The weather finally turned and now I'm left with cold, wind, snow, sleet, rain and ice. I'm also left with a dilemma that I've never faced before. How will I continue to run through the winter?
Option 1: Get warmer running clothes. Tights, long sleeve tech shirt, running cap, ear warmers, face scarf and gloves.
Problem 1: Snow and Ice is slippery.
Solution 1: YakTrax ot STABILicers
But 1: I think these things are slippery on concrete that isn't covered in snow or ice - or at the very least they'll be hard on the knees. These would be a lot better choice if we had a constant snow cover in Chicago.
Option 2: Treadmill. 1% incline.
Problem 2: Boring.
Solution 2: Headphones, TV and intervals.
But 2: I have a short attention span and I'm still bored. And the treadmill isn't comfortable to run on.
Option 3: Cross-train. Swimming, Elliptical, Rowing Machines.
Problem 3: It's not using the muscles the same way as running.
Solution 3: Worry about training cardio endurance.
But 3: I still wish it was warm enough to run outside.
Conclusion: I'm going to get the warmer clothing so I can run outside when I get the opportunity. Every now and then it has to warm up a little bit, and there's not always snow and ice on the ground. In the meantime I will suck it up and try and become more creative with my cardio workouts in the gym.
Have you come up with a creative solution to winter running?
Posts
