Is there any substitute for running?

Wow. I'll answer first because I can see all the mean people that will get on here and think they're funny.

So I'll answer seriously.

You can run in all kinds of weather. I've been running almost 40 years. For over two decades I ran in long johns with shorts over them or with sweat bottoms over them, then a cotton t-shirt with a thicker shirt (sweatshirt usually) over that, and I wore an old down winter coat over that, and that's how I ran.

My wife finally bought we a gore-tex all weather jacket, and I now wear a wicking long sleeved shirt under that. If I am moving constantly (running), that's all I need on my top. I also wear tights, and I put long johns on under them if it is very cold.

I always wear a hat, and I like mittens better than gloves. No brand preferences. I buy them at the tractor supply or an outdoor place. I know all this makes me sound like a bumpkin--which I probably am, but this is all you need. If you want to go for the Nike or Adidas apparel that makes you look stylish, go ahead.

I love to run in deep snow. I think ice is about the only danger (broke my tailbone once).

I've never seen anyone wear goggles before, but when it's near zero Farenheit I wear one of those ski-masks with the holes in them for mouth and eyes. Those work pretty well.

I'm not into all that fancy running gear too much (except good shoes). I still wear a lot of cotton t-shirts when I run.

I need an extra wollen mitten to put over Mr. Happy if it's extra cold. Don't want frost bite. I've heard there are fur-lined jock straps, but I've never seen one. I just use the mitten and that works pretty well. There's no pain to compare with frozen testicles when you're still five miles from home.

Running in the winter weather will make you tough. Go get 'em.

I enjoy smoking weed indoors. That about sums it up after that. Good luck

I didnt know kenny loggins ran...?

Go ask on the Runner's World forums, it's more your speed over there.

Of course you can run in all sorts of weather and I have. From a zero degree marathon to 95 and humid.

The question you have to ask yourself is why? Why would I want to waste all that time figuring out how cold it is going to be? How much clothing to wear? Which way the wind is blowing? Is there so much snow I have to run on the roads in traffic? Will I slip on ice and strain a muscle? Will I get a stress fracture from the hardness of the roads? Will the cold cause more muscle strains? How long will I cough after the run because of the cold, dry air?

After I answered all those questions, it made much more sense to just throw on a pair of shorts and hit the treadmill. I can monitor my effort, watch tv, listen to music, and enjoy my workout. When the warm weather comes or I travel to a warm weather race, I won't have to worry about acclimitizing myself to the heat.

You can call me a wuss if you want, but I will probably be too far ahead of you to hear anyway.

Given that you don't have the mental candlepower to make quick work of dressing yourself for a run when it's below 60 outside, it's doubtful that you'll be far ahead of almost anyone reading this. Bowerman's saying on people like you holds true.

I've found personally that meth and black tar heroin are the best substitutes for running. Personally.

Dont know if its been mentioned yet, but power cranks are proven to make you a better runner!! lol

You ARE a wuss wrote:

Given that you don't have the mental candlepower to make quick work of dressing yourself for a run when it's below 60 outside,

I ran outside for 20 years but it really just doesn't interest me anymore except to race and I won't do that again until March unless I take a trip south this winter.

Watching tv while running on the mill is really more enjoyable than running the same old routes I have run thousands of times before.

I didn't ask for further confirmation. I have run outside for 20 years and none of the questions you posed above have ever crossed my mind. I live on the 40th parallel, so it's not like I have the luxury of avoiding snow and ice like those living in the southeast or southwest or Hawaii or California. I enjoy running, period, so I wouldn't need an idiot box or whatever to make it enjoyable.

Thanks a lot for your reply! The way you described yourself makes me think of Rocky IV :P

I wasn't sure what works and I have a fear of the cold. This gives me time to buy some running gear for the winter.

Thanks again.

Years ago, I got an overweight mostly sedentary girlfriend started with running - in winter, though she was very afraid of the cold at first. They key is to realize the running body generates a lot of heat, so after 5-10 minutes you'll be plenty warm if dressed right. But you've got to get past that first mile or so.

If you dress to be comfortable for the first 5-10 minutes, you'll sweat your ass off later in the run. Then you'll get colder because you're running in the cold in wet clothes. Deal with a chill at the start knowing it'll go away pretty quick. Otherwise you could try dumping a layer after you warm up, or wardrobe adjustments (zippers, take off jacket and tie around waist...), or perhaps warming up 10 minutes indoors before heading out.

DangerZone why did you move to a cold place if you are scared of the cold? You know what you are going to have to do now. MOVE. Where do you live? It makes a difference if you live in Minneapolis or Calgary. Maybe someone from that area could help you out. Also you could get really fat to insulate yourself from the cold.

So what happened to the overweight mostly sedentary girlfriend? Did she drop the pounds?

God I hate winter running. Nothing is more miserable than being by yourself out on the track in 20 degree temperatures, wind blowing, it's pitch black even though it's only 6 pm. I'm really not looking forward to it.

if you're cold at 50 degrees you've got issues

1) synthetic socks

2) running tights with compression shorts for extra warmth where it counts

3) under armer, another layer, and a microfleece/goretex on top, make sure one of the layers is turtlenect style so it covers your nexk

4) thin gloves, or heavy gloves....whatever you need

5) a goretex hat with ear flaps

I highly doubt any part of you freezes......just because some part of you feels cold doesn't mean it's freezing....

if it was freezing it would be quite disfigured, and possibly amputated

you need to stop being a wuss and run until you warm up....it usually takes a mile or so....but man up

20 degrees? You are a candyass. That's one of my favorite temperatures to run when i lived in the midwest. It doesn't get that warm in Wisconsin all that often for long stretches of time. I remember a 6 week window in 2003 when the temperature on Sunday morning between 9-11 am never reached zero degrees. those were some rough runs....

There is no substitute for running, just like there is no substitute for a chick. Sure, you can try your dog, but it just aint the same, foo.

Swimfan, any data to support the PC theory?