Frozen Snot and Other Observations

Wow, you guys freaked out about me running in my capri tights in 25 degree weather! Thank you for all of your care and concern (translation: thinking I'm a dumb ass). I don't think there has been such an uproar since that couple got into the White House uninvited last weekend.

So, here's the deal about cold weather running, at least in my book. I'm no guru in this matter, but I did run outside through the Colorado winter last year since my marathon was at the end of January. That's just how much I hate the treadmill. A couple of things to note:

• Most people tend to way overdress when running in the cold. Rule of thumb - wear less than you think you need. Then take off a layer.


• I LOVE LOVE running outside in the cold. I find it to be totally invigorating and refreshing. The world looks completely different in the winter than any other time of year and there is so much beauty with the way the light hits ground and the sky. It gives me a new lease on life. You should try it sometime. Plus it freezes your snot and that's always fascinating.


• Colorado cold is not equal to the cold in places that are humid. For one, those humid climates have a wet cold that make you cold to the very inside of your bones. I know because I grew up on the east coast. I was way colder in Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. than I've ever been in Colorado.

Today it snowed all morning (3") and we had a high of 18 degrees. I ran outside at 3:30 p.m., before the sun went down. Here's how I looked and what I wore. Please don't call any modeling agencies or fitness magazines wanting to submit this picture of me. I really don't have time for all of that attention (actually I'm looking like a cold dork, but I thought I'd throw that in for good measure):

Full length tights. That's right! No capris, so no need to freak out. I have had these tights (Pearlizumi brand) for 15 years, got them when I was a wannabe runner, but never ran. They sat on my shelf for years. Now I wear them, but only when it's under 20 degrees. Any other time, I'm in my capris because they're more comfortable. My legs, feet, torso and arms never get cold once I start running. This is amazing because at 110 lbs I am always freaking cold. The beginning of a run is always hell, but once you warm up the only stuff that really gets cold on me are my fingers and face.

Gloves: I usually wear the cheapy $1 gloves from Walgreen's. Again, if it's under 20 degrees, I go for the true running gloves. These are fleece, pretty warm, and even have a pocket on the top for your key or condom or tampon (as long as it's an OB). They're made by Reebok. I have no clue what they cost.

Under Armour Cold Gear Mock Turtleneck: No, I don't work for Under Armour and am not promoting this sometimes overpriced bunch of swag, but I do like some of their stuff. The shirts work great for super cold weather running. They are snug and wick away all the moisture because believe it or not your body really does sweat when it's 18 degrees outside. I have these mock turtlenecks in gray, white and green. They are about $50. Here is my torso in the white version:

Under Armour Arctic Headband: Again, not doing a product placement here, but this keeps my ears way warm. They are about $17. Here is a picture of it on my head:

Running hat: I wear the one I got at the Boulder Half Marathon this year.


Smart Wool Socks: I have serious love affair with these things. They are light weight, but cozy and keep my feet toasty. These go for about $12/pair so I only have two pairs that turn inside out and upside down until they can stand up by themselves.

North Face Flight Series Windbreaker: Now this is the key to running in the cold. If it is below 30 degrees I put this baby on over my mock turtleneck. It is extremely lightweight, nothing more than an overpriced windbreaker. But it keeps the cold air out and keeps me from getting overheated. I can't remember, but I think it goes for about $70. If you look closely you can see my snot/spit on it (under the NF emblem) because I still haven't learned how to not spit all over the front of myself when running:

That's it. Simple, basic, good quality gear.

When I am in my Hallmark movie I am going to wear all of these mismatched brands so I can get sponsorship from all of these companies.


For more info on cold weather running, read this article I wrote for the Examiner.

Drinking: About to get some wine