Baby, it’s F*cking Cold outside! 

It is cold here, in DC. We had our first snow, just a dusting, but it still brought wind and temperatures in the teens. 

I will admit the cold weather has me very unmotivated to run. I really want to accomplish a run streak for 2017, (New Years Resolution) but I keep missing a day, because I’m too cold. (Excuses.)
I’m already missing summer. When the days were longer, and I would wake up super early and hit the trail with Zoe. 

This summer I trained for my fall marathon, in record breaking heat. On race day, it was very warm and officials advised us to dress for hot conditions. And although, it was difficult to train in 90 degrees, I always got out there because the sun was shining. On race day, I set a new PR. It’s obvious that I prefer warmer conditions.

These winter days are not only cold, but the sun is covered by clouds. I look in my closet and my running shorts still hang from the top bar. (Again missing the days where I would run in a tank top and shorts. The more minimal the better.) As I look through my wardrobe I question… Where is all of my winter running gear? Turns out I don’t really have any. No wonder I’m not enjoying my winter runs. 

They say that in the middle of this week, freezing rain will make an appearance, ugh…but then it should warm up to 50s and even 60s. Thank goodness!!! Maybe I will not have to wait until summer to get to wear my running shorts again.

But in the meantime I have begun my search for the perfect winter running gear. Layering is key. Time to experiment and see what works. Plus, I’ll be doing tons of stroller miles… I have my 16 month old who I’m running with. She stays really cozy warm in her L.L. Bean Snow Bunting, …once I start moving my body warms up pretty quick but my hands  not do much. They were numb while pushing the stroller because I didn’t have the proper gloves. 

I’ll up date you on this experiment, and share what winter gear I find. 

Happy Running!

Now let’s RUN all the winter MILES!

Do you prefer running in the cold or the heat?

What is you favorite winter gear!? 

How to keep your baby warm on winter runs.

(Please Note: I am not affiliated with L.L.Bean and this post is based on my opinion and experience. ) 

As runners we either prefer cooler tempts or warmer. But once the temperatures drop, and the cold rolls in, we know exactly what to do. Some that can’t bare the cold, rely on indoor running. While others who despise and dread the treadmill bundle up in the highest quality winter gear and continue to take their runs outside. 

For me, as a runner, I don’t mind cooler temps. I definitely continue to run outside during the colder months, and avoid the treadmill at all costs. And although, I know exactly what winter gear to wear to keep myself warm, my 15 month old is accompanying me on most of my runs. What do I do to keep my her warm? 

I use the Ultra Plush Snow Bunting by L.L. Bean. We received this as a Christmas present last year, and although, I was dying to use it, Zoe was still to little. But this year, at 15 months, she fits perfect, and it is super roomy so she’ll be using this next year too. (The manufacturer says it fits up to a 3 year old child.) 

The Ultra Plus Snow Bunting is basically a sleeping bag for your baby/toddler, to keep her warm, while she is in the stroller. 

I’m mostly using mine to keep my 15 month old toasty warm on fall/winter runs. These cooler months can be tricky. Although, I may find the crisp, chilly air,   refreshing. It definitely is too cold for Zoe. And that is why this Ultra Plush  has the softest fleece lining – the same material used in their famous camp sleeping bags. The outside shell is water resistant.

The zipper opens wide and there are openings to fit the stroller harness so you can buckle your child in safely. 

Final Review

Finding the time to run and work out can be really tough for anybody, but especially a mom. It’s easy to make exscuses. But because I have a running stroller, I am able to take my daughter on runs with me, so there really is NO excuse. Getting your baby out and about is one of the healthiest things you can do for them. They need the fresh air in every season, and so do you!

It’s easy to make the exscuse it’s too cold! But with the Ultra Plush Snow Bunting, it’s never too cold. Honestly, as a mother, it is really hard to find the right things to make a baby both comfortable and warm. Puffy coats are dangerous in car seats, and a pain to get baby in and out of… this is why I’m so happy I have the Ultra Snow Bunting for Zoe! 

My daughter was so cozy and warm she fell right asleep on our run!!


What do you use to keep your baby warm during the winter months? 

copyright 2016 sweat1xdaily 

Blizzard Running – How to run in the cold.

Last Friday, the East Coast got slammed with a record breaking blizzard. We got 2-3 feet of snow depending on location.

So of course all of us runners were trying to squeeze in one last run before the storm started. And then we were all desperate to get running right after the streets got plowed.

Although, it was a little tricky to find a place to run, right after the storm, I did, and it was awesome. I started out slow, but finally got into the 8s. At 5 months postpartum I am finding every new day I am feeling closer and closer to the fitness level I was before pregnancy.

Anyway, I love winter running. Running while it snows, or surrounded by snow can be very peaceful. During, the winter, the trails are less busy – maybe there are less runners training for spring races, or maybe more people are jumping on the treadmill instead of the pavement. Another great thing about winter running, is that the winter air can feel extremely refreshing, and that coffee post run, even more rewarding -warming you up instantly.

With that being said, still so many runners are still confused on how to have a comfortable successful winter run.

 So here are my top tips for winter running. 

1) Always dress warm enough. 

Normally, the trick is to dress as if it is 10 degrees warmer out. For example, if it is 40 degrees out, dress as if it is 50 degrees out. Your body will warm up once you start running. However, the bold words above say, always dress warm enough and what I mean by that is with accessories. A hat is key. You loose a lot of heat through your head so keep it covered. Also consider wearing a scarf and gloves. The best part of staying warm with accessories is that when you are to warm you can take them off. Also wear the appropriate running clothing. Instead of wearing a sweatshirt actually consider wearing a technical running jacket made specifically for winter running. This goes the same for socks, try smart wool – which will keep your feet dry and warm. Never wear cotton, always wear a sweat wicking material that will absorb moisture and keep you dry. For more information on this check out my blog post on why it is important to invest I. proper technical running gear. 

2) Always be seen. 

One of the hardest parts of winter running is that the days are shorter. Meaning there is less time during the day, less sunlight. Some early morning runs are done before the sun rises and others are done at night, after the sun sets. A lot of runners are running in the dark. So always wear bright colors, reflecting gear, and/or a light. There has been so many cases when runners have lost their lives from being hit by a car. It is super important to always be seen.

3) Hydrate.

Although, you may not feel thirsty the intense way you feel while running during the summer months, you still need to drink the same amount of fluids. This seems like common sence, however time and time again runners end up dehydrated during the winter months. The air is much more dry and wind can also play a role in dehydration. So drink up.

4) Use the wind.  

If possible choose a running route where you begin running into the wind. That way you have a more difficult time when your legs are still fresh. Then as you head home you run with the wind. That way the last half of your run is faster and easier.

5) Always warm up your muscles.

Start out slower and warm up your muscles. Because of the cold, you are actually, more likely to get injured. Once you are warmed up, pick up the pace. If you need to stretch, stretch after you run. This gives your body the opportunity to warm up all the muscles, so when you stretch you can stretch deeper.

So those are my tips for winter running. Now get off the treadmill and let’s run outside!

Happy Running!