Re-post of Winter Running...Yuck!

Hi guys - here's a repost of a run I did on 12/15/10 - sorry to say we'll be back to this in Michigan before we know it.  Enjoy.

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Well, I did it!  I ran outside today.  Crazy, I know.  Now it was only 15 degrees with a feels like temperature of 5 degrees so it was not as bad as yesterday(at least not in negative wind chill) but still pretty chilly.  It probably took me an extra 5 minutes to get everything on that I was wearing which included the following:

1) Long sleeve base layer

2) Tights

3) Second long sleeve shirt

4) Running Jacket(windproof)

5) Fleece Jacket

6) Balaclava(Yes, I finally got one)

7) Winter Running Hat

8) Wind pants

9) ipod(Yes, its dark and I shouldn't wear it but you try being out there in this alone)

10) Headlamp

11) UA underwear(especially nice for cold weather!)

12) Wool socks

13) Regular running shoes

14) Running glove liners

15) Running mittens

Well with all that I was actually nice and warm.  The hardest part of the run was there were too many places I ran that did not have the snow cleared off.  Tomorrow when I run, I'm probably going to stick to the streets and the sidewalks that are cleared.  I also did not need my Yaxtrax today.  Although I could have used them in parts of the run,  I didn't feel like carrying them when I did not need them.  My run was much, much slower than usual trying to run through that snow.  It sure felt like my effort was 110% even though I was slower.

As far as the new Balaclava, it certainly helped keep me warmer on my face but I still can't have the thing over my mouth and nose.  I tried to run with it that way and, for me at least, it's just not breathable enough to be comfortable running.  I could get a short distance but then needed it off my mouth to I could breath easy through my mouth.  I'll still wear it but pulled it just under my lower lip and that seemed to work fine.  Another issue was that my water bottle is starting to freeze.  It wasn't too bad because I kept moving it(I hold it) but that could start to be an issue.  Oh, the joys of running in Winter.  Here's a picture of what I look like(an idiot but a warm idiot) with the balaclava on.

I look warm, right?

I really was nice and warm except my toes.  I just can't see running in more than one pair of socks.  My shoes fit good with one pair.  One thing I can say is that I was really satisfied that I got out there today and did it instead of staying in on the treadmill.  I hope everyone else's winter running is going well.  I'm counting the days for spring!!!

Have a great day and.........Keep Running!