Tag: weather

Winter skin issues

On December 12, 2018

Corn Huskers Lotion is my favorite. Why – because it helps relieve the irritation of dry weather skin and has a minimalist scent. Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-09-18

I know I’m not the only one who has dry skin when the cold weather sets in. Combined with the additional hand washing during the winter cold and flu season, the hands can get a bit irritated.

Hands, feet, even my nose gets rough in the winter weather. Elbows and knees, shin and toes too! Yes, my nose… if you run outdoors, I think you’ll agree, you need a handkerchief or towel to keep up with the condensation while running. The recurring wiping can really dry the skin. Again, the Corn Huskers is mild enough to help even there.

Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-11-32 With my best efforts to maintain and/or revitalize the skin, I still have the occasional skin-split around a fingernail (cracked fingertips). If you’ve ever had these, you know how much they can hurt and impede ordinary tasks!

I use one of the “liquid bandage” products for these cracks. The product provides a layer of protection and doesn’t wash off quickly, plus I believe it helps speed up the healing process by reducing the open exposure.

Yes, it stings a little going on, but no more than bumping the split on something just one time.

Break out the Clava

By Jerry Schotz

On November 28, 2018

In Blog

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.

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!