Tag: clothes

Break out the Clava

On November 28, 2018

When the wind chill drops into the single digits, it’s time to cover up the face!

Screenshot from 2018-11-27 06-43-16

A 16 mph wind i Clava_Black s strong enough to hurt exposed skin at these temperatures.

After several experiments with various face coverings, I found these combo clava’s to do the job of letting me breathe while protecting against some pretty bitter weather. They are a lifesaver!

In these temps I can just put the hood up on my coat and wear a scarf around my neck for adequate comfort and protection. When the windchill drops into the negative double-digits I may need to add a hat over the clava.

Running in high winds today

By Jerry Schotz

On November 26, 2018

In Blog

This.wind.was.crazy!

PostRun2018-11-26

I adjusted the first mile through a residential area so I could reduce the wind and generate some internal heat. By the time I reached the open fields again, I was warm enough to head west into the belly of the beast! The windswept snow hitting my face was bitter, and the force of the wind was severe, but I told myself to go just one mile to another row of houses where the wind should be less. My gear was doing its job as the covered parts of my body were warm enough.

Run 2018-11-26 The house-row runs north on the west side of the road about 1/2 of a mile, so I headed north with their protection. When I reached the end of the row and crossed the tracks, I faced the full frontal ferocity of that northwesterly wind. Quickly, I considered my options, alternatives, and other wind-breaks up ahead if I continued north. I had 1.5 miles to the next viable route and about a third of that had some windbreaks, onward to the north I went, and turning east was a notable and welcomed relief.

Besides the traffic and increasingly slick surface, the wind and snow were less of an issue heading east, and two miles later I was heading south and expecting it to get even more relaxed. I was wrong!

The wind was now behind, and on my right, it was more than just a little pushy. This was now like running down a hill for two full miles on a non-ideal surface. I thought to push my way into the wind was harsh and now this trying to stay upright was a new challenge for a different set of muscles. Yes, from the glutes down are feeling it.

The wind was gusting so strong that I had to consciously manage my right leg to keep it from banging into my left on the downstroke. It was a challenge, but sort of a fun one.

You don’t look like a runner

By Jerry Schotz

On November 20, 2018

In Blog

When you think of someone running outdoors, you may picture an image like the one above. Good looking slender people with nice looking clothes/gear and a smile on their face

Do you have to wear the cool gear to be a real runner?

While traveling last weekend, I had just returned to the hotel at the end of a 9-mile run in the snow (temp@24, w/c@15) and got some odd looks from two young runners just heading out. They were dressed in their “cool gear” and I… well… I’m a utilitarian (warm, dry, safe) and not all that interested in style over functionality.

I’m an early morning runner, and it’s usually dark when I start out, and it is lighter when I return. They looked at me with my flashlight, reflective vest, pepper spray, water bottle, running belt, hood was drawn up, an old pair of gloves, and insulated wind pants. Maybe they thought I was homeless?

I was about to tell them to be careful on the river path when they quickly exited toward the street for an in-town run. Good for them. It did make me wonder if I should get more of the fashionable gear.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried several of the well-known items from socks on up and have found some non-running gear that provided better results. When I speak of results, I mean warm torso, staying dry longer, no blisters or chaffing, comfortable after a few hours of movement, warm face, fingers, and toes, etc. Runner’s World has a neat little what-to-wear tool you may want to check out for some suggestions. This runner has posted her tips on a blog as well, very helpful.

Low Traction Running

By Jerry Schotz

On November 15, 2018

In Blog

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This morning (Nov 15) was our first significant snow. I’m estimating 1-2 inches was on the unclear roads in the country. I have forgotten how much additional work it is to run when each step is on loose snow!

Post-run2018-11-14 Before the first mile was complete, I could feel the additional energy drain. I have had to break out my heavier winter gear the last few days due to the cold wind chill (as seen on the right). Today the temperature was in the upper 20’s with the wind in the upper teens making it a bit more bearable.

I wear layers of clothing always trying to get the proper temperature where I stay warm but not sweat excessively as to cause a chill as I deal with the wind changes. My outer layer is a lightweight coat I found at Farm and Fleet in the raincoat section. It is very water resistant and blocks the wind well. Today I had three layers under the coat and insulated wind pants, hat, gloves, and scarf. I stayed warm but a little too warm while running with the wind. I can unzip the coat about half-way down and close the gap using the velcro tabs thus allowing some airflow.

The first 4 miles it was still snowing and blowing from the North, but as I rounded the route West toward home, the snow had let up, and the rising sun was brightening the pathway. The strain from running with such poor traction had me drinking water by mile 5, which is unusual in such cool weather.

Run 2018-11-15 I was able to complete my 8+ miles at a slow pace, but it was a good workout, and I’m very grateful to be able to get out there and run even if the conditions are a little rough.

My feet were a little wet from the snow melt, but they weren’t too cold or uncomfortable.

Stay warm, run strong!

Are you sick?

By Jerry Schotz

On November 1, 2018

In Blog

When you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time, you can make people wonder if you’re sick or dying. It’s true, I had the bold-folks come right out and ask, others would seek out a family member and ask with concern. I get it, when your skin starts to loosen and your body definition starts to alter, it can look like you may be getting treatments for something.

Your clothes start to get baggy, and your belt starts to get longer, you look and feel less than stylish, but it’s part of the process. I found Goodwill to be my friend. It doesn’t pay to buy new clothes that fit during this time, you’re a work in progress. I found a lot of clothes that helped me transition from XL to Medium and some small clothing at very reasonable prices.

On the flip-side, we found ourselves eventually donating hundreds of dollars of oversized clothing back to our local Goodwill and similar charities.

Don’t give away your large clothing until you’ve been your “new self” for at least six months! Your new lifestyle should be a routine and not just another goal. We can fall off the wagon, we can get tired of the work, our emotions get the best of us, stuff happens! Hopefully, you have a new-you, and you are stable enough to comfortably clean out the closets and purchase some right-sized outfits.