The Athletes You Meet on the Lakefront in Winter
Written by Todd Walbert, Swim Coach at Grit Endurance. Learn more about Todd’s background here!
There are six long weeks left in winter (or eight, depending on what your favorite large rodent has to say on Feb 2.) That means either continuing to train in the cold, or finally being so sick of the treadmill, you just have to get outside. Once you do, you will contend with dressing appropriately for the conditions. My wife, Sharon, and I have the discussion before every Saturday long run about what to wear. When you get out there, you will see the various ways in which athletes choose to manage the elements.
The split shorts and singlet no matter what guy: This guy (it’s always a guy) just wants to be looked at and doesn’t care about your judgement. His legs are too wind-burned to allow much thought to penetrate in any case. The only concession to the weather is a pair of crew socks, which replace the hidden ones worn when it is over 20 degrees.
The “could I be wearing any more gear?” person: Always wearing multiple layers of tights, a hat and a balaclava, and their huge puffy Canada Goose jacket accessorized with ski goggles, this athlete will begin complaining about overheating ½ mile into their warmup. It is good that the water fountains are closed in winter, since this person wouldn’t be able to bend over to have a drink anyway.
The “I run hot but start cold” person: Can be seen about 2 miles into their run with a jacket or two tied around their waist and holding a pair of gloves and hat in their bare hands. A seemingly legit strategy- except for all the dropped hats and gloves you see scattered all over the lakefront.
The perfectly turned-out runner who looks comfortable no matter what: This person always appears to be just slightly underdressed but never shows the effects of the cold and it seems like the wind doesn’t touch them at all. I simultaneously hate these people and want to be just like them.
Here are a few tips to be comfortable as you spend more time training outside while the mercury stubbornly refuses to rise:
Plan to be a bit chilly when you start and dress for your running temperature.
Be aware and plan for variable conditions. It is often much windier by the lake so even on a milder day, you may want a buff to pull over your mouth once you are in the wind.
Watch the road conditions. Black ice, metal grates and the ubiquitous piles of road salt are all hazards to a runner’s footing.
Wear breathable materials as base layers (including socks)- I love merino wool on super cold days. Craft makes excellent base layers for the cold.
Convertible gloves have a mitten-like windproof shell that can be tucked away when not needed and provide excellent protection when needed.
Stay hydrated! Even though you may feel cold, you will sweat. I find that a softflask kept inside some layers keep my drink from freezing.
When the temperature really plunges, consider doing short loops closer to home rather than a long out and back. If you didn’t dress appropriately, you can always run in and add or remove layers, but not if you’re 8 miles from home.
Ask your Grit Endurance coach for a substitute workout that you can do indoors on those days you really can’t see yourself out there on the tundra!