Baby, It's Cold Outside: Running in cold weather

Before I get into the glorious details of cold weather running, there is something you should know about me:

I really don't like having wet clothes.  I never have.

Ick. Just, ick.

Any time the edge of my sleeve gets the least bit wet I go into near panic fix-it mode.

Perfectly, completely normal reaction.  Just ask anyone.

So, it stands to reason that I also don't like being sweaty. Yeah, I know, so why do I do all this running and biking?

I can usually work around it by wearing tank tops or sweat wicking short-sleeve tees.  Of course, when the mercury dips I have a Catch 22.  Do I go with:

A) short sleeves with a side of hypothermia?

Shivering tends to waste a lot of energy.

Or do I go with:

B) long (sweaty, sticky) sleeves but less shivering?

They're sweat-wicking but still stick!

Since I'm somewhat rational, I generally go for the layers.  Sometimes that means more than just a long sleeve shirt though.  During these winter months, that's really just the beginning.

Layer 1 (if you will):

Layer 2:

Layer 3:

Or, you know, "beanie".

And, when I'm desperate, Layer 4:

Once I'm finally ready to head out the door, I then have to deal with running with all that...stuff.

First, I have to contend with the feeling of the seams and material of the gloves between my fingers.

Then, at some multiple points during my run, I will need to readjust my hat.

I can usually start to ignore those annoyances once I notice my long sleeves.

All told, I think I'm lucky that I don't currently live where it snows all that often.

UPCOMING POSTS: I WILL BE RUNNING A LOT THIS YEAR (OR PLAN TO), SO LOOK FOR MORE OF THOSE POSTS.

*DON'T FORGET TO CHECK THE 7 YEARS YOUNGER POST FOR THE WINNER!