Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep this runner from getting her miles in! I swear sometimes I feel like it’s my mission in life to get out for a run. I’m a self-described running addict who will stop at almost nothing to go the distance. I’m sure there could have been, but I don’t remember a time when the weather kept me from my run. In fact, I hate the treadmill with such a passion that I will do almost anything to avoid being stuck inside running on it.
Some of my runs could be a reality show or episode of Survivor! Luckily I have yet to resort to drinking my own pee for hydration or stripping down naked and burrowing a hole in the snow to stay warm, but I’ve come very close to knocking on someone’s door or flagging down a rape van car to help me out of a bad situation. Here are some examples:
1. Years ago, when I first started running distances longer then 5 miles, I went on an 8 miler with a few friends from the gym. The run started and finished at the gym and I thought I was paying attention and it seemed a fairly easy route, so I attempted it by myself. In the winter. You know where this is going right? I got lost about 5 miles in and tried a few different streets a few different times. I was seriously just about to flag down a car and get a ride when I finally realized where I was and ran the rest of the way back. I have no clue how many miles I ended up running that day because this was pre-Garmin (gasp!) but I’m guessing it was close to 12. No water. No Gu. No brain cells.
2. When the twins were newborns I needed to run more then the Toronto mayor needed crack. The issue was that my aunt did not swoop in like an angel and set me free from the twins until 1:00 in the afternoons. In July at 1pm in Connecticut it can be upwards of 90 degrees. Did I care? Nope. Did I bring water on a 10 miler? Nope. The odd thing is that I only remember one run when I thought I really may die. I barely made it to my house (running UP the mountain!) and I immediately turned on the hose to drench myself on the front lawn, fully clothed. Only one problem with that. When the hose has been baking in the same 90 degree heat, boiling water spews from it first. So I was scalded and then rewarded with an ice cold splash.
3. Just last week – that’s right I don’t learn from past mistakes – I went out for a run in the freezing cold. This is not something new. I checked the weather and the temp was around 23 degrees. Totally do-able. I put on my new Trail Heads zip up, gloves and neck warmer, eager to try them out! Don’t worry, I’m not so dense from all these running mishaps that I forgot my pants – I was wearing those and a hat in addition to all my cool new gear. However, what my little weather app failed to mention was the tornado-like winds that almost blew me off the road and dropped the mercury to probably 10 degrees. Did I turn around? Nope. Did I cut my run short? Nope. Could I feel my toes? Not even half a mile in. BUT I could feel my fingers and I pulled that neck warmer almost up over my head to keep my entire face warm. I completed 10 miles and ran straight across my lawn and into my house as soon as I could!! I usually stroll around the driveway and stretch on the porch but since I was pretty sure something on me was frostbitten I just went inside to thaw!
Unibomber? Nope, just little ‘ol me out for a winter run.
The point to all this ridiculousness is GEAR is of the ultimate importance. You can survive any run, comfortably, if you’re dressed right. I love searching out and trying new gear and different fuel on my runs so I was psyched when I found TrailHeads. Their stuff is quality, durable, washable (I’ve already washed my neck warmer five times!) and darn it they are adorable! That last one really isn’t necessary but, hey, I’m still a girl who wants to look cute for all those cows I run by!
You all know I give you the straight dope here and I would never promote something I haven’t tested and loved. TraiHeads passed my ultimate weather and sweat tests with flying colors. You can check them out on their web site or by clicking the affiliate link on my side bar.
As if you needed any more incentive to buy this stuff, they’re also giving you a 20% discount when you use the code TRAIN020 and is good for anything on the entire site – not just the items I’ve reviewed. All of a sudden it’s cyber Friday – BAM!…(discount is good through 12/20)
Get some!
If there’s a running friend, relative or co-worker in your life, do them a favor and buy them some TrailHeads gear. Even if you think the last thing they need or want is more running stuff – you are wrong! I’ve been running and, consequently, buying running stuff since 2000 and I can never have enough, especially when the quality is this good!
Happy shopping…
Have you ever found yourself in a survivor like situation? Do you run in extreme temperatures?
