When I signed up for the Whistler Half Marathon and started calculating when I would start my training the first thought that went through my head was “well this is gonna suck”, because ya know…winter running. I feel like I got super lucky this year and it has been the mildest winter I can remember experiencing (other then when I lived in Victoria but that doesn’t count). I will admit though that I finally broke down and went running at the indoor track the other day, I just couldn’t take another run in the dark.
I am three weeks in to training now and I have to say getting in to the routine has not been easy. Between being sick and trying to find the time I am kind of struggling. I am hoping once the days get longer (and warmer) it will be easier. That being said, I keep reminding myself that this is only the beginning of training and it is not the end of the world if I miss the odd day (just get those long runs in people).
One huge difference between last years and this years training is that I was starting from scratch last year. I had pretty much let running go so not only did I have to build up my miles, I also had to build my endurance. This year I am way ahead in that respect which is definitely a bonus. It feels amazing to go out for run and have it feel easy unlike last year where every run was a push when I started.
I enjoy the routine of half marathon training, running for a reason instead of running with no goal in mind, so I am glad to be back at it!
Since we still have a month or two of bundling up for runs left I thought I would share what I wear to survive a cold winter run…
Long socks – Cold ankles are just not fun so out come the long socks. I have a pair of Columbia’s Omni-heat socks that are awesome, keep the feet warm but are still thin.
Buff – If you follow any of my stuff you already know that I am a fan of Buff’s. I wear one around my neck that I can pull up over my nose if the cold is bothering my lungs too much. I also wear one over my ears because I am pretty sure there is nothing worse then the feeling of aching ears from the cold.
Nike Pro Warm Pants – These pants are literally the best thing ever. They are soooo soft on the inside and they are also decently thick. To top it off they are extremely comfortable and they stay up when you are running.
Nike Pro Warm Top – This top is made out the same material as the pants I own so again super soft, warm and comfortable. I love that it is tight so I can layer over top, usually I just throw a long sleeve shirt over though the colder it is the more layers I pile on.
North Face Wind Breaker – So this is one thing on this list that I have to say there are better options out there because a windbreaker will help keep you warmer but they definitely don’t breathe and you will sweat…a lot. It’s gross. That being said I looked in to getting a proper winter running jacket, they are like $200 and my windbreaker does work to keep me warm enough despite all the sweating. Long story short, I wear a windbreaker but it ain’t my favourite.
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