Fit Fanatic: New Year's Day Run in the Freezing Cold.

By Jess in Minneapolis

Happy New Year! We are going through a crazy cold spell here in Minneapolis. The high on New Year's Day was only 0 degrees, and when I woke up, it was -7 with a "feels like" temperature of -20.  I would normally just head to the treadmill, but a few brave souls had organized a New Year's Day run to start off 2014, and I didn't want to miss out on the....fun? Fun? Is that what we're calling it? Ha!

On New Year's Eve, there was plenty of texting back and forth with this group, and I was thinking (hoping?) that the run would be cancelled, but it wasn't. Nope! At 9 am, three girlfriends came over, all bundled up, and we ventured out into the arctic cold for a New Year's Day run. We managed 7.8 miles, and to be honest, it wasn't really that bad.

With the right gear- with the Right Fits- you can run safely and comfortably, even when the temperatures are below freezing.

This post is all about the gear! I'm going to share with you what each of us wore to run, providing links to similar products for you to purchase to complete your winter running essentials and run through the winter safely and comfortably.

Me (Jess):
Footwear: SmartWool, Yak-Trax & Brooks
The trails were mostly clear, but I still wore my YakTrax Run paired with my Brooks Ravennas.

I wore a regular pair of running socks under a pair of SmartWool knee high ski socks. I probably wear my YakTrax more than most people (I was the only one wearing them that day), but I think I'm a little nervous ever since I broke my ankle on the ice in 2008.

Bottoms: Two layers.
I wore two pair of tights- a pair of Craft running tights (similar) and then a pair of fleece lined Adidas running tights (similar). The Adidas pair are pretty warm, but they don't actually stay up on my butt very well. This wasn't really an issue though, since they were on top of another pair. Problem solved!

Top: Four layers.
On top, I started with a lululemon bitty bracer, then my Costco tank top, Athleta long sleeve twist top, Nike long sleeve half zip (similar), and then a Nike windbreaker jacket (can't find anything similar online). The jacket is puffy and bright, and a good top layer.

Head: 
I wore my Nike face mask, but this was a bad choice. The face mask works well for a few miles, but then it starts to get sweaty, and then the sweat freezes, and you are left with a hard wall of ice covering your face and chin. I think that a warm hat,  paired with a neck gaiter (like THIS) is a better choice, because you can rotate the neck gaiter around as it freezes. Sounds weird, but it works! I won't be wearing the face mask again. My chin was FROZEN by the end. Failed Fit.

Hands:
I wore my Craft XC split finger gloves. Best gloves ever.

They really kept my hands warm. In fact, I was tempted to take them off towards the end, as my hands were getting so sweaty! They are seriously the best running gloves.

So, that's a lot of layers, but other than my face issues, I felt pretty comfortable with what I was wearing in the cold.

Let's move on to what Lindsey wore!

Lindsey
Footwear: Brooks!
Lindsey is a Brooks girl as well, with the PureFlow 2 as her shoe of choice. She paired hers with SmartWool tall wool "ski" socks. Seriously, snowboarding or ski socks are perfect for cold weather running!

Bottoms: Two layers.
Lindsey also wore two layers on bottom. She went with a pair of Under Armour Fitted Coldgear thermal pants (similar) and Brooks Utopia Thermal Pants <--I have these too, and they're great!

Top: Four layers.
Four layers for Lindsey as well.  She started with an Under Armour Heat Gear short sleeve (similar), and then a Champion base layer long sleeve (similar). Then she topped those with an Under Armour fitted cold gear thermal long sleeve (similar), and a super cozy Marmot polartec power shield shell jacket (similar) Marmot makes really great cold weather gear, and I think their stuff is worth the extra money.

Head:
Lindsey wore a 686 infidry balaclava with mouth vent, which she highly recommends! (similar here) She paired it with a Brooks headband, and said she felt pretty warm.

Hands:
She wore two pairs of gloves- Mizuno knit gloves and Nike storm-fit tech running gloves. (Find similar gloves HERE and HERE)

Lindsey said she felt pretty warm and was dressed well for the weather!

Next up...Kelly! Now Kelly used to say no running for her if the temperatures were in the single digits, but she was one of the primary organizers of the New Year's day run. I guess 2014 brings a new tougher, cold resistant Kelly!

Kelly
Footwear:
Kelly's shoe of choice is the Asics Nimbus. She paired hers with just ONE pair of regular fitsox (apparently she isn't on the SmartWool ski sock bandwagon yet!)

Bottoms: Two layers.
Kelly's base layer was a pair of well-loved (or, as she said "really old") spandex, with Nike running tights on top (similar).