Trail Heads sent me the neck warmer, goodbye-girl zip up and power stretch power gloves in exchange for posting, tweeting, face-booking and social media-ing about them. Don’t tell them, but I would have done it for free. Shhhhhhh.
Gear is everything! I’ll run in 20 degrees with my neck and face covered too! Or 90 degrees for that matter as well. And I once got lost in California – for a good 5 miles. No cell phone either! Thank goodness for the modern conveniences of being a runnier, ie, a good phone or Garmin!
Yes it is! I still don’t run with a cell phone which is absurd but it’s way too bulky…I have nowhere to put it!!
Have you tried the armbands for your cell phone? Does that not work for running?
I have but I have an iPhone and it seems SOOOO big in comparison to my iPod. I’m just being a brat but the less weight I have to carry, the better I feel…especially with all that extra clothing on in the winter. Thanks for the suggestion though!
How I love your dedication! I LOVE IT! I know what you mean about needed to get away when the kids are newborns. As SOON as my hubby hit the door I hit planet fitness. In that order. 🙂 I got lost on a simple 5k in baltimore during fitbloggin 12. Its one thing to be lost, but to be lost in BMORE?! 0_0 (and this is coming from a brooklyn girl!)
The gear looks fab and I am glad you love it, it looks good too, like no wind can ever get in there!
Oh my!! Lost in Baltimore? Now THAT is frightening. Glad to know you came out unscathed! Also glad to know I’m not the only one who rushed out the door to sweat when the kids were newborns. 🙂
Thanks Nellie!
Cracked up at your Toronto mayor reference! BWAH HA HA HA!! You are the cutest Unibomber runner ever! :)-Ashley
Awww thanks so much – ha ha ha!!
I live in my TrailHeads gear. I even have a hat on when I am driving my son to school in the winter. I’m wearing it now, inside my house. Maybe I should turn the heat up!
I hear you!! I’ve got my gloves and neck warmer ready to go as soon as I drop the boys off – I’m running!
You cray cray!
But I love ya.
Trail Heads – what an awesome name (for an obviously awesome brand).
I think it’s the cray cray you love most 🙂
I totally agree with you about the proper gear. I upgraded some of my gear last winter to accommodate for the cold. This isn’t to say that I couldn’t use more. 😉 I have run in extreme heat and it was awful. When I got done I actually was getting chills and my heart rate didn’t go down for about 15 – 20 minutes. That scared the crap out of me.
Oh wow, yeah that is not good!! After the Boston marathon I ended up in the medical tent because of hypothermia. It was not pleasant but they gave me the most delicious chicken broth. OMG it tasted like a filet! So crazy what happens to your body when it’s that depleted.
Get yourself some new gear and be careful out there!!
You know I love my TrailHeads gear. And I’m with Ashley – you are the cutest little unibomber runner ever. I’d totally pick you up in a sketchy van!
You laugh but that may happen someday when we’re IM training together 🙂
Oh man, I do not do well with cold weather! I’ve definitely exercised in hot weather before though. I’ve made the mistake of wearing capris when cycling in the summer-bad idea. I almost got heat exhaustion this summer when I went on a super long cycle up a massive hill and then had to drive home in a car with no ac. Not smart.
It’s good to know I’m not the only one out there doing these crazy things! I see people cycling in the winter and I’m astounded. I’m going to TRY it this year b/c of my upcoming Duathlon but I am NOT looking forward to it.
Thanks Britt!
I’m totally with you…and i even have my own treadmill. But outside is always better. Around here, the most extreme we ever get is usually low teens. Totally doable and I’m sure folks in colder climates would laugh that we consider that extreme!
That is very true but I do not want to know what it’s like to run in anything colder! As for the treadmill? I actually gave mine away b/c I never used it.
I run outdoors in the winter. I run from the car to Target, from Target back to my car…but maybe if I had the right gear I’d actually run for exercise. If I’d look as cute as you all bundled up, I may go for it!
Ha haha!!! I love it. I also love that you think I look cute. I think I look like a crazy person!
Thanks Dana 🙂
I’m a wimp and will not run in rain, snow, ridiculous cold or sweltering heat. That’s just me and I’m sticking to it. Good for you though. I’m just delicate like that (….not!). Again, you’ve made me admire you even more!
