Winter will be here before we know it – along with the cold, ice, and snow. Stop into Complete Runner to see our selection slip resistant and waterproof shoes for running and walking this winter!
Stronger, Faster, Less Injuries with Strong Glutes, Hams, and Quads
Spirit E-Glide CG800
We know, some of you refuse to use indoor training equipment and we admire your ability to stay committed even in the cold weather. Some, however, prefer to bring it in when it gets cold. You diehards may consider thinking of it as cross-training, focusing on building the muscles you use when you’re out there.
Older Elliptical machines typically mimic cross country skiing, sort of like a shuffle, not really keeping with Good Form. The new machines are more similar to the running and walking motion. A flywheel allows full weight bearing without the impact, a motion that works the Brachial Quadriceps, Satorius, Abbuctor Longus, Gluteus Maximus, Anterior Tibial and Gastrocnemius… In other words giving you a great BUTT!
Read More: E-Glide Elliptical Offers Great Winter Running Workouts
Bodyguard E-40
Don’t Let the Weather Slow Down Your Outdoor Activities
Put down your phone. Turn off the Weather Channel and the local weather forecast. The weather doesn’t matter anymore when planning your next outdoor fitness adventure!
The key to staying comfortable during your outdoor activities is staying dry. Not only do you want to stay dry from your own perspiration with breathable, wicking tech wear, but you also want to stay dry from the outdoor elements of snow, slush, sleet, and rain with waterproof technology.
Socks, hats, and gloves by SealSkinz are both waterproof and breathable, the first to offer you the best of both worlds!
Now you can run or walk through the slush in your regular running shoes without worrying about getting wet feet, allowing your training to be uncompromised by the variable Michigan weather. Better yet, your SealSkinz apparel will come equally handy when scraping the slow and ice off the windshield before work, or having an impromptu snowball fight with the kids.
Check out this video to see how SealSkins is defying the cold and the wet, and will keep you comfortable in whatever the weather decides to bring.
Has the Rough Winter Impacted Your Training?
This winter has been plagued with record high snow fall and record low temperatures. Our fear is that your training may be behind or non-existent due to this crazy winter, and we want to give you some motivation so you’ll be ready for the upcoming running and walking season when the weather does decide to break.
If you are waiting for the cold and snow to go away before you get started training this year, who knows how long you may have to wait. The cold temps and icy roads are good excuses to push off our training for another day, but when that day comes we don’t want you to get discouraged that you didn’t start sooner. The longer that you push it off, the longer it will take you to get in shape.
Sometimes we just need is a friend to come along side us and tell us how it is, so being your friend here are some obvious things you can do right now to get going on your training:
Suck it up and Run Outside
Listen to Nike and “Just Do It.” Wear the right cold weather running tech clothes and some ice joggers to keep from slipping, and go outside and get it done. It is easier said than done, but most of the time the solution is quite simple, it just involves us taking the first step to make it happen.
Suck it up and Run Inside
If you can’t or won’t run outside, there is no reason that you can’t take it indoors. Find a local gym where you can run on a track or treadmill, or buy yourself a treadmill or elliptical that you can always use. This may not be your first choice, but you may be surprised on the quality of workouts you can do inside until the weather warms up.
Make a Commitment
Don’t only make a commitment right away to start running outside or inside, but commit to an upcoming race. Find an upcoming race on our race calendar, like the Pot O’ Gold on March 17, and sign up for it today. Registering and paying for a race today will motivate you to do what you need to do from now until the race to get ready, because who wants to make a fool out of yourself by not being prepared?
Whatever you need to do to get to the fitness you desire, go ahead and do it. Don’t let the weather be a distraction to your running goals in 2014.
If you want to make a commitment to an upcoming race to hold yourself accountable to a training plan, feel free to share in the comments below.
Photo by Flickr user dickuhne
3 Reasons Why You Should Run Inside This Winter
After writing about reasons why you should run outside this winter, it is only fair to consider the opposite viewpoint and discuss reasons why you should run inside during the cold, winter months.
