This Southern California coast born and raised girl has not been happy with the weather lately. A cold front has come through Southern California and has brought some seriously frigid weather with it. Temperatures in the 30s (mornings/nights) and 40s (day!) may not seem extreme to many, but for someone who doesn’t own long underwear, mittens (until a week ago), or much in the way of warm jackets, it’s been pretty uncomfortable at times!
The hardest part for me has been those chilly pre-dawn runs. Waking up at 5:30 to run X number of miles is hard enough, but worse knowing that you have to leave your warm bed for the freezing pavement. Even on my weekend long runs which I’ve been delaying until 8:30-9:30 AM require layers and long sleeves. Coming from someone who HAS to wear a tank when she races, this is an extreme circumstance. For Christmas I got a Lululemon beanie and Lululemon running gloves (with touchscreen friendly finger tips!) which added to my pitiful collection of “winter running gear” which is mostly comprised of free long sleeve racing shirts I got at the Carlsbad half marathon and the Turkey Trot as well as a long sleeve cycling pull-over and a bright yellow cycling jacket (this is to be worn only in extreme circumstances).
You may be wondering why I don’t go out and buy more winter friendly gear? Well, I guess I’m cheap. Considering that it’s only this cold 1-2 months of the year and I don’t plan on being a crazy winter training freak for the rest of my life (maybe just a few more years?), I don’t want to invest in a $100-200 winter running jacket. Instead, I just want to complain to you about it here.
So instead of laying out some dough for real gear, here’s Nicole’s “How to Survive Winter Running Without Purchasing Anything” list (add an additional layer for each 15 degree drop in temperature):
- Undershirt (a moisture-wicking tank that normally would be worn solo in the summer)
- Long sleeve technical t-shirt, preferably free race schwag
- Thin running jacket (usually worn post-workout in the summer to stay warm on those chilly 60 degree nights) or cycling jacket
- The longest running pants you own (note: it’s ok to wear these a few times without washing – justify it by telling yourself you don’t sweat as much in the cold).
- Running beanie placed under running hat
- Running gloves (substitute for old tube socks if you’re really in a bind)
Moral of the story – layer layer layer and you can survive the winter without breaking the bank!
How do you keep warm in the winter!?
PS Jimmy Kimmel makes fun of So Cal “cold weather” complainers:
Don’t forget to tuck your layers into each other! It helps keep the warmth on the inside!
Being cold sucks when you run. I’m glad you got some nice gear for Christmas to make it a little easier!
I had to laugh because we’re having temps like that and it’s downright balmy for winter!
Hahaha I know I’m being dramatic but for me it’s cold! 🙂
Haha! That Jimmy Kimmel clip is so funny!
How do you do 5:30 AM runs in this weather!? You are my hero! But hey, it’s going to hit the 70s today! WAHOO!
I saw your comment on Amy’s blog and you mentioned the Vavi running group. Are you still a part of it? I’m wondering if it’s something I might enjoy… Hmmm.
I loved Vavi! the first season I did it, I didn’t’ know anyone except for one freind who was much faster than me so we couldn’t run together. By the end of the season I had made some good friends! Admittedly, the program is a bit pricey considering what you get but it was worth it for the camaraderie. Now that I live in Encinitas, it’s too far for me to go for the runs (usually all in Mission Bay) and my training schedule is off from theirs now as well. I’ve also heard good things about the San Diego Track Club and have considered joining the North County division.