and ready to run!

morning run at Lake Eola
6:32 am - Running at Lake Eola in the twilight

morning run at Lake Eola
6:45 am - Halfway through the run at dawn

morning run at Lake Eola
6:59 am - Home stretch at sunrise
It was COLD (less than 40ยบ) and windy this morning, but I sucked it up and ran anyway. I considered going back to bed or doing yoga instead, then running at lunch or after work, but I knew that was even less likely to happen. The truth is, once you have the right gear, running in the cold is easy.

I'm so glad I got out and ran, because it was a gorgeous morning. I loved running at twilight and seeing the sky change colors. I had my point and shoot camera with me, and I kept stopping after each loop to take a photo because the sky looked amazing (see photos and timeline on the right).

I wore a TON of layers (you can see some in the first photo):
  • C9 cold run tights 
  • C9 fitted bootcut pants
  • Nike Pro Fitted short sleeve shirt
  • Pearl Izumi seamless arm warmers
  • C9 full zipper jacket with hood
  • Pearl Izumi wind breaker
  • Nike Lightweight Running Gloves
  • Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Headband
  • Brooks Vapor Dry 2 skull cap
  • C9 baseball cap
I wore the hood from the jacket over the baseball cap singed tightly under my chin so it would stay in place and keep my neck warm. I know that's a ridiculous amount of layers, but it was so cold/windy that I didn't shed any of it -- except unzipping the windbreaker a few inches and removed the hood.
    I really enjoyed this run, and it was over before I knew it. I ran 3 miles in just 33 minutes, for an 11:07 min/mi pace. That's faster than I planned, but I didn't feel like I was pushing myself. I probably ran faster to get it done quickly and get back to my warm apartment. :)

    I'm constantly amazed at how much running has changed my life for the better, and the amazing world it has opened up for me that I never even knew existed.

    1 comment:

    Anonymous said...

    Good for you! Usually the cold isn't too bad lately once you get going. Though, 40 degrees is pretty darn cold! I only have one pair of running pants, so definitely need to get more for next winter. I'll have to talk to you about winter running gear soon since I'm moving back to Asheville, NC later this year and will definitely need the best warmth next winter.

    Sounds like a beautiful time of the morning to run though. Love your pictures of the view! :)

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