winter marathon training - how do you do it?

[hungrygreenhippo]

Okay WISHers, I need some reassurance and where better to go then my anonymous Internet friends, lol. Seriously though, this is such a supportive group that I know I'll get the positive responses that I need to hear right now. So thanks in advance for that.

So the deal is, my employer sprung an offer on me out of the blue yesterday to relocate from Phoenix to Baltimore. I'm still thinking things through before making a final decision, but it seems like career-wise it would be silly to pass this up.

Two years ago, this would never have been a factor. But now I'm freaking out about how I'm going to train for a January marathon in winter in Baltimore. (It's not Disney... I signed up for the RnR AZ which I guess if I move I'll have to fly back for now. Sigh.) The thought of running in the rain and snow scares me.

I know there must be some of you out there who live in the northeast and have done/are planning to do the Disney marathon. How do you handle your training? Do you have to resort to the treadmill? Do you just bundle up, brave the elements, and head outside? Tell me it can be done!

-Lisa

 

[K80K]

Hi Lisa! Training for a January race in Baltimore is actually not as bad as you think. Yes there are the occassional treadmill runs but the last few years I can say that I have been able to train for Disney without stepping foot on my treadmill. There was some bundling and the occassional headlamp and blinky light involved. There is actually a group of folks that I run with every other Saturday and we all have goals of racing in January (either the Full or the Goofy - several are here on WISH). If you are interested I am sure we would be glad to have you join us when you get here. Just send me a PM and I can send you my contact info.

 

[timmac]

Well, I live in NH, and trained for my first half which took place last February. And I can guarantee that NH is far worse in the winter than Baltimore

So, yes, it can be done. Treadmill is ok when you have no other option, but honestly, I don't much enjoy it, and it isn't a perfect replacement for outdoor running. What I usually do is run in the cold whenever possible, _unless_ it is actively snowing in such a way that plow trucks will be out, since it would be really really bad to run into one. Instead, on any days that are THAT BAD, I go to the gym and cross train, usually on a crossramp elliptical, which is almost approximates hill training in my experience.

I've found that many places, particularly around the office park where I work, are by necessity cleared out well, and just fine for running. Do be mindful of road conditions and watch for ice, of course.

Long story short, though, yes, it can be done, and it's not even that bad.

 

[Duanerice]

First of all congratulations!

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say it must be a BIG promotion to move from PHX to BWI. Nothing against Baltimore as I am sure it is a fine place but what a huge difference. Not sure if I could go back North even though that is not all the way North.

Running in a long sleeve shirt

Good luck whatever you decide!
Duane

 

[FireDancer]

First congratulations on the promotion.

Running in the winter is not that bad at all. A trip to a local running store will get you the layers you will need to run in a variety of weather. Other than abnormally cold weather the thing that will force me onto the treadmill (cringe!!) isn't so much the cold but the footing. I can put enough layers on that will allow me to run outside down to 0 (probably colder, but I usually don't) but if the grounds is overly icy I don't risk it. I would hate to slip on some black ice and break something. I actually kind of like running in the snow, it is surprisingly calming.

The other thing that has forced me inside is something you don't really think about until you encounter it, and that is the snow piles that result from plowing. If the snow on the sides of the road are taller than me I can't see cars at intersections and they can't see me.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Hi Lisa! Training for a January race in Baltimore is actually not as bad as you think. Yes there are the occassional treadmill runs but the last few years I can say that I have been able to train for Disney without stepping foot on my treadmill. There was some bundling and the occassional headlamp and blinky light involved. There is actually a group of folks that I run with every other Saturday and we all have goals of racing in January (either the Full or the Goofy - several are here on WISH). If you are interested I am sure we would be glad to have you join us when you get here. Just send me a PM and I can send you my contact info.

Hi Katie, thanks for the info and the invite! I'm interested in the group runs and will likely PM you sometime down the road if the move does take place.

So, yes, it can be done. Treadmill is ok when you have no other option, but honestly, I don't much enjoy it, and it isn't a perfect replacement for outdoor running. What I usually do is run in the cold whenever possible, _unless_ it is actively snowing in such a way that plow trucks will be out, since it would be really really bad to run into one. Instead, on any days that are THAT BAD, I go to the gym and cross train, usually on a crossramp elliptical, which is almost approximates hill training in my experience.

That's a good idea, to run whenever you can and cross train when you can't. Just gotta remind myself that flexibility is good!

First of all congratulations!

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say it must be a BIG promotion to move from PHX to BWI. Nothing against Baltimore as I am sure it is a fine place but what a huge difference. Not sure if I could go back North even though that is not all the way North.

Running in a long sleeve shirt

Good luck whatever you decide!
Duane

Thanks Duane! There's still a lot of details to work out, but I've already been with the company through one move so I'm pretty sure this is going to be a great step up for me. Baltimore wouldn't have been my first pick, but I'm slowly getting used to the idea. I guess I need to work on convincing my company to open an office in Hawaii.

First congratulations on the promotion.

Running in the winter is not that bad at all. A trip to a local running store will get you the layers you will need to run in a variety of weather. Other than abnormally cold weather the thing that will force me onto the treadmill (cringe!!) isn't so much the cold but the footing. I can put enough layers on that will allow me to run outside down to 0 (probably colder, but I usually don't) but if the grounds is overly icy I don't risk it. I would hate to slip on some black ice and break something. I actually kind of like running in the snow, it is surprisingly calming.

Oh, I hadn't even thought about ice yet. Definitely something to watch out for. I don't know about running in the snow, but I always liked the "crunch" of snow under my shoes. (I lived in upstate NY for college, but wasn't a runner back then.)

 

[Caseydilla]

Lisa, just wanted to congratulate you on the new job opportunity on the east coast! Since As you already know, I'm more familiar with running in the heat, I have no winter running advice. It sounds like you've got some good advice from others here already. Good luck with everything! Keep us posted on the move.