Happy February! Here in Michigan it is 50 degrees one day, 10 the next. It is kind of fun looking though my running journal to see the difference in temperatures (the list is in Fahrenheit):
I’m a member of several running Facebook groups, and almost everyone who tries running outside in winter actually comes to enjoy it. It’s so much nicer than the dreadmill! The Michigan Runners Facebook group is doing a challenge in February this month to encourage people to get outside. The different parts of Michigan are competing against each other (Lansing, Detroit, Bay Area, West Side, and North). I’m part of the West Side and we are in a huge lead! #westsidebestside. Each day you run, you get three points for running outside and one point for running on a treadmill. All runs must be at least one mile. There is also a bonus number of points for people who run on the coldest day of February for their area.
So for all my West Side teammates, and anyone else who is interested in running outside in winter, here are some of my best tips:
- Dress warm, but not too warm. I have posted what I wear to run outside in winter in previous posts. Every single time I run in the tens and single digits, I think brrr! It’s cold! But by the end of the first mile I’m taking off my gloves and unzipping my jacket. You will be amazed how much you will warm up.
- Traction is important. I have discovered the DIY snow-running spikes trick works best for me. You don’t have to worry about them breaking or coming off, and it’s not too big a deal if you hit a bare patch of road here or there.
- Run by feel, not by your watch. Slippery or snowy conditions can increase your effort quite a bit. Better be a bit slower than normal than twist an ankle or take a nose dive on black ice!
- Make sure you can be seen. With winter comes decreased daylight hours. PLEASE wear reflective gear. DH and I love the LED Light Vest. We have had people stop and thank us for wearing them!
So there you go, now you are all set to run outside in winter!
I’m on a cycle down period in my training right now, which is kind of weird but also kind of nice. Here’s what that looked like last week:
Monday: 1 hour swim lesson
Wednesday: Hills & Stairs, about 4 miles. I managed a one mile PR!
Thursday: 6 miles around Reed’s Lake with RunGR, followed by a seminar on training theory. More fun than it sounds!
Saturday: Hilly 8 miles in Ada with RunGR
Sunday: I was supposed to do six miles, but decided to take it easy as my calf is still giving me a bit of trouble.
How was your week? Do you run outside in all weather?
For more fitness inspiration be sure to check out these running link ups: The Weekly Wrap hosted by hosted by HoHo Runs and Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home and Tuesdays on the Run with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!
I think that’s a great challenge put on by Michigan Runners. I hope your team wins! I usually never run in temps colder than 20s, and that’s only a few times a year. On the flipside, our summer is our toughest running season. In answer to your question — I always run outside. Congrats on running your fastest mile this week! Thanks for linking.