Top: Three layers.
Only three layers for Kelly on top, but her top layer was quite warm. Her base layer was a Nike shell, topped with a warm long sleeve from Costco (I'm telling you, they have some decent fitness attire at Costco!) and then a black down jacket from Target that was super warm and cozy. (similar) I think I need to buy one of those. Only $34.99 and really cute, right? Go Target!

Head:
Kelly was smart and went with the neck gaiter and a wool hat.

All of Kelly's winter gear for today's run!

Hands:
She gets warm hands quickly, so she only wore a pair of Nike running gloves and was completely fine.

Kelly said overall, she was dressed well, and felt pretty warm. The only exception was that her hamstrings were a little chilly. She said should have used a warmer layer on bottom.

Next up...Monica! Monica is one tough cookie, and she is a really strong runner. I didn't get an individual picture of her on New Year's Day, but she's the second one from the left in the group photo above with the snow covered purple hat.

I feel bad that Monica didn't get own picture, so here's an adorable picture of her dog Darla!

Monica
Bottom: Two layers.

Monica wore two layers on the bottom, with a pair of Reed Street Spandex leggings topped with a pair of Athleta Polartech Power Stretch 2 Tight  (Awesome pants, only $79!)

Top: Four layers!

Monica started with a Nike dri-fit seemless tank top, and then put on an Athleta Longsleeve Wonder Wick It Tee Running Top  (She's a bit of an Athleta lover, if you can't tell!)  Next, she wore a North Face Women's Windwall 1 Jacket, and on top of that, a North Face Apex Bionic Soft Shell Jacket. This girl was READY!

Head:

On her head, Monica wore a Bula Beanie. To protect her face, she wore a Dakine Hood-lum bandana. Its not shown in the picture above, but this is kind of what it looks like:

They are pretty popular with snowboarders, but work well for running as well! Monica also donned a one-of-a kind polar fleece scarf (handmade by her mom- so awesome!)

Hands:
She kept her hands warm with some Saucony Ultimate Run Gloves.

Dustin joined us as well for the New Year's Day fun. He wasn't a big fan of being the only man on the run, so he cut his run a little short. He did recommend that we grow beards to keep our faces warm, but I'm not sure that's going to work for the ladies.

He wore his Brooks Cascadia trail shoes (he prefers those to YakTrax), a Patagonia base layer, Craft running tights (similar), a Craft running jacket (similar), his knit hat from the Mustache Run in 2012, and Craft gloves (similar to mine). Apparently this guy loves Craft brand running attire!

We didn't think it was a good idea to bring Matilda on the New Year's day run. Vizslas are superb runners, but they don't have a very thick coat, and aren't really winter dogs. Even when the temperature is in the teens, she still gets cold paws and ends up running on three legs. We took her to the neighborhood dog park later in the day instead to let her run free. That was a better idea for our little sweetheart.

So there you have it. Hopefully this post offered you some helpful ideas for the right gear to get you through the rest of what could be a very long and cold winter.

Happy Winter Running!

Featured Fit: Minnesota Winter Running Essentials.

By Jess in Minneapolis

"Winter is coming."

This isn't just a quote from Game of Thrones. It's the truth. Winter is indeed coming, and runners in Minnesota (and the rest of the Midwest) need to be prepared.

All you warm weather readers, I am going to tell you something shocking. I run outside all winter. Yep. All winter. In Minnesota.

I have run through hail and blizzards, and you can too, as long as you have the right fits in terms of winter running gear!

Based on my personal experience, here is my list of the running essentials that you need to keep running all winter long.

WINTER RUNNING ESSENTIALS FROM THE RIGHT FITS:

1. Dress for Success Chart:  Keep this chart handy, runner friends. This helpful chart from Runner's World is definitely one of my winter running essentials. I reference this chart all the time before runs to figure out what to wear.

Dress for Success
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you dress appropriately for your runs, no matter what the thermometer says. This chart factors in the 10-Degree Rule but doesn’t account for a significant windchill. On very windy days, you may need to dress warmer.
TEMP (in degrees)	BASIC APPAREL
above 70	Lightweight/light-colored singlet and shorts
60 to 69	Tank top or singlet and shorts
50 to 59	T-shirt and shorts
40 to 49	Long-sleeve shirt and tights or shorts
30 to 39	Long-sleeve shirt and tights
20 to 29	Two upper-body layers and one lower-body layer
10 to 19	Two upper-body layers and one lower-body layer
0 to 9	Two/three upper-body layers, one/two lower-body layers
below 0	Three upper-body layers, two lower-body layers

2. YakTrax Run I did a full post on the YakTrax Run HERE. Now, if you don't want to pay up for the YakTrax Run, you can try a pair of regular YakTrax, and you'll be alright for a little while. But honestly, the YakTrax Run version will last so much longer. They are designed specifically for running and they can hold up to the wear and tear of cold weather training.  Order a pair today at R.E.I.  HERE

3. A Great Sports Bra- Well, this running essential applies in both warm or cold weather, but a great sports bra is just as important in the winter, even though it's going to be covered up with multiple layers. You know that I love the Serena bra by Moving Comfort and the Bitty Bracer by Lululemon. Chafing can still happen in the cold temps, so find a bra that fits you!

