What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Ran a 10k - Official Thread (30 Viewers)

I suck at the cold and dark running. I can do one or the other but the combo is tough to overcome.

Now that I know to just cover my hands and my junk I feel empowered though. 

 
Running a 10K tonight. i signed up for it before my hamstring/back issue. This will be my 2nd 10K ever. My hamstring/back is still not good but getting better. Going to try for sub 40 but not getting my hopes up since I’ve not ran much in the past 2 weeks. The run is in a nice area and where most of my daily runs take place. I’ll try and get a race report in tonight before Hang10’s big day tomorrow.
Good luck @JShare87!!

 
Sunday is the Coco for kids mile, 5k and 10k. We're only doing the 5k, my 9yo will try to go under 28 minutes and I'll run with our daughter in her stroller. Not doing the 10k this year. But we are setting up a table for bone marrow screening, hoping to get 50-100 people registered. My wife went on UAH's campus to help the athletes with their drive, a few of those athletes were awesome. 

If y'all are interested, check https://join.bethematch.org/, it's really easy to get screened.

 
PSA:  Running Warehouse is doing its annual special right now where if you buy a $200 gift card, you get a free $50 gift card.  Buy $100, get $25.  Buy $50, get $10.

If you know you're going to shop there anyway, buy a few for yourself!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good stuff in here.  I HATE the cold.  Hate feeling uncomfortable. 

So far, I've discovered the need for gloves and the ones I've used are fine.  I don't like hats but I think the balaclava is something I'm going to need to try and run with as the mouth/nose being cold thing sucks too.  I ran in shorts in the 30's last week and it didn't bother me at all.  I've got some under armour thermal pants that I might try wearing under my regular shorts and give that a shot when it gets even colder like today.  But, depending on how it goes, now I know what to look for when I go pick up some things for the rest of winter. 

 
Good stuff in here.  I HATE the cold.  Hate feeling uncomfortable. 

So far, I've discovered the need for gloves and the ones I've used are fine.  I don't like hats but I think the balaclava is something I'm going to need to try and run with as the mouth/nose being cold thing sucks too.  I ran in shorts in the 30's last week and it didn't bother me at all.  I've got some under armour thermal pants that I might try wearing under my regular shorts and give that a shot when it gets even colder like today.  But, depending on how it goes, now I know what to look for when I go pick up some things for the rest of winter. 
shorts are fine down to 30. that's how i go as well. tights get necessary when the wind kicks up for me. my thighs just burn red in the wind/cold.

balaclava is great if you're not a hat guy. i always start out with the thing over my nose and then move it down when the first snot rocket makes its presence known.  stays down after that unless it's particularly brutal weather.

 
Getting back from 2 weeks off work for hunting.  Sheeeeeeesh, I am so disoriented from being disconnected from the real world for so long.

Are we gonna get any tracking info @Hang 10?

 
Tons of great advice but man, if I had never run in the cold before some of the responses regarding mandatory gear in here would be stressing me out!  Let's just get @gianmarco out the door first.  He's not going to need multiple of anything to get started, even if he's running every day!  I think most everything has been mentioned, but I'd personally put order of importance as the following:

1.  Wind boxers - once you experience the pain of the cold junk once, you'll never regret having these.  I'm not afraid to admit I dropped something like $50-60 on a pair of Smartwool wind boxers and it's one of the best investments made.  But any pair of wind boxers should provide at least some protection that you need in that area.

2.  Stocking Hat - I'd lean towards something made for running, not super thick and heavy.  I wear an old Asics running hat.  I don't think a huge investment is necessary here.

3. Gloves - Again, I go cheap...old cotton gloves.  The kind you'd wear to the start of a marathon and discard when the gun goes off.  I don't get real big thick ones because often I find them too warm and I'd rather my hands not be sweating when the temps are so low. If I find my hands needing additional warmth I tuck them in the sleeves of a....

4. Winter Mid-Layer Pullover - This is one piece that I use almost religiously due to the versatility in pairing with other tops.  I have something almost identical to this.  It's rare, even in MN, that I need to throw more than this pullover plus two LS t-shirts on underneath to provide adequate warmth on winter runs down to 0 degrees.  And often I can get away with the pullover and one LS t-shirt.  Just make sure you're wearing technical t-shirt to wick sweat and not cotton.  If the wind is really biting, I might throw a real light windbreaker / water resistant shell over the mid-layer top just to take the edge off.  But that's pretty rare.  Also, when my hands get chilly with just the light gloves on I can pull them back into the sleeves and my Salomon mid-layer has a little half-pocket inside the sleeves into which you can tuck your hands.  I'd highly recommend finding a pullover with this feature.  It's like having a second pair of gloves along which I don't have to carry...really convenient feature.

