As a kid, I spent hours on the ice. I learned to skate and play hockey on an outdoor rink. Every community had one and I was lucky enough to have one in our backyard. Nothing beats shinny on the pond, a bonfire, and hot drinks to share. These pics are from a couple of years ago:
A few of you have suggested that shoveling is a good bit of cross-training. I guess, maybe, it is. I’ve never thought of it as such (more of a necessary evil) but it does offer a thorough full body blast. I said to my wife on Sunday, “I feel a little stiff today. Not sure why”. She reminded me that I’d shoveled the driveway. RunnerMom questioned how any person could train for a marathon in the snow and cold. It’s not a big deal really. I don’t think any half-sensible Canadian will run in a blinding snowstorm or in the extreme bitter cold (I’ve done both but have yet to declare myself half-sensible). I actually like running in the winter.
What do I wear? Probably the same stuff you do. I hate being too hot and I dread weight of any kind. I may drag my iPod Shuffle but no water, phone, keys, Kleenex – nothing. How do I stay warm? It’s always cold at first but I quickly warm up. Say the outside temp is 25 F – I’ll dress for 45 F. I add 20 F degrees to the current temp so that I don’t overheat. Often, during winter runs, I’ll not bother with a jacket at all. I will don a breathable toque and thin gloves if the air temp is at the freezing point or if there is any kind of NW wind.
There is plenty of good cold weather gear on the market. I think I like UA Cold Gear the best. Some runners wear YakTrax. I’ve never tried them but they are a cheap and safe accessory. I tend to throw on a reflective vest too because all of my running is in the dark. No sense getting run over by the snowplow or salt shaker.I hear it’s Thanksgiving in the USA. Be thankful and happy. Take care of each other.
16 comments:
the outdoor skating rink sounds fun! I'd love to hear if you pick up the YakTrax. I bought some last year, haven't used them yet, but I also have a UA jacket... love it. :)
We use to have an outdoor rink in the backyard too....none of this whoosey stuff the kids do now, we were tossed out for the day!!!
Well now. We never had an outdoor rink, and I can't ice skate worth a darn. However, as kids, when the local pond froze over we'd slide around in our wool socks pretending we were skating. Fun!
I dress lightly too - always gloves, sometimes hat, often skirt (tights if near freezing), arm warmers and vest. Works for me!
I like your keep it simple 'tude, even in that crazy cold and snowy weather you call winter. That would take some getting used to.
I ran a 20 miler in a snowstorm in 2007. I swore the whole time that it was the last time I was training for a spring marathon... LOL
Gotta go with the elements!
Yaktrax are a must in those weather. Makes you feel hardcore to train in the winter too LOL
When I was a kid my Dad would make us a skating rink in the backyard. It was always super bumpy lol nothing like a nice pond.
I learned to skate on the "Frog Pond" which was down by the local Cemetary. We use to fish there too in the summer!
Happy winter running! Sounds like you are all ready!
lol.. when your page loads the photo at the top is just shown from the waist up.. I glanced at it and wondered why are they caring that big dead tree...
cheers.
I haven't tried yak trax either - just watch my footing and slow it down.
I hate jackets - I find them bulky and noisy. I usually just throw on a couple of thick layers and I'm good to go.
Skating is great cross-training too!
I will admit that there are parts of winter running that I hate - such as ice. However, the cold doesn't bother me as much. Layers, layers, layers... I am usually only cold for a few minutes and then warm up. I do really hate ice and dodging around it on sidewalks and partially shovelled areas. That is a pain and somewhat dangerous.
Love your rink!
That skating rink looks like all kinds of fun. What wonderful memories.
I'm with you on the outdoor running. Nebraska isn't nearly Canada, but a UA shirt usually keeps me warm enough.
You so rugged, man. (craaaaazy).
Love the picture of the little one.
My favorite memories were hiking into the woods when I lived in New Glasgow and skating around on this little pond. I wasn't a very good skater and once when I called my dog she came running onto the ice, took out my legs from behind, and I spent a month with a cast on my wrist! It wasn't too funny then, but now I think of those times very fondly. Also, I love that picture at the top of your blog - brings me back to NS, that's for sure.
Stay safe!
Wow, that is really cool. I have never been able to skate on real ice outside like that.
That ice rink looks amazing!
Until last year, I hated winter and never did anything outdoors in the winter. Last year, I found myself running outdoors in light snow (beautiful) and all the way down to 19 degrees. You are right, if you dress smart, it's not so bad. It's actually better than running on those hot, humid days!
I can't imagine running on inches and inches of snow though! (Not that we ever get more than four inches at a time down here in the South and it's gone by the next day anyway....)
Love the pics! I always have a dilemma dressing up for a run in the cold...your rule sounds sensible.
I wish that we had more snow and colder temperatures around here. I would love the outdoor rink and running in the snow more often.
Post a Comment