running outdoors

[rushchairman]

for a few years now, running has become my main source of exercise and i try to get out every day regardless of weather. today however, with hurricane sandy bearing down on us, i opted out.

is there weather that you absolutely refuse to go out it? extreme heat / cold? rain? snow? if you don't submit to less-than-ideal weather, what do you do to fight against your desire to take the day off? do you use any unusual gear to help stave off the negative effects of inclement weather (whatever it may be)?

for me, any heat is challenging. i define heat as 72 degrees and above. you'll sooner see me running in 20 degree temps than 80.

 

[JustAnotherDude]

Extreme cold (below freezing), or run-of-the-mill cold (40s F) plus wind and/or rain, keeps me indoors.

I'll use a treadmill and get my aerobic conditioning in that way, rather than run outside, with bad weather.

 

[TimmyBoston]

Heat affects me much more than cold. I agree very much with your temp scale, 20 degrees is a thousand times better than 80. I've been out in very deep snow at sub-zero temps, but it's the summers that really get to me. I hate heat and humidity. I still run in it, it just sucks. I think though, flooding/torrential rains would be the thing that would keep me indoors.

 

[tango68]

I once took an APFT in a blizzard. Was snowing pretty hard at the start and by the time we got to the run its was a full on blizzard. Slowest 2 mile ever. very peaceful though. took a while to go back and locate the rest of the squad.

Cannot stand running in high heat + humidity 98 degrees and 100 humidity sucks. like trying to breathe soup.

yah do what you got to do. If for no other reason to prove you can do it. run in any weather you feel you can reasonably do so safely comfort is temporary.

 

[beginish]

I will run in the heat and humidity (though rarely at midday), and don't have much issue with the cold, unless it is extreme. I draw the line if it is snowy/icy and is a risk for injury, and I will show Mother Nature proper respect if she wants to kick up a fuss with a hurricane.

 

[The Nid Hog]

For me, it's high winds. I can handle temperature extremes and I don't mind rain or snow much (as long as the surface is clear). But I hate running when it's really windy. If I know that the wind is going to be constantly high, I usually change my run to sprints or intervals.

 

[cnnc97]

I just signed up for my first 5K on New Year's Day. Could be an interesting run depending on the weather. I started running late last winter and the coldest I tried outdoors was about 20-25 I think.

 

[Almightys]

60 is great temps for me when I am running some distance and going to sweat it out anyway, I wear a pair of those mechanix gloves just to keep chill off.

 

[TimmyBoston]

I just signed up for my first 5K on New Year's Day. Could be an interesting run depending on the weather. I started running late last winter and the coldest I tried outdoors was about 20-25 I think.

Cold weather running clothing has come a long way in the last few years. Get some good Under Armour or other quality brand and you'll be golden. Not to mention, toasty warm.

 

[Doc4]

If there is a lot of ice on the ground making footing very slippery, I'd stay indoors. Also, if the weather conditions make it hard for me to see well (wind & rain together, for example) then I wouldn't want to be out and risk not seeing oncoming traffic &c.

Cold weather running clothing has come a long way in the last few years. Get some good Under Armour or other quality brand and you'll be golden. Not to mention, toasty warm.

"Yes, but ..."

There's cold and then there's cold. When things get really cold, you start risking damage to your lungs &c by inhaling. Not a good time to be outside running.

 

[Commander Quan]

I'm running in an event at Seven Springs in the PA Laurel Highlands this weekend, it's a 7 mile run with obstacles. This was the photo they posted on their facebook page of the machines clearing the path for us from the 15 inches of natural snow they got from Sandy. They took out one of the water obstacles, where would have been completely submerged in the lake, but are keeping the trout line and some of the other water obstacles. We'll see how it goes.

 

[TimmyBoston]

"Yes, but ..."

There's cold and then there's cold. When things get really cold, you start risking damage to your lungs &c by inhaling. Not a good time to be outside running.

I thought you Canadians were supposed to be tough with the cold....

I've run every winter day the last three winters without issue. The coldest was around 8.

 

[imbored2deth]

Will not run if it is below ~30°F and if there is ice on the roads/sidewalks. I tend to sprain ankles easily and ice and me do not get along.

 

[Doc4]

I thought you Canadians were supposed to be tough with the cold....

I've run every winter day the last three winters without issue. The coldest was around 8.

It isn't cold yet at 8.

I'm talking -30 Fahrenheit or the like.

 

[TimmyBoston]

It isn't cold yet at 8.

I'm talking -30 Fahrenheit or the like.

At that temp, you absolutely have a point. I've skied in weather like that. It was pretty brutal.

 

[Go West Young Man]

I thought you Canadians were supposed to be tough with the cold....

I've run every winter day the last three winters without issue. The coldest was around 8.

He's from BC, it doesn't actually get cold there!

 

[RondeB]

I don't like to run outside over 80 or if it's pouring outside. Other than that I have no problems. I hope that you and your family are safe after Sandy.

 

[Doc4]

He's from BC, it doesn't actually get cold there!

On the coast, you're right.

Northern interior ... different story.

 

[Fkread]

Snow and hard rain keeps me from running in the winter. I don't like the cold, but I don't like the inactivity even worse.

In the summer, I'll run in the mornings. If it's too hot (anything over 80) I hit the bike.

I don't use any special equipment other than gloves and a hat in the cold.

Kelly

 

[PFP_Dad]

You won't catch me outside doing anything if it's below 40, including running. The heat doesn't phase me. I've ran in Djibouti and it certainly doesn't get warmer than that here.