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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"Cold" Weather Running

Granted, the cold we're experiencing here in South Florida is nothing compared to the cold that most of you are used to, but for South Florida temps to dip down into the 30s, well, that's basically like hell freezing over. People are buying space heaters and parkas like it's the end of the world. While we haven't yet caved and turned on our furnace, I have been wearing layers and drinking hot tea by the vat -- what can I say? -- after living in FL for 6 and 1/2 years, my body has grown used to the tropical temps.

But, when it comes to running, this is the kind of weather I love. However, I find dressing for these temps problematic. Today, for example, I ran in the late afternoon, and the temps were in the high 40s, but there were significant gusts of wind (yes, the news has actually been using the term "wind chill"). After hemming and hawing for a bit, I decided upon the following: Capri tights, short sleeved tech shirt, covered by a long sleeved tech shirt. Before heading out, I thought I'd be shedding that long sleeved shirt right away, but honestly, I was SO glad I wore it because I was cold for most of the way and only once I was about half a mile from home, with the wind at my back and the sun in my eyes, did I get warm enough to tie that shirt around my waist and go in the short sleeves.

So, I arrived home thusly:
Aside from the initial clothing dilemma, the run was great. And the most wonderful thing about running in such temps is that I don't even break a sweat. I just get rosey in the cheeks. Refreshing!

Tonight, there is a freeze warning in effect, which means that by tomorrow morning, many Floridians will either be popsicles or will be charred from their ill-advised space heaters. I think we may turn on our furnace -- I don't think I can handle the house dipping below the frigid temp of 69. That's my threshold ;)

25 comments:

Julie D said...

I've been running in 40's temps and feel the same way because I'm from So Cal, where it's supposed to be "always sunny." I actually LIKE cold weather, though, but it does make it hard to get outta bed.

Although, my nose ends up running faster than me, though!

Unknown said...

40s is nice running temps. i usually end up coming home with long sleeves tied around my waist too.

MN Mom said...

Glad your baccck!

Katie A. said...

I have to admit, us Californian's are also a bunch of sissy's. It's been in the 30's at night and high 40's and 50's during the day - and I'm freezing! But I wore the EXACT same outfit on my run today and it was perfect! Hope you defrost soon!

Carolina John said...

We've been in the 30's for a couple of weeks here in the carolina's. too cold to run outside.

Glad the pregnancy is going good! And it's good to see you back online again too. two girls are better than one, and i've got the pics to prove it.

teacherwoman said...

high 40's to low 60's are by far my favorite running temps!

lee said...

My ideal running temp is around 50. I'm such a wimp about running in the cold. And here, one state to your north, we are much, much colder. The low this morning was 14!

Heather said...

Perfect running weather! Now below zero? Not so perfect.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I actually like running in the different seasons. They each have their appeal to me but with the jogger and LBM being 2 yrs old, ice,snow and wind become a big factor. Luckily I have treadmill but I would always rather be outside.

I think "cold" is all what you get used to.

YOu look great!

Charbelle said...

I have to agree with you it's perfect running temps!!! I still break a sweat though, I don't get just pretty rosy cheeks :)
You look fabulous by the way!!!

N.D. said...

its in the 20s here so no outside running!

MNFirefly said...

I think the 40 temps are a heatwave compared to the stuff we are dealing with. Nice job on the running!

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

woah!! Baby #2 on the way, where have I been! Congrats mama!!

Unknown said...

Hee hee, cold...thats so cute. Although I do agree, a house HAS to be warmer than 69!

Marlene said...

I have nothing to say to you. ;)

MCM Mama said...

I have several windbreakers for just that kind of wind.

I'm LOL at your *frigid* 69. My house was 57 when I woke up this morning.

Anonymous said...

I missed reading your blog, so I'm so glad you're back in action! I'm sure you've been told by your relatives, but we got almost 20 inches of snow last weekend and it's been dipping below zero consistently ever since. : ) I can't wait for 40-degree weather!
Rhiannon

Jess said...

I have trouble dressing in this weather too because I usually get so hot once I start moving, but I'm freezing for a good long while first. At least in the summer it's shorts and a tank top no matter how hot it is.

RunToTheFinish said...

i have the perfect gear for cold weather running in KC, but I didn't bring it all to FL so I've been freezing my tush off lately! I love the 40's, but only with the right gear

TNTcoach Ken said...

U own a furnace????

BrianFlash said...

I thought Florida was reserved for an air handler with maybe an electric heat strip. We hardly sell any gas furnaces there.

Anyway - Florida is now off my dream location list. I ran Disney last year and got sleeted on and now you are talking about the cold. San Diego anyone?

RunningLaur said...

1. Welcome back!!
2. We had temps here in the 30's and 40's about 2 weeks ago, and I bought a space heater. None of this under 80 degree stuff for me!

Stuart said...

We're having cold mornings, 50s but during the day it's mid 70s again

Altogether this is just a weird year weather wise?

The Boring Runner said...

ALL of my plants got a bit of frost last week (probs the same weather that hit you). But, then it turned 80 degrees..... so I'll take it.

Agate Lake Girl said...

gvcccccccco., nbcxs

From Rylee (she likes to comment when we "read" the blogs together)

I thought it was hysterical when they were talking about "wind chill" too. Though we did turn the heat on! :)