4. A Wicking Baselayer: There are a lot of great options out there for base layers, so stock up on a bunch. I love my new Long Sleeve Twist Top from Athleta, but the Brooks Heater Hog is definitely a good one, and I've had good luck with the base layers at Lululemon like this one

5. Warm Socks: When its really cold, I actually wear my snowboarding socks. They're wool and very warm. SmartWool brand is probably one of the best. Find them at REI

6. A Wind-Stopping Softshell/Jacket- This Craft one looks awesome. One or two really great winter running jackets is all you need. (You probably don't have to wash them every time you run, if you have several wicking base layers underneath.)

7. Warm Running Tights: Again, Craft makes a really good pair, and you can always go down the SportHill route (though they are somehow the least flattering pants in the world!) Brooks makes a fleece lined pair that is pretty warm as well. Here's a great list by Runner's World of good winter running pants.

8. Quality Running Gloves- I have a pair of Craft gloves that are extremely warm. The two-finger split makes this glove more like a mitten, and my hands stay super cozy in these.

9. Fleece Neck Warmer: A fleece neck gator (like this one) will really make a difference in your winter running. It will keep your neck and chin warm while also helping to prevent burning lungs.

10. A Warm Hat or Ear Band: I like the ear bands the best, but sometimes you'll need a really warm hat like this one or this one.

I also love running hats that have a hole for your pony tail as well, like this one by Saucony:

11. Lip balm with SPF: The wind and cold can make your kissers pretty chapped. I load up on Aquaphor before a cold run.

11. Knuckle Lights: Okay, you can get away with a head lamp, but you know I prefer the knuckle lights. (They were Friday's Favorite Fit a few weeks ago!) Knuckle lights are a winter running essential for both the early morning runners and the evening runners, now that our daylight hours are limited.

12. A Face Mask. Unfortunately, when its really windy and cold, you need to protect your face with more than just some SPF/Moisturizer.  Sexy? Not so much, but unfortunately a face mask is definitely a winter running necessity.

Now, if you just can't face the cold, there is always the treadmill or Metrodome running (at least for a little while) But if you purchase the items I have listed above, I think you'll find that winter running isn't so bad after all! It's invigorating! It keeps it interesting! It toughens us up, and that's what makes us real Minnesotans!


Previous posts by the Right Fits about cold weather running:
Fit Fanatic: So Cold
Fitting Debate: Running in Cold vs. Hot Temperatures
Fitting Debate: Running in Cold vs. Hot Temperatures Pt. 2

Fits Do Product Reviews: YakTrax Run 

Fit Fanatic: So Cold....

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Oh, Minneapolis, you can be so cruel...

Weather for Minneapolis, MN

7°F | °C

Sun

Overcast

Wind: W at 8 mph

Humidity: 70%

19°

-4°

Our outdoor thermometer read 0 degrees F when we woke up this morning. I debated whether to go to the gym, or be tough and run outside. The idea of waiting in line for a treadmill, (which is definitely a possibility on a cold Sunday morning), actually sounded worse than the cold. I knew that my gym would be busy and I only wanted to do a short run. The whole process of driving to the gym, etc. just didn't appeal to me. In fact, it sounded more daunting than the single digit temperature.

The D-man and I waited awhile to see if it would warm up a bit. We cleaned the house and did the laundry until about 10:30, when the thermometer read a whopping 2 degrees. 

So we bundled up and headed out the door.

And it wasn't that bad. I actually felt overdressed and was quite sweaty at the end. 

The Right Fit for this temperature?

• Face mask
• Craft running tights- buy them HERE and a pair of Brooks running tights. Double it up!
• Nike Women's Pro Combat Hyperwarm Half-Zip Training Jacket- buy it HERE and an old school Patagonia jacket- Double it up!
• Brooks Adrenaline running shoes
• Craft split finger running gloves- buy them HERE. (I love the split finger gloves; they are more like a mitten, and your hands stay a lot warmer.)

I think I felt so warm because the wind wasn't very strong. The same temperatures with a strong wind would have been dangerous, but with the sun shining and moderate winds, it was actually the right fit for me to close out the weekend.

