The temperatures have dropped drastically over the past two days and snow is on the way. My friends assume I'm switching to the treadmill. But I hate the treadmill: I find myself either running into the handlebar, forcing myself to keep an unnatural stride or just bored out of my mind. I'd rather run around a track 20 times than run even a half hour on the treadmill. So I have to start getting creative with my cold weather running. That means gearing up in some unusual outfits to stay warm.

I've read in multiple running articles that you should dress for 20 degrees warmer when running in the cold. For example, if it's 20 degrees outside, dress for 40 degrees. I've lived by that rule of thumb the past few years and it's worked pretty well. But, even with that, I really bundle up when it gets down into negative or single digits like today (13 degrees with windchill that makes it feel like 4 degrees). My biggest concern is skin exposure, so I layer well. It's easy to peel off a fleece or a jacket if needed.

My Cold Weather Running Outfit

* Thermal running pants (sometimes tights and thermal running pants)
* Thermal long sleeve top (love ones with thumb hooks to keep my wrists warm)
* Zip-up fleece or running jacket over that turtleneck
* Water resistant windbreakers (to go over clothes in wind, rain, snow...)
* Running balaclava or buff (a must-have to easily cover/uncover your face!)
* Running gloves, of course
* Thermal running cap or headband (depending on how cold)
* Reflective vest (at night and often during the day)
* Smartwool running socks (love these!)
* Nike Vomeros (more stable than my Nike Frees)
* Fuel Belt (if long run)
* Chapstick and sunscreen! (not really part of outfit, but necessities)

When all is said and done, I barely recognize myself. My husband gets a kick out of it though, maybe because getting ready is like a circus act. Clip this... cover up... twist and jump with one leg into that. Guess you could just think of the dressing for cold weather running as a warm up.

 

Today's Workout: Throw In Summit - 4.4 miles - 9:30 pace
Notes: Bruised foot hurting more this week than last week

Summit Avenue presents one of the most challenging inclines you will find anywhere in the Boston area. Heartbreak Hill doesn't even compare. Ascending to the highest point in Brookline, Mass., where you can view beautiful city views from Corey Hill, it's elevation is equivalent to 246 stairs. Once you try running it, you'll wish you were on a leisurely sightseeing stroll.

I run Summit Ave at least once a week. Here are some of my workouts.

 

Summit Avenue Corey Hill Running Workouts

* Hill Repeats
Up one side, down the other, repeat 3+ times

* Summit Loops
Up one side, loop around the top, down the other side, repeat 6+ times

* Side Summits
Run up the gradual slope that wraps from Beacon Street along the southwest side of Summit, reach the peak, then down the steep slope. Repeat 3+ times.

* Throw In a Summit (Today's Run)
Add to the beginning and end of any longer run.

If you ever run Summit, please send me your workout ideas. I'm always looking for new ones. If you're new to it, good luck! Just keep running, no matter how slow, all the way to the top.

Monday is my day for cross training and this week I have a fun new toy to play with. Gimmicky, probably. Fun, yep!

I bought my own Bosu Balance Trainer after taking a class that kicked my ass a few weeks ago. Also killed my arms, my abs, etc. etc. It's tough if you put the effort in.

So now I'm looking for good Bosu exercises to try at home, . The video that came with the trainer is ok, but nothing too challenging. If you've got any tough Bosu workouts let me know.

My mom flew in from Oregon to attend my cousin's wedding with us in Newport. Before she headed home, I thought it would be nice to join in a fun run in downtown Boston. She knows how much I love to run, and she's enjoyed a jog here or there on her own, so we signed up. She was excited about the jaunt and didn't even mind the rain that started coming down two hours prior.

We chose the Bill Rodger's Jingle Bell Run because the registration site stated:

"This fun run will be held at jogging pace, and will be run between 10 and 13 minutes per mile at a controlled pace."

No problem for my mom... until we arrived at the start, where an announcement was made that the pace would now be set at 8:00-8:30 mile. This immediately intimidated her. She was scared to the point of wanting to drop out before we even started because she'd never tried to run that fast before, and wasn't about to start tonight. We made it about 1/3 of a mile with the now faster group, then had to pull off to the side because a cop car tried to drive around us. Yep, we were in the rear. She was disappointed in herself and I was upset that she felt that way because of something I thought would be "fun."

I understand that most of the runners participating found the 8:00 mile pace very comfortable or easy, but this was marketed as a much slower race. My mom was unprepared for anything more. This was her first organized running event and I never would have signed her up had I known the pace would change at the last minute. I wanted her to enjoy it and feel great crossing the finish line. I didn't want her jogging along with a cop car right on her tail.

