Antifreeze

It's cold.

Really cold.

Like "extreme cold warning" and authorities telling people flat out to stay the hell inside kind of cold.

I'm not good at doing what I'm told, though.

How am I supposed to stay away from this?

If you're like me and continue to train outside in this uncharacteristically frozen winter, or would like to try it, I'll show you some of my favourite things to keep you warm and safe from top to bottom while you're out there.

Outdoor Research Peruvian Windstopper Hat

Unisex - MSRP $34

Made of microfleece with Gore's Windstopper technology to be windproof and breathable, this is one of the silliest looking pieces of headgear I've ever encountered...and I don't give a rat's patootie about that, because it's also bombproof reliable for keeping my ears warm on the coldest, windiest days.

Long earflaps with a drawstring under the chin to keep them snug. 

Having a ton of metal in my ears and having frozen them solid once back in '00, I'm pretty picky about keeping them safe these days. I still want a brimmed hat to keep snow and wind out of my eyes, so I throw the Peruvian hat on overtop when it's truly miserable out.

..and looks even dumber worn that way, but I still don't care.

Buff Merino Tubular Headwear

Unisex - MSRP $42-$48

Ok, I'm willing to bet you know about tubular head/neckwear already - they're a runner (and particularly trailrunner)'s best friend for all kinds of things, and when it's less than Coldmageddon out I'm perfectly happy trusting my ears' safety to one of them. When the temperature dips below -10c/14f, though, I use them as a hood to protect my face and seal up my neck. Windburn sucks, people!

I prefer the merino wool ones for this purpose - I find they let me breathe through them more easily (as I'm a bit claustrophobic with anything covering my nose and mouth), they don't stink even with multiple uses, they breathe really well (as seen by the frosted up bit toward the back of my head, where sweat vapor escaped from the collar of my jacket and froze up), and they always feel warm against my skin. As far as I know I only have the lightest weight ones (150gsm - also the cheapest), and they've always been enough. There are less expensive versions made by Chaos and MEC as well - I have one of each and like/use them quite a bit, too.

I just fold one in not-quite half with the shorter portion turned to the inside of the tube, then pull it over my head and hat so the doubled portion is over my face, ears and neck. The single layer covers the collar of my jacket to my shoulders to prevent cold drafts.

Or snow blown off the trees by a gusty wind..

Sugoi SubZero Zap Tights

Men's - Women's - MSRP $115

I have skipped over torso stuff because it's pretty simple - I've always had a harder time keeping my legs warm than my upper body, which I can just pile up with merino wool shirts and a windproof jacket, or even an insulated hybrid jacket when it gets really awful out.

I also like to be seen, and the SubZero Zap tights are good for that!

These tights - which also come in a non-Zap version with much less reflective (Men's - Women's - MSRP $95) - aren't actually windproof, but the pile of the fleece interior is enough that you don't really feel the wind. I got a pair for Christmas (thanks Mum!) and ran in them at -16c/3f with wind gusting over 40kph for a windchill of -27c/-17f.

Then did some unconventional testing on them..

While they run true to size and have a generous inseam length - approximately 32" in W's size Large, which is a fabulous find for my long-legged brethren. I got one size up from my usual Sugoi size so I could have room to layer another set of tights or knickers underneath. Being a bit big on me worn alone, they do shift a bit but I had no chafing during a 2.5hr trail run with some high-stepping climbs. Once you start to sweat in them, they basically stay put. While I was initially concerned about the somewhat stiff reflective tape that runs down the outsides of both legs and crosses just under the knee, I've had no irritation from the seams at all.

Warm legs on a windy day at Huron Natural Area

Running Room Extreme Wind Run Pants

Men's - Women's - MSRP $110

Sometimes you just need the assurance of having something completely windproof on your legs, and for those times these pants are freakin' awesome. Tanker bought me a pair of these for Christmas (I'm a spoiled girl - I know it!), and they've seen a lot of action since.

They also help with being seen.