If you don’t run indoors in the winter here are three reasons to consider doing so.
1 – You will be safer indoors and protected from the elements.
The winter months can be downright nasty. Some find it adventurous to run outside in the winter elements, but many don’t find it very appealing. The slippery roads and fewer daylight hours can make running outside somewhat dangerous, so running inside is safer and more comfortable.
2 – You will be faster.
A treadmill is like having a personal coach that will keep you on pace to accomplish your goals. Interval training on a good treadmill is a very effective way to improve your speed when most other people are getting slower over the winter. How cool will it be to show up to your first spring 5K of the year faster than you were the year before?
3 – You will never be bored.
Running inside allows you to change things up quite often to keep a good variety in your training. Try interval repeats one day, hill workout the other, and add in some cross training on the bike and with weights. Already being inside will give you easy access to a variety of equipment to keep things interesting, whether you are at the gym or in your basement.
If you are interested in running inside this winter, consider investing in a high quality running treadmill such as the Boston Marathon, Spirit, or Precor Treadmills, and check out Complete Runner’s Guide to Buying a Treadmill for more tips.
Shoes for Winter Running
Shoes are made for every activity under the sun, and shoes specifically made for winter running are no exception. Unlike regular running shoes or racing shoes, winter running shoes are made specifically for the needs of those running outside in the harsh winter elements to keep their feet dry and comfortable. So, what are the main differences between regular running shoes and winter running shoes? A few of the features and benefits of winter running shoes are:
1 – Aggressive bottoms for better traction on snow and ice. Just like knobby tires on a truck, the tread on winter running shoes made to keep you on your feet when running on snow and ice. Traction aids that slip over your shoes can offer additional stability and peace of mind when running on ice.
2 – Water resistant to keep water out while highly breathable at the same time, most winter running shoes are made with Gore-Tex to ensure your feet are dry and comfortable.
3 – Tongueless with no seams under the laces to prevent snow and water from making their way in.
4 – Rubber toe protect for added protection when kicking snow and ice.
Don’t Forget About the Socks
Almost as important as a good pair of winter running shoes are the socks you wear. If you happen to step in snow or water that is higher than your shoes, a good pair of socks will help to pull the moisture away from your skin. Look for a quality, high-performance sock like Smart Wool to work in combination with your winter running shoes to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
The Best Shoes for Winter Running
While this is not a comprehensive list by any means, but we’ve had good experience with the following winter running shoes:
- NB 910
- Brooks Ghost GTX
- Saucony Xodus
- Salomon Synapse MID CS WP
If you plan on running outside this winter a good pair of winter running shoes should be on your essential list along with some good running tech wear. Let our expert staff help you transition to winter running, stop by Complete Runner today!
3 Reasons Why You Should Run Outside This Winter
As the temperature drops some people decide to turn indoors to run on a treadmill or small indoor track, and some even stop running all together until it warms up again in the spring. Then, there are others that tough out the elements and run outdoors all year long. Which one best describes you?
If you don’t run outside in the winter here are a few reasons why you should at least consider it.
1 – Running in the winter offers a totally different experience.
Most people don’t necessarily embrace change, but winter running offers a change in atmosphere from running in the other seasons. Since running inside has the possibility of getting boring quite fast, running outside in the winter offers a new experience with the fresh air and different scenery, along with the incredible feeling of running on freshly fallen snow.
2 – Technology makes running in the winter enjoyable.
In the heat of the summer there comes a point when you can’t shed any more layers and it is difficult to stay cool and comfortable when running, but in the winter you can always add layers as it gets colder. Not only does the proper tech wear base layer and jacket help you stay dry and warm, but some also generates heat when you perspire which is how runners can stay warm and comfortable with few layers in low temperatures. Unfortunately, many people turn indoors because they don’t have or aren’t aware of this tech wear that makes winter running quite comfortable and enjoyable.
3 – Road races don’t stop when it gets cold.
Some of the best races take place over the winter and spring months when it is cold outside, so there is no better way to prepare for these races than actually running in the elements. Not to say that indoor cross training won’t be effective, but there is no substitute to prepare for an outside winter event like training outside.
What are some other reasons why someone should consider running outside in the winter? Let us know in the comments.
Heat Generating Tech Wear Keeps Runners Dry, Warm, and Comfortable in the Winter
That runner is crazy!
These are the thoughts of most people when they see someone running outside in the frigid cold and wind wearing only a thin jacket.
In reality, the person running outside may be warmer than the person in the vehicle with the heat on.
Many popular running brands like Mizuno, Brooks, and New Balance offer an innovative base layer and outer layer technology that actually generates heat as moisture is wicked away from the body. This allows you to stay warm, dry, and comfortable in the winter with few layers. A few of the heat generating tech wear that we offer at Complete Runner are Breath Thermo, Heater Hog, and NB Heat.
Breath Thermo by Mizuno
One of the original heat generating technologies, Mizuno continues to innovate with the 2013 Breath Thermo offering twice the warmth in half the weight. We carry Breath Thermo in base layer top and tights for men and women (in most versions).
Heater Hog by Brooks
Brooks’ version of heat generating technology is offered in the base layer for men, with a similar Smart Skin mesh base layer available for women.
NB Heat by New Balance
The NB Heat Windblocker Jacket and Tights not only generate heat but block the wind and are water resistant.
If you are serious about running outside in the winter you need some serious tech wear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, and you should rely on heat generating technology to do the job.
Running in Cold Weather
Well, it’s here.
No, I’m not talking about the end of the world. Everything still seems to be in place after rumors of world destruction with the Mayan calendar ending on December 21.
However, December 21 was the first day of winter and it definitely showed up across a good portion of the United States with its snow, ice, and frigid winds.
Until now the weather has been somewhat decent in Michigan and you could run outside just as you had most of the fall. The harsh winter elements have now brought some challenges to runners and walkers, and we’ve compiled a list of articles to help you get the most out of your workouts when running in cold weather.
How to Stay Warm and Dry When Running Outside in the Cold
Running on Ice and Snow Safer, Easier with Due North Traction Aids
How to Stay Warm and Dry When Running Outside in the Cold
Moisture is the enemy of any runner, especially when it’s cold outside.
Just because the temperature is low doesn’t mean you won’t sweat. You can sweat in any temperature, but the problem is keeping sweat off you so you don’t freeze. If you can keep the moisture away you will stay dry and warm, a goal of any runner in the winter.
To ensure you stay warm and dry in the winter, get rid of that bulk winter coat and dress with a base layer, running jacket, and the appropriate running tights.
Base Layer
We always say that cotton is rotten because it holds moisture close to your skin. It is one thing to be uncomfortable when running in the summer with a wet cotton shirt, but another thing to be running in the freezing cold with a wet shirt. Neither is desirable, but a wet shirt in the cold is dangerous for many reasons.
To keep you dry and warm you need a base layer that consists of a wicking short or long sleeve shirt to move the moisture off your skin. That’s it.
Jacket
Over your base layer you should wear a running jacket that will continue to wick the sweat away from the base layer, moving it thru the layers and away from you skin.
Your jacket should also help to protect you from the strong winds, being wind proof and having a wind flap behind the zippers to keep your neck warm. It should be comfortable with soft fabric around your neck and a zipper garage to keep the zipper away from your skin when fully zipped.
The jacket should also be reflective to help you been seen in the dark, and have potentially have media and zipper pockets for extra storage. Thumb holes can be handy to help keep your hands warm, and an added touch of Breath Thermo or similar technology is always nice to not only keep you dry but actually generate heat when you run.
Pants, Gloves, Hats, and Shoes
Running tights with similar features to a running jacket is a must to keep your bottom half warm and dry from the winter elements. A good pair of gloves will help keep your hands warm, and a wicking scull hat will pull the moisture from your head and keep the heat in and ears warm. Your shoes should have some extra rubber around the toes as well as be waterproof to keep your feet dry.
The proper apparel will allow you to stay dry and warm in single digits, allowing you to keep your outdoor training consistent even when the elements aren’t in your favor.