So instead we ran all the way home (3.5 miles) at the pace we originally intended. We ran farther than the "fun run" (2.4 miles) and had a lot more fun doing it. I just hope she'll trust me when I encourage her to run a different event with me one day.

Only ended up having time for a 5 mile run, but I got to enjoy the scenery in Newport, RI. I ran passed the beautiful mansions on Bellevue Ave and then along Cliff Walk, a great trail for running, hiking and rock climbing. It's bitter cold and windy by the water this time of year. So bundle up if you're running down there.

My cousin's wedding is just a few short hours away in Newport, Rhode Island. I'm looking forward to a little break and visiting my college stomping ground. (Go URI!) I'm also excited to go for a nice long run tomorrow morning.

Some great Newport running spots, from what I remember:

* Cliff Walk
* Newport Shoreline
* Memorial Boulevard
* Beavertail State Park (Jamestown, RI)

Hopefully I'll have time to enjoy at least one of these!

I love waking up to a dark, rainy morning... then turning back over in bed and settling in for another hour or two of sleep. Most days, though, I force myself up to run, no matter the weather. Just need a little motivation. So here are some of the thoughts I turn to.

10 Reasons to Go Running in the Rain

1. You'll wake right up!
Hard to run in zombie mode when being pelted by cold rain.

2. You'll have fewer obstacles.
Sidewalks get pretty crowded with runners, walkers, strollers. Not so much now!

3. You'll stay cool.
Always dress for the temperature, not the weather. Just make sure you have a good base layer and maybe a rain coat. You'll stay nice and refreshed. 

4. You'll feel invigorated.
The anticipation of running in the rain is the biggest hurdle to doing it. Once you're out there, your body will feel alive and ready to run.

5. You'll be preparing for anything.
What if it downpours during your next race? Know what it feels like, just in case.

6. Try out some new gear.
I love running in the rain with a running cap - the kind that looks like a baseball cap. The brim in front shields my eyes nicely. This is also a good time to test out the rain coat/reflective gear/leggings, etc., you may have lying around.

7. Yes, your new sneakers, too.
You should know how to run in any weather with your sneakers. You're going to have to break them in some time!

8. Your friends will think you're hard core - or nuts.
None of my closest friends are runners, so I always love their reaction when I say I just went for a 30-minute/1-hour/2-hour run in the rain.

9. You'll run faster and stronger.
Whether you're trying or not, you'll most likely have a little extra kick in the rain. (See #4) I also find that my form improves immensely, both to compensate for tougher conditions and to maintain good footing. This leads you in to #10. :)

10. You'll feel like a rock star!
Yeah, sure, maybe no one else notices you running by, but you'll feel like you own the roads when you're running in the rain. It's also fun to picture yourself finishing your next big race, since you'll be running so strong!

Community Running Association
www.communityrunning.org

Cambridge Running Club
www.cambridgerunning.org

Somerville Road Runners
www.srr.org

L Street Running Club
www.lstreet.org

Greater Boston Track Club
www.gbtc.org

Heartbreak Hill Striders
www.heartbreakhill.org

Winchester Highlanders
www.winchesterhighlanders.org

Melrose Running Club
www.melroserunningclub.com

Shamrock Running Club
www.shamrockrunningclub.com

Mystic Runners
www.mysticrunners.us

Parkway Running Club
www.parkwayrunning.org

The Boston Runners Only Club
www.thebostonroc.com

Boston Fit
bostonfit.net

B.A.A. Running Club
registration.baa.org/RunningClub

I've never been a member of a running club. I'm used to running alone, and I've preferred it because I put too much pressure on myself when I train with other people.

For instance, I used to run with some folks who liked to push me by staying two steps ahead of me at all times, no matter what the pace. The strategy worked in a sense, but I'd eventually get frustrated and force them to go on ahead. I felt like I was failing because I could not run beside them.

I'm able to keep that faster pace now, which may have given me the confidence I need to run with a group, but I'm also looking to expand my training. I love running and the sense of fulfillment I feel pushing myself. I'd just like to see what more I could do if I found the right running club for support. I think it would also add an element of fun that I'm missing. I don't want to take myself too seriously!

I'm checking out some clubs this month and I'm already leaning toward a couple based on location, workouts and their runners' abilities - want to make sure I'm a good fit! I'll update when I know which one I'm going to join.

I'll also post a list of Boston running clubs, in case you're looking for one, too!