These again run true to size and have a fabulously long inseam (approx 32" in W's size Large), but I got one size up from my usual so I'd have room to layer underneath them. Because they have a brushed back to them and a bit looser fit (they're pants, not tights - they do taper nicely at the ankle, though), I'm not sure that wooly longjohns would do well under them for mobility purposes. I did, however, layer a pair of Sugoi MidZero tights (lighter/less warm than the SubZeros - MSRP $80 in Women's and Men's) under them last night for a run at -18c/0f with a windchill of -29c/-20f with good results. I've also worn them alone on a windless -15c/5f night without issue; the legs are even tailored enough that I didn't run into problems with moisture transport, while being slightly shaped at the knee to accommodate the bent leg of a running stride. The lower seam of the knee panel hits me at the kneecap and I wondered if it might cause chafing, but I haven't experienced any yet - they are multi-needle flatlocked throughout, and the brushed inner fabric is lovely and soft.

For when the weather is anything but.

The back fabric is not windproof, but it is quite warm and has great stretch to assist with mobility. I had no irritation from the ankle zips when tucking them into a pair of gaiters for a snowy trail run, either.

They're also snow angel approved.

If you're not using gaiters to seal things up, I do recommend having an extra layer around your ankles - I used the tops of a pair of Tanker's old wool socks last night, as I've written about before. Lots of blood flow near the surface of your skin there, which can contribute to frostbite in your toes in extreme conditions if you don't take steps to keep them warm!

Gator Tip Toes Neoprene Toe Covers

Unisex - MSRP $15

Speaking of frostbitten toes, these are a little lifesaver in that department. When the cold wind howls it can be tough to keep your little piggies warm, and I have particular trouble with a couple of mine since freezing them rather badly a couple of years ago.

So simple yet quite effective.

They're just thin neoprene toe covers - very similar to those used over cycling shoes, only without a hole in the bottom for cleats. Some people wear them over their socks, but I put them underneath so they stay in position better. They do get clammy since they don't breathe well at all, but they do an excellent job of trapping heat and excluding wind completely. While desperately cold runs - like last night's "extreme cold warning" outing - call for their windproofing abilities in conditions when duct tape is unlikely to stick very well to the outside of your shoes, I actually find them most useful for milder winter and shoulder season run. I have the most trouble with cold toes on slushy roads or trails, or during freezing rain; these are the only things I've ever found that help when my feet are being constantly drenched in near-freezing water. I've run in them for multiple hours and never had an issue with chafing, as the stitching 'round the edges is very high quality and lays totally flat. I chuck them in the wash (cold water, delicate cycle, hang to dry - just like all my other athletic gear) every time or two they get used, and after more than a year they still look brand new.

Running Room Extreme Shell Mitts

Unisex - MSRP $45

Contrary to their name, these mitts aren't just a shell - they have a lovely, soft "micro moss" fleece lining inside the windproof outer shell. They have a short gauntlet cuff that's just enough to seal off a sleeve, with a highly stretchy elastic on the inside of the wrist to keep out drafts.

With lots of reflective on the back.

..and silicone grippers on the palms.

They feel very thin and the fleece nose wipe on the back of the thumb is not windproof, but these are my handwear of choice even on last night's -18c/0f trot with the wind bringing the effective temperature down to -29c/-20f. I simply tuck my thumbs inside the main body when I don't need to do anything dexterous, having purchased a size sufficiently roomy for a loose fist without forcing my skin to be in direct contact with the sides of the mitt. I still have enough dexterity in them to tear open gel packets and rummage in a hydration vest's pockets without having to remove them, which is a good thing as they can be a bit tricky to get back on when wet.

I've had them freeze solid on me a few times when running for multiple hours - they do breathe fairly well, so sweat vapor will ice up on the outside - but they're enough to keep even my badly frostbitten and cold-sensitive right thumb happy in the deep freeze we're currently experiencing.

Cold warning-schmold warning!

