Running during the winter months is challenging for me though because I strongly dislike running outside when it’s cold. I’ve tried to like it. I’ve done it a few times. I just don’t enjoy it. All I’m thinking about is getting it over with and I usually stop well before I need to… [Read more…]
Winter Running: What I Do On the Treadmill
It’s Getting Colder! 5 Tips for Staying Safe & Warm During Outdoor Activity
1. Dress for it!
If you’ll be getting your heart rate up, you need sweat-wicking materials! The better fabrics you have, the warmer/safer you’ll be. My man-friend has a saying about being cold during cold-weather activity: “If you’re cold, you’re either broke… or you don’t know any better.” It’s true. When I was younger I had no clue how to dress. I was always freezing and hated being outside during winter. I had no idea that jeans and cotton hoodies were part of the problem. When it comes to athletic outdoor activity, cotton is the devil! Later, when I knew better, I was too broke to afford to buy clothes made of sweat-wicking and wind-blocking materials, synthetic tops/bottoms, and jackets filled with down feathers. If you’re somewhat financially stable, investing in the right clothing and outerwear will make such a difference! You’ll enjoy being outside during any weather and though they’re more expensive, the right clothes will last you many years!
2. Cover your head, hands and feet!
Since most of your body heat escapes through your head, hands, and feet, it’s good to keep these areas covered. For my dome, I like this ear-warming headband and this hat (great for chicks who’ll need a hat that works with ponytails) from Lululemon. These North Face running gloves (to keep your hands just warm enough and still able to operate the touch screen on your phone or mp3 player) are also my jam.
3. Don’t layer too much!
This is something I always have to remind myself of. I hate being cold so over dressing is always tempting. The last thing you want to do though is break a sweat in chilly temps. If you’re like me and know you’ll want to wear too much, do 10-15 minutes of warmup and bodyweight activity before you go outside. You’ll already be warm so won’t want to put more layers. Once you go outside you’ll know if you have the right amount of clothing/gear on to keep you warm enough, but not sweaty.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings.
If it’s been freezing temperatures in your area, there are likely to be wet or frozen areas around you. Make sure you watch where you step, run, jump to avoid any falls. Nobody wants to spend the holidays injured. And please, if you’re with your buddies, don’t stick to your tongue to anything frozen on a dare. Even if it’s a triple-dog-dare… Who knew there was so much to learn from A Christmas Story?!
5. Double check your health conditions.
Like with most physical activity, it’s good to check with your doc beforehand to make sure there’s nothing that will harm you (or your kiddos!) while playing or working out outside. Cold weather can exacerbate some conditions like asthma or other lung issues (A few years ago I had to avoid all outdoor activities when I had bronchitis in December and January… #buzzkill). It’s better to be safe than sorry, so know before you go!
It’s Getting Colder! 5 Tips for Staying Safe & Warm During Outdoor Activity
1. Dress for it!
If you’ll be getting your heart rate up, you need sweat-wicking materials! The better fabrics you have, the warmer/safer you’ll be. My man-friend has a saying about being cold during cold-weather activity: “If you’re cold, you’re either broke… or you don’t know any better.” It’s true. When I was younger I had no clue how to dress. I was always freezing and hated being outside during winter. I had no idea that jeans and cotton hoodies were part of the problem. When it comes to athletic outdoor activity, cotton is the devil! Later, when I knew better, I was too broke to afford to buy clothes made of sweat-wicking and wind-blocking materials, synthetic tops/bottoms, and jackets filled with down feathers. If you’re somewhat financially stable, investing in the right clothing and outerwear will make such a difference! You’ll enjoy being outside during any weather and though they’re more expensive, the right clothes will last you many years!
2. Cover your head, hands and feet!
Since most of your body heat escapes through your head, hands, and feet, it’s good to keep these areas covered. For my dome, I like this ear-warming headband and this hat (great for chicks who’ll need a hat that works with ponytails) from Lululemon. These North Face running gloves (to keep your hands just warm enough and still able to operate the touch screen on your phone or mp3 player) are also my jam.
3. Don’t layer too much!
This is something I always have to remind myself of. I hate being cold so over dressing is always tempting. The last thing you want to do though is break a sweat in chilly temps. If you’re like me and know you’ll want to wear too much, do 10-15 minutes of warmup and bodyweight activity before you go outside. You’ll already be warm so won’t want to put more layers. Once you go outside you’ll know if you have the right amount of clothing/gear on to keep you warm enough, but not sweaty.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings.
If it’s been freezing temperatures in your area, there are likely to be wet or frozen areas around you. Make sure you watch where you step, run, jump to avoid any falls. Nobody wants to spend the holidays injured. And please, if you’re with your buddies, don’t stick to your tongue to anything frozen on a dare. Even if it’s a triple-dog-dare… Who knew there was so much to learn from A Christmas Story?!
5. Double check your health conditions.
Like with most physical activity, it’s good to check with your doc beforehand to make sure there’s nothing that will harm you (or your kiddos!) while playing or working out outside. Cold weather can exacerbate some conditions like asthma or other lung issues (A few years ago I had to avoid all outdoor activities when I had bronchitis in December and January… #buzzkill). It’s better to be safe than sorry, so know before you go!
Trail Running: Pros and Cons
- Bonding time with Tango! He knows as soon as I put my running clothes on and grab my canteen that we’re going to this loop. He’s pumped and doing jumping 360s in the living room until I’ve got my ass out the door.
- Consistency and an efficient movement break. This loop is only 2.2 miles and is 5 minutes from my house. We can go, run, and be back within 30 minutes so even on the busiest days, I can fit it in. If I’m not pressed for time I can do multiple loops.
- Running on dirt and grass is way easier on my joints than concrete/asphalt! If you run frequently on hard pavement, your joints will start to feel it. If you’re training for races that you already know will be held on pavement, spend your training runs on the dirt or grass! You’ll go easy on your joints, plus you’ll train your ankles to take on forces from all directions from the uneven terrain.
- Additionally, trails offer more to my running experience than running on pavement. First, I have to pay attention so I don’t bite it. There are level changes, there are small rocks and logs I have to jump over, I have to dodge tree limbs and roots, etc. The best thing though is that I pay less attention to how long/how far I’m running (’cause I don’t really like running more than 20 or 30 minutes) and more attention to the trail itself. It’s a bit more fun, plus I get the added coordination, agility, and ankle stability benefits. Multitasking!
- We can go over around 8 or 9am when nobody else is on the trail. We have the whole thing to ourselves, Tang gets to run amok off-leash, and I can blast Pandora on my phone as loud as I want with whatever music I feel like running to… (hey, sometimes it’s a country music kind of day and I don’t want to wear my headphones).
- The downside to being one of the first peeps on the trail: Clearing out all the spider webs across the trail… WITH MY FACE.
- Today’s count: 14 spider webs. Awesome.
- Linking back to the last “con” above: being alone so that nobody can see me freak the hell out every single time that happens… Glad Game.
Tough Mudder – Nor Cal 2012
Park Bench
Guest Post! Miss B and Hustle
Hi! I’m Krissy, one half of Miss B and Hustle. I’m sooo honored to be asked to guest post on Fit with Flash! I’m a Cali girl living in rainy Portland (which I love 99% of the time) and until this past year, working out has been low on my list of priorities. I could just never motivate, but I think the key is finding something that works for you! I’m 100% addicted to Portland based barre3 and Corepower Yoga! I thought I’d share a few of my workout essentials!
- Lululemon pants. You can try other brands for slightly less $$, but you’ll always come back to your Lulu’s! There’s truly nothing better.
- I love using a natural deodorant when I do yoga because it washes off easily in the shower afterwards. I loooove Weleda’s spray deodorant in Wild Rose.
- Confession: I don’t always buy high-end sports bras. I really love Champion for Target’s neon colors and when I need more support, I layer two different colors!
- I used to buy
runningwalking shoes based on how they matched my clothes, but recently I went to the Portland Running Co. and had them watch me on a treadmill and make a recommendation and I couldn’t be happier with the fit! (They still match my outfit!)
- I always keep a bottle of coconut water in my car, along with a few Larabars just so I’m not starving/dehydrated after class!
Guest Post! Maddie from Spidatter
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That’s me in the white sailor blouse. Adorable. |
Guest Post! Sara in Le Petit Village
Post Bronchitis…
After spending the last 4 weeks with Bronchitis and feeling like crap, I FINALLY feel like I’ve got some energy! Yesssss. So I went for a little run today and did some TRXing to get back in the game.
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