Snow and Cold, Updated!

If you've checked the weather recently you're aware that there's a chance of snow over the weekend and again next week. Also the coldest temperatures of the season are in store for us. A couple of thoughts on this. First, whatever you've been wearing to go out for your run, you'll probably need to add a layer-tights instead of shorts, add a hat. I've been warm with a synthetic long sleeve and a wind shell but I'll be adding another layer, fleece vest or long sleeve in between. I'll also switch from gloves to mittens and add something to cover much of exposed area of my face. Your plan may be different. Second, I've got several routes that I'll use when the roads get snow covered. Most of them aren't all that exciting but they serve a purpose-get the run in. For example, I've run laps of the parking lot at Dogwood Park, or in my subdivision. When I can get out there, I've run the roads in Beverly Shores as they're pretty good about plowing them. I was thinking you could probably come up with a decent loop running around the perimeter of the high school parking lot! The trick is to find somewhere that gets plowed but isn't a high traffic area. As I said, not glamorous but gets the job done

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Update: January 23

So if you thought this past week was tough for running, you're in for a shock. Accumulating snow bitter cold and dangerous wind chills on tap for the foreseeable future. I thought I'd add some thought on getting runs in. It may be difficult or impossible to do much of anything fast if you're going outdoors so this will be base mileage. When it's really cold, say 10 degrees or colder, if you've got a way to circle back to somewhere warm periodically that helps. Repeat two or three laps to the middle school and back so you can stop in at the high school if you need to for your long run. I've mentioned before that at times of strong NW winds I head for Trail #10 at the dunes. The sheltering dunes can make all the difference.

I'll be wearing my face mask for sure; along with mittens; two layers on the bottom and three on top, with the outside layers being windproof!

I haven't talked about footing but this will definitely be an additional challenge. The wet conditions on Wednesday combined with the quick drop in temperatures will make for slippery spots. The dunes trails may not be runnable due to icy frozen footsteps in the snow!! I actually have micro spikes that I can slip over my shoes that help with traction. If we get the predicted snow I'll also snowshoe.

I'll also go indoors. I saw Nathan O'Conner putting in miles at the Valparaiso YMCA on Sunday when I was there. I'll also run on the treadmill but that's a last resort for me. I try to do something every day. Even if I can't get a run in. I've gone to spin classes to get a workout in, for example. Try something out, keep moving, get fitter!