I think you’ve grown soft since moving to L.A.! Surely you ran in some “extremes” in NY. Although yes, you are quite delicate 🙂
It’s obvious to me that you’re a superhero. That’s what I think.
I had this weird anxiety/depression episode when I was 16 and I couldn’t eat or drink without feeling sick. On day four or so of this, I climbed a gorge in upstate NY. On top of it was a beautiful water fountain. And it was no mirage. I drank until I was dizzy. Although I was probably dizzy from dehydration before that.
It was magical.
Yes, gear is very important. So is drinking more than once every four days!
That is so cool!…not that you were dehydrated but the whole experience of climbing the gorge. My brother lives up near there and I always have wanted to do that. They say New York is GEORGeous 🙂
Thanks Tamara! If you think I’m a superhero then so do I!
I love those hysterical little nuggets you throw in there to keep me on my (not frostbitten) toes. ” I needed to run more then the Toronto mayor needed crack” is priceless!
Hey, stay safe out there. I can live with you stripping down naked and burrowing a hole in the snow but if you start drinking your own pee, all bets are off, I’m outa here.
Oh Karen, so quick to abandon me? I’m sure you could whip up a recipe for drinking….ok, maybe not! If I start doing that, I don’t blame you for fleeing. Ha ha!! Thanks 🙂
I’m beyond happy that you haven’t had to resort to drinking your own (or anyone else’s) pee!!!
ME TOO!
Lol @ Kim & Alison! I love that you run by any means necessary. I wish everyone could find a physical activity that they were equally passionate about. I don’t like the cold! Kudos to you for enduring all of this windy madness. I do love good attire though, glad you like your new stuff! You need it!!!
I know, right? I go though a lot of gear! I actually prefer running in the cold b/c at least you heat up (usually!) and are toasty by the first couple miles. I also used to use my dedication in my favor with clients. If they had a fitness “assignment” over the weekend and the weather was bad, all they needed to do was think about if I would do it or not. It usually was completed!! HA HA!! I know you lead by example too and it works!
{Melinda} We don’t have to worry about this in Florida .. the heat is what kills us. Which is why I very much appreciated the air-conditioned gym! 🙂 Hoping to run a 5K this spring, now that my back is on the mend. You are inspiring!
Killer heat indeed! I always wonder how runners train year round in Florida! Indoors? They must!! So psyched for your 5K! I hope you blog about it 🙂
I do not run in extreme temperatures but I do want to get some proper gear so I can at least run in maybe 50 degree weather (which is freezing to me. Too bad STL gets much colder than that).
I have to LOL about the hose. It really/ sounds like something I would do!
A good rule to remember is to dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer b/c your body heats up quickly. You should be a little cold when you first walk out the door but that will change – fast! Getting the right gear makes all the difference. Good luck! I know you will be killing your half training 🙂
Ah yes the ‘ol burning water from the hose!! Thanks for making me feel better about that one.
You+ Me = EXERCISE TWINS! NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING gets in the way of my working out! No tornado, hurricane, power outage, broken leg, sick, large intestine removal will STOP ME!!! When I had my large intestine taken out – day two, you could find me walking up and down the hospital stairs because I needed to be active!!!! I disconnected myself from the IV. LMFAO!!! <– This chick be CRAZY!
WONDER TWIN POWERS ACTIVATE!!! Love, love, love it GiGi!! When I was getting the staples out after I had a c-section with the twins, I asked the doc how soon I could start running. She almost died. Glad to know there’s at least one more girl out there as psycho as I am 🙂
I run in extreme weather – in fact, this morning I did 11 miles in 7 degrees. The amazing thing is that when I was heading out, yes, it was frigid and my toes and fingers were COLD because there was a little breeze. But on the way back, I was running away from the wind and it was so totally okay.
So, the wind is what gets me when it’s cold.
I looked like a villain when I headed out this morning with all my gear, BTW 🙂
YES that wind is wicked! Equally, the sun can be your best friend. It could be 2 degrees out but, if the SUN is out, it makes a huge difference. I love that you went out for a long run in 7 degree weather! I don’t know about you but it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished so much more then “just” a run when the weather is working against me!
I’m sure you looked more like a superhero 🙂 Keep it up!
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