Winter running survival kit

March 2, 2010

Maybe it’s because I don’t have a goal race in mind, but I’m finding it harder than ever to motivate myself to run outside this winter. But running indoors is not an option since I find the treadmill about as exciting as I found physics class in high school (which is to say, not very interesting at all — the teacher was once demonstrating something using a concave mirror, and in its reflection? Me in a deep, deep sleep. Thankfully, I was not snoring or drooling. Now that would’ve been embarrassing.).

I’ve already got a closet filled with winter running gear (my Nike Air Pegasus +26 sneakers from last winter to keep my feet warm and dry, for one), but this season I added a few extra steps to my regime:

(1) Green Beaver Apres Ski Cheek Balm, $10, has a moisturizing formula of shea butter and cupuaçu butter that’s kept the cold wind from doing heavy damage to my skin. (I could cover up with a balaclava, but balaclava still equals mugger to me).

(2) My sister (she’s a marathoner extraordinaire) heard about this trick from Running Room founder John Stanton: Apply a thick moisturizer onto your legs before putting on running tights and it’ll create an extra barrier of warmth against the winter chill. I’ve opted to use Jacqua Cocoa Buttercream Frosting Body Butter, $29 — I like the irony (or is it torture?) of slathering on this sweet cream when heading out for a run when I’d really rather be sitting on the couch eating the real deal.

(3) I know pro athletes swear by ice baths to speed muscle recovery, but to soothe my muscles post-run and get the chill out of my bones, I take a warm bath using Dr.  Teal’s Epsom Salt in Eucalyptus Spearmint.

With this week’s mild weather, I am hopeful spring has sprung and I can pack away these supplies for the season and focus on stocking up on cute spring running gear instead. If winter rears its’ ugly head again, though, see you out there — I’ll be the one running by smelling like a cupcake :).

Filed under: Beauty Swellness,Fitness Swellness,Healthy Swellness

Tags: exercise, gear, physical fitness, running, winter