How to Prevent the Dreaded Ass-icle

I invented a new word this weekend.

Ass + Icicle = Assicle

This is a phenomenon that occurs when you are running in snow and 15 degree temperatures several days in a row and your butt (or at least mine) begins to numb, then freeze. Look! Your water freezes too!

Does looking at this photo just make you cold? Well, it was.

I always thought that since the butt (or at least mine) is mostly pure and lovely fat, it would keep me warm. But, I did some research (i.e., Googling “why does my butt freeze when I run?”) and found out this is SO not the case.

You see, fat may be a great insulator, but it doesn’t carry around blood like muscle does. Therefore, circulation is limited resulting in the dreaded assicle.

You cannot see it, but there is a block of ice between my lower back and my upper thighs.

As you can guess, women are blessed with (as a stereotype) fattier asses than men (not fair, not fair at all), so we tend to freeze up more often. Ken never complains about his ass freezing. Never. But I did use this beard ice for my margarita later on.

I am thinking deeply right now: I bet if Kim Kardashian ran in the cold she would have a monumental assicle. Just sayin’.

Ways to Prevent the Assicle:

• Stay inside and watch Netflix
• Build up extreme muscle in your butt (because this is SO very easy to do)
• Wear an extra layer over your cheeks like a running skirt over tights
• Run with a quilt tied around your waist
• Wear a cycling jacket instead of a running jacket. They are longer (and have handy pockets in the back)

Yes, so it does take a bit more motivation and self talk to bundle up on these super cold days. But, the payoff? Peace, beauty and the honor of  labeling yourself a brave and courageous bad-ass. See my post HERE about tips for running in the cold.

How’s the weather where you are? We are beginning to thaw out after almost a week of snow and bitter cold.

Do you get the assicle? If not, what part of your body gets the coldest while running? For me, it’s my face, my hands and my butt. My legs, core and feet are usually pretty warm.

SUAR

Go Girl Sport Running Skirt Review

I’ll admit it. I’ve got a few running skirts. I like some more than others depending on how well they fit, their length, how lightweight they are and how much they smell (but, that’s my fault).

Why a running skirt, you may ask? Well, it’s feminine and stylish for one. It’s comfortable, for two and it nicely covers your ass, for three. I know running is not about putting on a fashion show, but sometimes there is something to be said for the connection between feeling good and running well. That is why all men reading this need to get a kilt. And, you know the rule: no underwear with a kilt, so it is free balling all the way. See how that suits ya!

Do I have a point? Yes, I have a point. Go Girl Sport offered to send me one of their products to review. Their motto is, “Go Girl Sport is the athletic apparel brand for women who dare to be different.”

I picked this one off of their website (this is not me or else there would be moles):

Product Description: Don't save this skirt for a black tie event! The Tuxedo Skort is great for racing, hiking or kickin' it at the gym - and destined to be a staple in your athletic wear wardrobe. This flattering design features a low rise waistline with a wide band to keep things smooth. Front and back mesh panels will keep you cool and pique the interest of those around you. Attached 3" inseam boy short has offset seams, sewn outward to avoid chafing.

I received the skirt last week, all packed up nicely in a gift bag with a complimentary Go Girl Sport chap stick.

Because I cannot delay gratification and have no patience, I dropped trou in the kitchen and tried it on. Right in front of the dog and the soup on the stove.

Here’s what I like about the skirt. It is the shortest running skirt  I have (you can kind of tell from the picture that it hits just above mid-thigh on the average person). I  like my running shorts pretty short, and this skirt mimics that idea. The white part of the skirt is actually mesh, making the skirt very lightweight and breathable. There are attached white boy shorts underneath that were comfy and did not ride up where the sun don’t shine.

It’s one thing to like the skirt, it’s another thing to test it out for comfort while working out (or kickin’ it at the gym). In case you have been hiding under a rock and I am not the center of your universe, I cannot run right now due to an injury. I didn’t really want to use the skirt for water running (the pussy posse might get jealous and drown me), so I tried it out on the elliptical a few times. 

Again, I noticed how lightweight it was and how it moved easily as I moved. No tight spots, no irritations. I also like the low rise waistline because I don’t like feeling elastic and stuff on my belly, especially when I work out.

I am 5’ 5”. You can see where the skirt hits my leg.

Showing the boy short underneath:

Pretending to be in a JC Penney catalog:

I LOVE the design on the back right above your ass, or tramp stamp as Emz would say:

Bottom line: I really like this product. I go for quality, comfort and style. This fits the bill. I think it is one of my favorite running skirts because of the shorter length and lightweight feel.

One drawback - like most good quality running products – they can be pricey. This skirt sells for $64. But, you can use the promo code SHUTUPANDRUN at checkout and get 20% off your entire purchase. So, that skirt just became $51.20. Not bad. Go Girl Sport also has regular specials on their Facebook page.

January 1st I will be running in style,

SUAR

Fine print: Go Girl Sport sent me this produce free of charge in exchange for my review.