Fit Fanatic: Weekly Recap & Tips to Stay Motivated

By Jessie

Week Fitness Recap:
Monday: 6.5 quick miles with my "morning run club"
Tuesday: 5.5 "quick-ish" miles post-work with Matilda- she didn't know what was up- she actually had to run just a little bit! Only a little bit of course.
Wednesday 6.2 miles with "morning run club"- didn't feel so great...but everyone has an off day.
Thursday: Kettlebells+Circuit at Balance Fitness
Friday: 4 easy miles with Matilda

Planning to...

Saturday: Hopefully run 10 miles with the Calhoun Beach Running Club!
Sunday: Yoga (and the Madonna concert!)

{this pretty lady likes to run!}

This week was the kickoff to a winter "morning run club" that a small group of friends and I have started. We're hoping the regular routine will keep us on track over the winter. Every Monday and Wednesday, we'll meet at a special meeting spot, and go from there (probably 5-7 miles). We all love the Calhoun Beach Running Club, but sometimes weekday morning runs work a lot better than the 6 pm runs. Getting stuck at work won't be such a big deal if you already put in your miles in the AM.

After this weekend, when the clocks fall behind an hour, it will be even harder to stay motivated. We'll be running in the dark, dark, dark for several months (except on the weekends of course). It’s dark if you run in the morning, and it’s dark if you run at night, so why not get the runs done early, and have your evenings free?

LL posted about the challenges we face during this “dark” time of year- read about it HERE. And last year, we debated which was worse- running in extreme heat (Read about it HERE) or extreme cold (Read about it HERE). Though we determined that extreme heat was the worst, I'm still not looking forward to the cold, dark runs that are quickly approaching now that it's November.

So the question is...how do we stay motivated?

How to Stay Motivated in the Winter:
(sourced from "Runner's Connect"

1. Run with a friend!

This is the most effective method for me. Just knowing that a friend is waiting for me in the morning is usually enough motivation to get my sleepy self out of bed. Motivation doesn't happen on its own. Just like you schedule your runs, you also have to plan to get yourself motivated to run. Running with your friends is one of the top ways to stay in check. The social aspect of running is one of the key reasons people start, and stick, with it.  Not only do they help keep you accountable by “forcing” you to show up, but misery loves company. Grinding out mile repeats in the snow and below zero temperatures isn’t quite as bad when you have 3 or 4 or your running friends by your side to commiserate with.

2. Strategically place reminders of your goals when you know need the motivation.

Many runners are motivated by their goals. So step one: determine your next running goal!  I know what mine is- I want to run a 3:45 marathon.  Being reminded of my ambitious goal when the going gets tough will hopefully keep me motivated during even the most difficult training conditions. When the temperatures fall below zero and when I just don't want to run, I'm going to focus on that 3:45 goal, and get my big butt out there to run!

Runners Connect suggests physically putting reminders of your goal by the biggest "barriers" to your training:  

For many people, getting out of bed in the morning and getting excited about running in the cold leads to many missed runs. A good solution is to place an index card with your goal written in big, bright letters by the alarm clock. This way, when you go to hit the snooze button, you see your goal staring you in the face and you can ask yourself: “how much do you want it today”. If that doesn’t get you motivated to get out from under the covers, you need a new goal. If you run after work, you can put your goal on the dashboard of your car. This way, when you start to talk yourself out of driving to the gym or come up with an excuse when you walk in the door, you can remind yourself what you hope to accomplish.

3. Use small, local races to keep you focused
Runners Connect suggest signing up for some shorter races to stay motivated:

Perhaps the hardest part about training well in the winter is that your big goal races seem so far off. It can be easy to trick yourself into thinking that a few missed days now won’t have any effect in March. Unfortunately, January and February are the important building blocks of training if you want to race well in later in the spring. To keep your focus more in-tune and targeted, try signing up for some local races as workouts. Many areas have small 5k and 10ks during the winter that aren’t famous or that don’t have lots of participants (head to your local running store or check online for races in your area). Not only does the “threat” of competition keep you motivated, but it’s one less workout that week you have to run alone.

I wrote about all my upcoming runs HERE. I have lots of shorter distances on my calendar (In fact, I just added the Moustache 5k today!) I hope that the mix of distances will help to keep me challenged.

4.  Get the right equipment

When you have the right clothing and equipment, running in the winter can actually be quite enjoyable. 

Another trick that works well (especially for women) is to periodically buy new winter running gear. It doesn’t have to be expensive or a big item, but adding a new top or base layer can make getting out the door a little more fun if you like to be fashionable.

You don't have to tell me twice! I'm always interested in more running clothes, and they definitely help me stay motivated.

Well, that's it from me this week. Hopefully some of these tips will help you out as the cold weather approaches!

Do you have any additional tips that have help you stay motivated? 
Please share in the comments!