5.  Tights/Pants - Well, pants should be higher up the list as I wouldn't recommend winter running without, but I don't think it matters what you choose.  I'm not a tights guy, so I bought some loose fitting winter running pants from Nike.  They work perfectly fine and provide adequate warmth.  I just wear shorts underneath and hit sometimes compression sleeves on my calves.  I guess if you're a faster runner, tights might make more sense.  But alas, I'm not, so pants it is.

6. Socks - I've never worn anything different during winter runs than I do during summer runs, and never had any real issues with cold feet.  So as far as wool I think you just get out there and test out how your feet do in whatever it is you typically run in.  If they get too cold, give wool socks a go the next time out.   

7. Balaclava - Mentioned above.  Very versatile but more often than not I personally don't end up needing this if I've got the half zip to cover the next and hat for my head. 

8. Screws - To be more specific, I believe they're sheet metal screws.  If it's really icy and you want to go cheap on traction rather than buying something like Yaktrax, you can simply drive some 1/2-3/8" hexhead screws into the bottom of your shoes.  Throw 10-12 in each shoe and you'll have the traction you need.  Disclaimer:  Don't get screws that are too long, that would hurt bottoms of the feet just a bit  Also, I'd throw these into an older pair of shoes so that you can just leave them in for those icy runs.

Finally, just get out there and learn by trial and error.  The best advice given is that the coldest you'll be on your run is when you step out your door.  From there it's never as cold as you think it's going to be.  Get out there on some shorter runs and learn what does/doesn't work.  And invest in a few good pieces of winter running gear because you'll use them religiously if they work well and keep you warm.  Good luck!   

 
I've learned from this thread that different people have different sensitivities to cold weather. 
This.  It's pretty clear based on the responses that we all value different things when it comes to cold weather running gear.  I'd recommend not spending a ton of money initially, but getting out there with adequate protection and see what does/doesn't work.  From there @gianmarco can prioritize where to invest money for upgrades. 

 
Tons of great advice but man, if I had never run in the cold before some of the responses regarding mandatory gear in here would be stressing me out!  Let's just get @gianmarco out the door first.  He's not going to need multiple of anything to get started, even if he's running every day!  I think most everything has been mentioned, but I'd personally put order of importance as the following:

1.  Wind boxers - once you experience the pain of the cold junk once, you'll never regret having these.  I'm not afraid to admit I dropped something like $50-60 on a pair of Smartwool wind boxers and it's one of the best investments made.  But any pair of wind boxers should provide at least some protection that you need in that area.

2.  Stocking Hat - I'd lean towards something made for running, not super thick and heavy.  I wear an old Asics running hat.  I don't think a huge investment is necessary here.

3. Gloves - Again, I go cheap...old cotton gloves.  The kind you'd wear to the start of a marathon and discard when the gun goes off.  I don't get real big thick ones because often I find them too warm and I'd rather my hands not be sweating when the temps are so low. If I find my hands needing additional warmth I tuck them in the sleeves of a....

4. Winter Mid-Layer Pullover - This is one piece that I use almost religiously due to the versatility in pairing with other tops.  I have something almost identical to this.  It's rare, even in MN, that I need to throw more than this pullover plus two LS t-shirts on underneath to provide adequate warmth on winter runs down to 0 degrees.  And often I can get away with the pullover and one LS t-shirt.  Just make sure you're wearing technical t-shirt to wick sweat and not cotton.  If the wind is really biting, I might throw a real light windbreaker / water resistant shell over the mid-layer top just to take the edge off.  But that's pretty rare.  Also, when my hands get chilly with just the light gloves on I can pull them back into the sleeves and my Salomon mid-layer has a little half-pocket inside the sleeves into which you can tuck your hands.  I'd highly recommend finding a pullover with this feature.  It's like having a second pair of gloves along which I don't have to carry...really convenient feature.

5.  Tights/Pants - Well, pants should be higher up the list as I wouldn't recommend winter running without, but I don't think it matters what you choose.  I'm not a tights guy, so I bought some loose fitting winter running pants from Nike.  They work perfectly fine and provide adequate warmth.  I just wear shorts underneath and hit sometimes compression sleeves on my calves.  I guess if you're a faster runner, tights might make more sense.  But alas, I'm not, so pants it is.

6. Socks - I've never worn anything different during winter runs than I do during summer runs, and never had any real issues with cold feet.  So as far as wool I think you just get out there and test out how your feet do in whatever it is you typically run in.  If they get too cold, give wool socks a go the next time out.   

7. Balaclava - Mentioned above.  Very versatile but more often than not I personally don't end up needing this if I've got the half zip to cover the next and hat for my head. 

