Runners help! Running in the cold?

[Alexa]

It is getting pretty freezing here and I am keen to run outside at least some of the time but when I do my throat gets painfully cold from breathing.

Is there any way I can alleviate this?

I have a underactive thyroid and feel the cold anyway, but this cold feeling seems to go straight to the thyroid and hurts like crazy!

[Alexa]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Any thoughts on this - if anyone didn't see this?

Has anyone ever run with a scarf tied around their face? This is the only thing I can think of, but it seems a bit unsophisticated.

Is there some clever breathing method anyone knows of?

[ttdriver]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Well .. living in W Central FL, I can't really relate to running in the cold (the HUMIDITY/HEAT I *am* well experienced in ..)

But I'd say if nothing else, one of those little masks you can get at a drug store might help a bit! How far are you running?

Betty

[BigRunner]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

I'm running here in Michigan, so I understand running in the elements. Ran 15 miles outside in 24 degree temps with wind chill of 10 degress on Saturday.

I don't have an issue with the cold on my throat. In fact, I can't run with anything covering my mouth. It's difficult to move as much air through for one. Also, the moisture in the exhaled air makes whatever covering your mouth wet.

I run outside comfortably down to about 10 degrees (without any significant wind). Any colder than that I move to the treadmill, as much as I hate that thing.

Sorry I'm not much help. Help you find an answer to your problem.

RichF

[Alexa]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Hey Betty and Rich - thanks, that is useful, because I thought a scarf would get wet and you confirmed my suspicions.

I'll try a mask - if I can't find on of those I'll get one of my Dad's builder's ones

Betty - I've rashly entered a half marathon for 16th March in my home town in the UK. I am quite nervy because I've only ever run about 5 miles at this point. I've got a 12 week training plan from Runners World magazine which is for beginners, I'll be starting that in a fortnight when I ease back into my usual 30 mins run after a break of the last month or so.

Exciting though!

[ttdriver]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Congrats on signing up, Alexa! Competition is *always* fun!! You should be well-trained by then and will do great, I am sure!!!

My biggest issue with running in the "cold" (and to me, that's anything less than 50!)... is how to keep my nose from running the entire time. I know alot of cold weather runners wear gloves, not so much to keep their hands warm, but to give them something to WIPE their running noses on!! Yeah, I know ...EWWWWWWWWWWWWW, but ya do what ya gotta do, right?

Rich, I have to hand it to ya .. you get the tenacity award for being able to run 12 miles on the dreadmill .. I hate that thing too. In fact, I refuse to own the dreaded hamster wheel .. give me the outdoors anytime! IMO, running outdoors is much more difficult .. don'tcha think???

Betty

[Alexa]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Thanks, Betty - I hope you're right that I'll be ready in time.

The treadmill seems easier to me - but I get so bored staring at the wall. I like listening to music (which I don't do outside because it doesn't seem safe) though.

Ewwww - about the gloves! As I'll be putting in some long (for me) runs over the Winter I need to think about my clothing - I don't have anything water proof except a big cagoule which roasts me and makes me sweat. My gloves are just knitted, so I'm sure I can do better and I wear a baseball cap, which isn't that warm! But I don't want to spend funds til I'm sure I'll get the right thing - so I expect I'll be picking all your brains again.

[cavgirl]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Go on u alexa for doing the running!!! i would love to be able to run outside i can do about 8 mins running on the treadmill before i die!

[Alexa]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Cavgirl - I started doing 1 minute running, 2 mins walking X 5 so it sounds like you can do better than when I started!

If you are interested in starting their are some great plans like 'Couch to 5k' that make it relatively painless to get into it.

[cavgirl]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

i really wanna start but feel at the moment that i would not be able to give it a 100% as i am so stressed about the wedding and my auntie being sick at the moment!!

[Alexa]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Yeah, that's understandable - though running can be a great way to beat stress if you do find the time in the future (I first got into it when I was doing my MA finals and it was like a lifeline).

[ttdriver]

Re: Runners help! Running in the cold?

Alexa is RIGHT .. running is a GREAT STRESS ELIMINATOR .. trust me! I have an insanely stressful job that requires 12+ hour days .. but I could not/would not miss my running because there'd be NO WAY I could handle the job stress without it!

So, I get up early early and get my running in before my mind has a chance to think twice. I usually run a 10k (6.2) Mon, Wed & Thurs morning, and save my long run 13+ miles for Saturday morning. I find that after my morning runs, I am able to deal with the stress so much better .. I have energy .. I can think clearly .. and get alot more done. I urge you to RUN before you talk yourself out of it! Trust me, you can ride high on the endorphins you will get!

Betty