Altering workouts due to the sub zero temperatures. Any advice?

The times that the weather is so bad that you can't get the right workout in are virtually non-existent.

The thought that clothing alters your breathing and stride to a degree that matters is ludicrous.

If the footing and wind are bad enough to slow you down, you just make up for it by working harder.

Gary Oldman wrote:

If the footing and wind are bad enough to slow you down, you just make up for it by working harder.

This is simply not true or effective. Slipping on ice/snow and running in very windy conditions, that do not allow you to train with any type of specificity (ie-pace, heart rate) and slipping does not allow you to build the economy of motion to run in grippier conditions--like on an indoor track. When the weather is really shitty, you're just guessing in your workouts.

I'm from canada... put on some sweats and get out there it ain't rocket science

subaveragerunnerwejo wrote:

If you want to get your blood pumping running on the treadmill, go for it. Mentally easier than dodging show and ice.

Nowhere near.

Michigander wrote:

Gary Oldman wrote:

If the footing and wind are bad enough to slow you down, you just make up for it by working harder.

This is simply not true or effective. Slipping on ice/snow and running in very windy conditions, that do not allow you to train with any type of specificity (ie-pace, heart rate) and slipping does not allow you to build the economy of motion to run in grippier conditions--like on an indoor track. When the weather is really shitty, you're just guessing in your workouts.

Wear grippy shoes.. Does your heart not beat with the same principles in bad weather?

Perceived effort is not guessing.

You're not racing on a treadmill either.

I've never had any of those problems with gloves or facial protection. Making breathing more difficult is beneficial.. It's the poor mans altitude.

My indoor track times are exactly one second slower per 800 with NO indoor running except racing.

I'll stay outside.

With modern clothing (if you can afford some) you should be able to do the same training that you would be doing if it were normal temps right now.

When I was in HS, we had a cold snap where it was 20-40 below zero, zero to -5 regular temps. My face was the only thing in danger. This was when I was a freshman and I was training at about your level.

With a balaclava, windproof underwear, good gloves, and one extra layer under your normal jacket ... you should be able to do any kind of training that you would otherwise.

I live in MI and the heavy snow was what was harder on us. You just had to slog through it and slip and slide and your shoes become wet and cold.

Try adding those layers and sticking with your normal routine. I always felt OK after about 5-10 minutes.

Michigander wrote:

Gary Oldman wrote:

If the footing and wind are bad enough to slow you down, you just make up for it by working harder.

This is simply not true or effective. Slipping on ice/snow and running in very windy conditions, that do not allow you to train with any type of specificity (ie-pace, heart rate) and slipping does not allow you to build the economy of motion to run in grippier conditions--like on an indoor track. When the weather is really shitty, you're just guessing in your workouts.

You gripe about only being able to gain specificity with a treadmill....but I've never run in a meet where the track moves at a preset speed underneath my feet

It is common sense that you can get a better workout on the treadmill when the footing is terrible outside. I go to school in what is, statistically, the snowiest city in the country for the first few months of winter rather consistently. When there's feet of snow on the ground and you try to run a workout, nothing about it is going to go well. You're not tougher for going outside. You are simply less intelligent. Treadmills are amazing for tempo workouts.

Dial it up wrote:

Michigander wrote:

This is simply not true or effective. Slipping on ice/snow and running in very windy conditions, that do not allow you to train with any type of specificity (ie-pace, heart rate) and slipping does not allow you to build the economy of motion to run in grippier conditions--like on an indoor track. When the weather is really shitty, you're just guessing in your workouts.

You gripe about only being able to gain specificity with a treadmill....but I've never run in a meet where the track moves at a preset speed underneath my feet

Have you been in an indoor track meet that was really cold and run on ice/in deep snow? Have you ever slipped on the indoor track?

over 20 years of running in Colorado Mountains. I also work in the construction industry. I spend a lot of time outside in a mountain climate.

The cold is not as bad as the snow, and even snow, below 10 degrees, is not as bad as snow when it's closer to the freezing point. Cold ice and snow is not as slippery-and your feet stay drier in the colder snow. Watch your footing-try to find a plowed road with little traffic. Even a mile or two worth, and run back and forth.

Zero to minus 10 is mainly in your head-it's really not that bad once you're moving. Below minus 10 is hard-that's about where I draw the line. Below zero, Vaseline on your face can protect against wind. Earmuffs under a hat are good. An outer jacket with vents helps too. Common problem is to overdress, then overheat, and get wet and chilled.

Don't let the windchill numbers psyche you out. It just means if you're standing stark naked, that's how cold it would feel. The wind doesn't make it any colder, just increases the speed in which you get chilled. If you've got windproof clothes on-you'll be fine.

If you live in a place where it's cold and snowy for months, it's tough to train through it-and cross training-skiing, swimming, treadmill, elliptical is pretty necessary. If it's just a few days, or a week at a time (which is most of the country,) I think you should try to get out in it. It won't be as fast-but it will make you appreciate the spring dry warm weather just around the corner.

3 weeks and change to ground hog day.

Michigander wrote:

Dial it up wrote:

You gripe about only being able to gain specificity with a treadmill....but I've never run in a meet where the track moves at a preset speed underneath my feet

Have you been in an indoor track meet that was really cold and run on ice/in deep snow? Have you ever slipped on the indoor track?

You're not a real Michigander.

My main question is, 'why make your workout unnecessarily difficult?' Running is hard enough as it is. If the weather is miserable and you have easy access to a treadmill, why not? Yes, you can make it work outside - I know, I've lived a good portion of my life in the Arctic, and run in 50 below (air temperature, not wind chill, mind you). Minnesota and Wisconsin are considered balmy by comparison.

But treadmill running is running. I'm not going to sit here and argue this with anyone because even in this thread we've mentioned multiple examples of world class runners that have almost exclusively trained on a treadmill for long periods of time.

Yes, the treadmill is absolutely a good option, for your situation. You can easily duplicate tempo effort at 10 mph with incline. I like a hill program that goes from 0 to 3% and back down x three. Builds great strength endurance, which should be beneficial for any distance you are training for.