8. Screws - To be more specific, I believe they're sheet metal screws.  If it's really icy and you want to go cheap on traction rather than buying something like Yaktrax, you can simply drive some 1/2-3/8" hexhead screws into the bottom of your shoes.  Throw 10-12 in each shoe and you'll have the traction you need.  Disclaimer:  Don't get screws that are too long, that would hurt bottoms of the feet just a bit  Also, I'd throw these into an older pair of shoes so that you can just leave them in for those icy runs.

Finally, just get out there and learn by trial and error.  The best advice given is that the coldest you'll be on your run is when you step out your door.  From there it's never as cold as you think it's going to be.  Get out there on some shorter runs and learn what does/doesn't work.  And invest in a few good pieces of winter running gear because you'll use them religiously if they work well and keep you warm.  Good luck!   
Don’t listen to this guy, he only runs 100 mile races.

 
8. Screws - To be more specific, I believe they're sheet metal screws.  If it's really icy and you want to go cheap on traction rather than buying something like Yaktrax, you can simply drive some 1/2-3/8" hexhead screws into the bottom of your shoes.  Throw 10-12 in each shoe and you'll have the traction you need.  Disclaimer:  Don't get screws that are too long, that would hurt bottoms of the feet just a bit  Also, I'd throw these into an older pair of shoes so that you can just leave them in for those icy runs.
this is the only place where i will disagree

i ran on Yaktrax 2 seasons in a row and they were ..... really difficult. they don't really add traction except somewhat on packed snow and then the net benefit is negligible as they aren't digging in to anything. since they're flat head screws and not.. nails or something.

in my experience if you hit ice or concrete, they are dangerously slippery. the only times i've fallen were slipping on ice/concrete when wearing Yaktrax. 

i go without any sort of traction aid on the shoes and find it to be safe enough. just be mindful of the ice.

 
this is the only place where i will disagree

i ran on Yaktrax 2 seasons in a row and they were ..... really difficult. they don't really add traction except somewhat on packed snow and then the net benefit is negligible as they aren't digging in to anything. since they're flat head screws and not.. nails or something.

in my experience if you hit ice or concrete, they are dangerously slippery. the only times i've fallen were slipping on ice/concrete when wearing Yaktrax. 

i go without any sort of traction aid on the shoes and find it to be safe enough. just be mindful of the ice.
Yaktrax/screws are great.  On the trails.  Not roads though.

I completely understand why I'm in the minority, but I love running on ice because it's great form practice.  If your form gets lazy as you tire then you will fall - probably hard.  I think by maintaining attention to your form as you fatigue in these conditions it carries over to good conditions - using muscle memory to maintain strong, tight form despite the fatigue.

 
I probably just looked ridiculous but don't really care.  Made do with what I have.  I've got some Alfani comfortech thermal pants and top that I threw on.  Pair of regular shorts on top and a t-shirt on top of that.  My regular socks and this headband kind of thing my wife has used to just throw over the ears. 

It was 32 when I headed out with a little sun and not much wind.  Initially a little cold but wasn't bad and after a few minutes felt fine for the whole run.  I took the headband thing off my ears halfway and they actually started to get quite cold after that so I put it back on after a bit although my head felt better in the cold air.  I could go either way with that.  My regular socks and shoes are completely fine, can't imagine ever needing wool socks.  I could see needing one more layer on top for my core if it gets colder but otherwise I think it was mostly good.  I'm really not understanding the need for the winter briefs thing as I have a pair of athletic underwear, the thermal, and then some shorts and that whole area felt just fine.  But, I'll trust you guys and definitely look into it. 

 
print this off and bring it with you to the store so you don't forget

hands

****

it's unreal how cold those two areas get without proper protection. 

i've found a thin pair of gloves with mittens over top have served me well all the way down to minus anything. maybe takes a few minutes to get the blood moving and the hands to warm up but once you're running the combo keeps wind off your hands and you're good to go.
Agree with this - dual gloves works best for me - a thin pair of baselayer gloves and then a more windbreaker type over top is the way to go. 

 
this is the only place where i will disagree

i ran on Yaktrax 2 seasons in a row and they were ..... really difficult. they don't really add traction except somewhat on packed snow and then the net benefit is negligible as they aren't digging in to anything. since they're flat head screws and not.. nails or something.

in my experience if you hit ice or concrete, they are dangerously slippery. the only times i've fallen were slipping on ice/concrete when wearing Yaktrax. 

i go without any sort of traction aid on the shoes and find it to be safe enough. just be mindful of the ice.
Is this really a thing?  If it's so cold you've only got ice to run on, IMO that means it's too cold to run.  Yuck.

