Northerners who train for marathons

[cobbler]

I'm going to be doing the Goofy Challenge in January and will follow the Galloway method.

The program obviously has the long runs in the middle of winter I typically haven't had to train in the smack middle of winter, nor for any great distance but since I will be doing Goofy......

Anyway, how do you train for the long runs that are going to be in the 3-4 hour range? Indoor track? Dreadmill? Or suck it up and freeze to death outside? How do you handle the ice and snow?

I need help please!
Thanks

 

[Ariel484]

I hate the treadmill, so I suck it up and head outside...I did this while training for both the 2011 Princess Half and the 2012 WDW Full (though this past winter really wasn't that bad), and I'll do it again this winter while training for the 2013 Goofy Challenge.

Before training began for the 2011 Princess Half, I invested in good warm weather running clothes: tights, 2 jackets, a pair of gloves, a headband to go around my ears and thicker socks. It was expensive, but everything kept me warm and I was able to use the stuff last winter and will use it again this winter.

The ice and snow are tricky. I think all you can really do is be as aware of your surroundings as possible (i.e. be on the lookout for slick spots). When the sidewalks were covered in snow I'd run in the street if I thought it was the right call - not my favorite thing to do but if the sidewalks are icy, it's into the street (running against traffic) for me. If it's too icy, it's probably just best to bag it and move on. I don't go into any training plan expecting to complete 100% of the runs (though I try)...a missed run here or there isn't the end of the world.

And sometimes I do get sick of heading out in the cold and hop on the treadmill...and then I remember why it's worth it to go outside. I did one 12.5-mile treadmill run before the Princess (hated it) and one 8-mile treadmill run before the full. Now I can't imagine running more than 4 miles on the treadmill...somehow I deluded myself into thinking I could do my 20-miler for the full on the treadmill this past winter after a huge snowstorm. It didn't happen, but I still finished the marathon. The indoor track is even less desirable for me...I find it boring and keep losing count of how many laps I've done.

Good luck!!

 

[lisah0711]

Another person who lives in the land of ice and snow here.

I run outside as long as I can then I use the indoor track at my local community center. 12 laps a mile. I did a 15 mile training on the indoor track before the Tink. I felt I was pretty much mentally ready for anything after that one.

I download albums to listen to on those long runs, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tommy. Anything I can get into to pass the time. Sometimes the people at the gym are good for some entertainment.

A lot of runners in my neck of the woods swear by YakTrax -- those things you put on your shoes to help with traction. I'm more afraid of falling and injuring myself before a big race that I am of being bored.

Good luck!

 

[FireDancer]

I live in Cleveland and train through the winter. With proper winter running clothing you can still train outside in the winter. If the roads I run are really icy I will force myself inside onto a treadmill but when I was training for the WDW full in the winter of 2010 I don't remember doing a single run on the treadmill.

I actually really like winter running, especially around the holidays with all the Christmas lights up.

 

[SAHDad]

Depends on the weather and the time. Up to this year, I have had to do most of my longer runs on the dreadmill in the winter, due to kids schedules and the like. This winter, however, I should be doing most of my running outside. As Frank says - with proper attire, you can run outside in the winter.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Another person who lives in the land of ice and snow here.

I run outside as long as I can then I use the indoor track at my local community center. 12 laps a mile. I did a 15 mile training on the indoor track before the Tink. I felt I was pretty much mentally ready for anything after that one.

I download albums to listen to on those long runs, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tommy. Anything I can get into to pass the time. Sometimes the people at the gym are good for some entertainment.

A lot of runners in my neck of the woods swear by YakTrax -- those things you put on your shoes to help with traction. I'm more afraid of falling and injuring myself before a big race that I am of being bored.

Good luck!

12 laps is a mile?? I think I'd shoot myself! LOL

My plan for the 1/2 or full is to run outside as long as there is no snow or ice on the road and it's above 40. When it gets any colder than that it's the humidity that gets you here so I will either move to the treadmill or the indoor track at the local rec center.
DS15 does indoor track in the winter but they run every day, rain, sleet, snow. Minimum of 7 miles.
We got him a nice hat, a windbreaker jacket, Nike Pro Combat long sleeve compression shirts, compression pants with track pants over it, and some running gloves. When it was really cold we got him a running mask but he only used that a few times.

 

[cobbler]

Ugh, I completely hate the dreadmill so I understand. I run about 10 minutes on that thing and I feel like I am going to die of boredom.

I did do some running outside this winter kind of. I think it'll be more of a trial / error / tough it out / die on dreadmill type thing because I am determined to finish Goofy!

Thanks for the replies!

 

[runmommyrun]

I hate the treadmill. But living in Northern IL, training for a run in early January meant I needed to do some indoor running. With kids and weather, my treadmill in basement was the best bet. I did my 17, 18, 19 and 20 mile runs on the treadmill (always watching TV with kids.. including Toy Story and Phineas and Ferb!). I will not run in ice. I was hurt once and won't do it again. The treadmill is the lesser of the evils. There is no good answer for us Northerners trying to train for runs in Jan-March. Just find what you can live with. Good luck!

 

[crewmatt]

Ugh I long for cold air, just moved to Houston last year. 105 yesterday.

 

[Ariel484]

I hate the treadmill. But living in Northern IL, training for a run in early January meant I needed to do some indoor running. With kids and weather, my treadmill in basement was the best bet. I did my 17, 18, 19 and 20 mile runs on the treadmill (always watching TV with kids.. including Toy Story and Phineas and Ferb!). I will not run in ice. I was hurt once and won't do it again. The treadmill is the lesser of the evils. There is no good answer for us Northerners trying to train for runs in Jan-March. Just find what you can live with. Good luck!

WOW! That is really impressive!

 

[sunshine girl]

I sometimes run outside in winter. You just have to wear the right clothes. I go with wicking layers that I can easily remove/adjust if needed. You'll learn quickly what to wear based on the temperature. I need to be dressed so that I feel really cold when I first step out the door and start running, otherwise I'll be burning up and overheated in about 10 minutes. I also know to protect my fingers and ears because if my ears start to hurt from cold/wind, it's all over. It's a matter of trial and error and everyone's different.

As for the snow and ice, I guess I've figured out how to run on it. Snow seems to provide traction. Stepping on glare ice can be avoided, and if it can't, I don't go out on it.

However, that being said, I do usually do my long winter runs on an indoor track (a very nice, fancy elevated track at my gym, with scenic tree-lined views out of floor-to-ceiling super tall windows, I'm spoiled!). Its just easier to manage!

I strongly dislike the treadmill and only use it to manufacture hill workouts!

 

[Terapin]

I only run outside and have only rescheduled a run once because of the cold weather. I dress in layers and bought good clothing. I don't like running when there is ice down, but usually the centre of the street is clear enough. I don't mind running on snow but try to be smart. I have spikes for my shoes but haven't tried them yet. The worst runs are when it is sleeting outside and you get cold and wet. Nothing a hot bath couldn't fix afterwards. I like being able to cool off during a run during winter - it's so easy! Honestly, while the first few minutes are cold and yucky, after I warm up I feel really fine running. I live in Toronto so we get lots of snow, and it gets very cold during winter.

 

[cobbler]

I have a feeling is winter is going to be great for experimentation being that the summer has already been one. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger