Winter Running

I finally got my booty out the door and into the cold Chicago air for a run.  I am one of those annoying people who is always cold, even in the summer, so winter and me just can't be friends.  I've tried.  But every time I extend the olive branch, she sucker punches me. 

Yet I keep going back.  This time I went back for a run.  I finally dug out my winter gear, grabbed Rooney and went for it.  And you know what?  It wasn't terrible.  It's wasn't fun exactly, but I did it and I wasn't miserable.  And most importantly, I want to do it again.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw this picture, but I wanted to break it down a bit further and let you know where I got all of my winter running gear. 

1. Sugoi Speedster 2 Hoodie.  I got this shirt as a gift from my parents and I love it so very much.  It's warm, but breathable.  It has built in mittens to roll down over your hands.  And the best part...it has a ponytail cutout!  This shirt is fantastic.  
2. Montrail Masochists.  I can't say enough good things about these shoes.  They are the only running shoes I use and they are comfortable out of the box.  No need to break them in.  I do add Superfeet insoles to them though.  I suffered a stress fracture the last time I was running big miles and these shoes don't have high stability, so it's good injury prevention for me.
3. Champion Workout Pants.  Basic workout pants in a dry-wick material.  
4. Champion Sports Bra.  A no-frills bra.  I wouldn't suggest it for more than a big B or small C cup.
5. Nike + iPod.  When I trail run I don't listen to music, but when I'm running in the city... I crank that shit.  I try my best to pretend I'm alone and zone out and this helps.  I like the Nike + system for tracking my miles and pace, plus the voice lets me know when I've hit milestones (halfway, 1 mile to go, etc) so I don't have to keep checking my time.
6. Socks.  I use super thin socks when I run or hike and I've never had a blister (knock on wood).  It's just what works for me.  I pick up cheap ones, in a wicking material, at Target and call it a day.  
7. Gloves.  It's 30 something degrees so gloves seem fairly obvious, but I like to use these thin wool ones from Target.  They have the fingertips that allow you to use your phone or iPod without taking your gloves off.  If it was raining or snowing, I would switch to my wicking gloves.
8. Puffy Vest (not pictured).  I decided to add my insulated vest at the last minute so I didn't lay it out for the picture, but I'm so glad I grabbed it.  It was a gift from my parents and it's from The Gap.  I think a cheap one from Target would do the trick too.
   

Awww yea, ponytail cutout.

I survived my winter run and will go back again.  Here's the stats from my workout, in case anyone is wondering.  I don't really have a plan or anything.  I am just going to ease back in and run a few times a week, for as long/far as I feel that day.  Once I'm back in the groove, I'll start setting some distance goals.

Distance: 3.33 miles
Pace: 8:11
Time: 27'21"
Temp: 39 F
Weather: Sunny
Me: Happy, Energetic

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