 
Yaktrax/screws are great.  On the trails.  Not roads though.

I completely understand why I'm in the minority, but I love running on ice because it's great form practice.  If your form gets lazy as you tire then you will fall - probably hard.  I think by maintaining attention to your form as you fatigue in these conditions it carries over to good conditions - using muscle memory to maintain strong, tight form despite the fatigue.
not a trail guy.. so quite possibly they are great there.

agree re: running in winter snow/ice. just gotta be mindful of the stride but there are always surprises out there. hop over a snowbank and hit a patch of ice, corner and catch black ice, slog through snow and kick a #######ed ice boulder............oof

 
Is this really a thing?  If it's so cold you've only got ice to run on, IMO that means it's too cold to run.  Yuck.
:hot: or :cold:, i guess

last winter wasn't bad, all things considered. not a ton of snow. moderate'ish temps. 

couple winters ago it was well below zero for.. what... 6 weeks in a row or some nonsense.  none of it matters once you get moving, though. hardest part is when it's just warm enough to snow and there are high winds. then it's just your face getting stuck with needles for however long you're out there.

 
I may just have to rejoin you guys in April.  This is starting to sound miserable.  Screws in my shoes?  #### that.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
:hot: or :cold:, i guess

last winter wasn't bad, all things considered. not a ton of snow. moderate'ish temps. 

couple winters ago it was well below zero for.. what... 6 weeks in a row or some nonsense.  none of it matters once you get moving, though. hardest part is when it's just warm enough to snow and there are high winds. then it's just your face getting stuck with needles for however long you're out there.
In 2013 and 2014 there were two types of winter weather here - 20 degrees + blizzard or sub zero and sunny.

 
I may just have to rejoin you guys in April.  This is starting to sound miserable.  Screws in my shoes?  #### that.
I've never run in YakTrax and survived. 

Some of this is overkill.  I think you just need to get out there and run and see how it feels.  You have an idea.  Gloves are an absolute must for me.  Beyond that, just start adding layers.

And agree that you'll always be cold for the first mile.  If you are still cold at mile 3, then you need more layers.

Good luck!
 

 
Question about #1.  So if I need to work on 6:20 speed workouts.  Since you are suggesting 2 mile repeats.....you thinking around 6:45ish?  So a bit slower than my speed workouts but hopefully this will build my endurance?  Just making sure I understand fully. 
Yes, something like that pace.  I.e., certainly sub-marathon pace ...a pace where you can do five or six.

And on #2, given your country roads (vs. urban street running), you could do strong hill intervals, pushing a hard pace up hills to force that strong leg drive/lift.  At some point, too, practice strong-paced downhills - very necessary for Boston.

--

Agree on the winter gear recommendations.  You know you're a winter runner when the balaclava pushes the warm breath up onto the face ...and the quick freezing creates little icicles on the eye brows and lashes.  I also agree that Yaktraks are OK for stepping through snow, but not ice.  I've done, and like, the hex screws around the border of an older pair of shoes.  It offers much better grip and confidence for ice underneath.  

eta: Oh, and: Start cold runs by running into the wind, if possible.  Get that misery out of the way first.  Wind is much worse than just a cold temp.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
This thing looks really nice....

And I just realized, I bought a pair of the Saucony windproof briefs a few months ago during a closeout sale I went to with my wife before I even started running and I just found them in the back of the drawer.  Got em for like $10.  BINGO!!  No cold franks n beans over here!

 
https://youtu.be/Erd0uyu03go

any tips for how to be more like the guy on the left and less like the guy on the right?

if'n i sprint, i'm high knees all the way. my track coach in elementary ( :bag: ) used to say i had great form for the sprints... but when i jog.. i'm more or less dragging my feet along the pavement (not really). 

 
mr. furley said:
https://youtu.be/Erd0uyu03go

any tips for how to be more like the guy on the left and less like the guy on the right?

if'n i sprint, i'm high knees all the way. my track coach in elementary ( :bag: ) used to say i had great form for the sprints... but when i jog.. i'm more or less dragging my feet along the pavement (not really). 
Outside, do hill repeats ...get the legs a' liftin'.  Inside, you could do a variety of leg (knee) lifts.  Slow and deliberate, or as an in-place jog step.  And of course, squats and lunges to improve the leg strength.

--

Go, weekend racers!!!  @Hang 10, can't wait to see how your marathon turns out!  :popcorn:

 
Thanks for the support, boys! As @gianmarco said it's the Richmond marathon bib#369. Gonna be cold...colder than I've raced in but better than hot I guess! 

Gonna try to get some rest now and give it all I've got. We shall see!

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top