Running/Training in the winter (yoga, treadmill, bike, working out)

[mantismom]

So I'm feeling a bit depressed this week since the time change.
Now it's dark when I leave for work and when I come home. This is jacking with my runs after work. I am aiming to run a 1/2 marathon in January, but wonder how I will get enough training time in with this darn time change. I do have a treadmill but loath the thought of running on it.

What do you all do to keep up with your training during the winter months?

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Well, its not really winter here in Los Angeles (was 87 degrees today), but the time change is great for early morning runs. Same for when it gets colder, I put on my CW/X insulated tights and hit the road at about 5:30am.

I guess your biggest concern would be running on ice/snow. I guess when that happens, you'll almost have to use the treadmill.

[plaidmom]

I have a lunch-time running date on Tuesday and Thursdays. Just a quick 30 minute run to keep things fresh. I save long runs (and rides---I'm a cyclist as well) for the weekends.

I do some evening runs wearing full winter gear (when needed) and a LED headlight. I wear reflective clothing and stick to local parks and running tracks.

I cross-train indoors: weights, yoga, spinning on the bike trainer ,swimming. XC skiing outside when we have the snow.

I'll run outdoors when it's snowy or slushy (but not icy). I invest in at least one pair of Gore Tex trail shoes every winter.

Good luck!

[thepinksquid]

I live in San Diego, so it doesn't get very cold here, but the other day I was jogging when it was 58-60 out (usually it's around 70-75) and there was definitely a weird tightening in my throat/chest that I got from the colder air. Also, my nose started to run. Ew.

[mantismom]

Well, I actually live in So Cal too, I'm being a baby mostly about the time change and it being dark by the time I get home. I have a long work day, up at 4:00 am and home at 5:30. I wouldn't mind running after work if I had someone to run with. I'm too chicken to run alone when it's dark. I guess I will have to learn to accept the treadmill at least a few times a week and do my long runs on the weekend.

I use to do the lunch time runs a few times a week with a co-worker but he has been really busy, gone on business a lot the last few months so that has kind of fizzled out. We talked today and we are gonna try to start up again in the next few weeks, my fingers are crossed!

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by mantismom

I wouldn't mind running after work if I had someone to run with. I'm too chicken to run alone when it's dark.

Check for groups with your local running club. Post an ad for a running partner at your gym/work.

I'm laughing at you So Cal people complaining about working out in the "winter". Geeeze.

(I'm a native of San Diego currently living in the Midwest. I LOVE snow! )

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I do almost all of my running around Encino Golf Course near Lake Balboa. I'll park in the lot on Burbank blvd and run one lap on the trail around the golf course which is about 3.34 miles. Lots of people running there and its cool because it feels like youre running in nature. Not sure if youre in this area but its a great and safe place to run. Other than that, I'll just run around the neighborhood or in a local park.

If you're near Encino, I'd run with you. But I'll be pushing my little one in a jogging stroller.

[mantismom]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

I'm laughing at you So Cal people complaining about working out in the "winter". Geeeze.

I know, we are ridiculous, if the temp is below 60 I'm whining like a baby!

Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it!!

P.S. you can have ALL the snow

[mantismom]

Originally Posted by LaoTzuMindFu

I do almost all of my running around Encino Golf Course near Lake Balboa. I'll park in the lot on Burbank blvd and run one lap on the trail around the golf course which is about 3.34 miles. Lots of people running there and its cool because it feels like youre running in nature. Not sure if youre in this area but its a great and safe place to run. Other than that, I'll just run around the neighborhood or in a local park.

If you're near Encino, I'd run with you. But I'll be pushing my little one in a jogging stroller.

Oh man, that sounds like an ideal place to run, and the 3mi is perfect for a short run during the week.

I'd totally take you up on the offer if I were closer to you.
Thanks for the offer, that's very kind

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

I'm laughing at you So Cal people complaining about working out in the "winter". Geeeze.

hehehe yes we're wimpy (former Bostonian here)

Originally Posted by plaidmom

(I'm a native of San Diego currently living in the Midwest. I LOVE snow! )

Oh come on! We have snow here! I can go to Mt. Laguna in the winter to get my snow fix.