Skhoop Original Skirt

Women's - MSRP $159

Bonus item that isn't actually for running, but definitely falls into the category of "life-saving cold weather apparel". You wouldn't necessarily think that an insulated skirt would be very warm, and I know it's ridiculously expensive...but mine has been in almost constant use over the last couple of weeks, and I absolutely love it.

I actually wore it to work today...and yesterday..

The genius of this almost ankle-length skirt is the two-way zip down the right side that lets you zip it on and off in a heartbeat. Unlike snowpants, this is incredibly easy to throw on for just a minute or two, while providing nearly as much warmth and windproofing. The synthetic insulation makes it easily washable if it gets dirty, but I think mine has only needed laundering once in the year and a half or so I've owned it, and it still looks brand new.

Easy on and off.
Either zip it open completely from the bottom up, or zip down from the top to step in and out.

When standing still you can zip it down to mid-calf for maximum warmth and windproofing, but if you need more mobility it can be unzipped to upper thigh height on both sides - there's a handy one-way zipper on the left side of the skirt as well.

Freedom is just a zip away!

The zippers - including the two secure zip diagonal hand pockets at the front waist - all have easy-to-grab pulls that are operable with mittens on, while the soft, smooth nylon fabric and thin-but-effective synthetic insulation make this an incredibly light and cozy piece to wear. Sizing is generous with elastic around the rear 2/3 of the waistband so you can wear it over other layers; it may ride up a bit, but I have yet to find a clothing combination that makes it feel uncomfortable or restrictive. It also has belt loops if you prefer extra security, and a convenient loop inside to hang it up.

Seen here keeping me warm at -26c/-15f for a New Year's Eve fire in our backyard with Tanker.

So there you have it - my favourite gear of winter 2017/2018. I can't promise you the weather will get any better, but I guarantee you can find ways to get out there and enjoy the outdoors anyway if you have the right gear. Stay warm everyone!

And a Happy New Year from Tank and I!

Christmas Wrap

Wrapping up the year, that is...though I have plenty of the other sort to do, too.

While I'd rather be out playing here.

With 8 runs in the last 6 days I'm off to a decent start in the 100 runs in 100 days, and while I'm not planning any huge mileage over the holiday week I hope to get a couple of short double days in. I don't give a rat's patootie about my place in the standings; it's simply a tool to help me get out the door every day (well, except Fridays) - I often find that no matter how much I DO. NOT. WANT. when looking out the window of my kitchen/office, I actually feel great when I get out there.

Like last night's snow squall run.
It was actually much nicer than I expected, so I ended up running a little longer.

Yes, even the second run of the day. Especially the second run of the day. It frequently ends up feeling better than the first, which was definitely the case on Saturday.

For the second time ever, I ran down to the farmers' market on a cold, grey winter morning. The paved section of multi-use trail along Blair Road was a nightmare of thick, chunky snow that thoroughly kicked my arse - my idea of keeping it to an easy aerobic effort to avoid sweating too much flew out the window when I encountered this energy-sucking muck.

My lone bit of relief was a single fatbike track that appeared intermittently..

The rest of the trail was quite beautiful in the new-fallen snow, though, and I made decent time on the trails themselves.

Even if I stopped to do a bit of dorky photography..

We picked up our groceries for the week and placed a few Christmas orders with the vendors, then for the very first time ever I ran home from the market as well. I took a different route; the sun came out; and there were trumpeter and tundra swans feeding in the Grand River as I trotted up the Linear Trail.

I've only seen swans about 3 other times in Waterloo Region.

I finished by powering and puffing my way up Shantz Hill for a little over 21km on the day, actually having moved faster on the way home despite it being mostly uphill. While it's not a good idea to split up your long run into chunks very often, I'm pretty sure this season has given me a decent dose of the physiological adaptations that come about when running for 4+ hours at a time, and some higher intensity work now and then boosts fitness in a big way.

That should help build on the work I've done in 2017. I had a pretty good year here: I won't make any schmancy mileage numbers by the time the clock runs out (I'll be somewhere over 2,900km, which will put me at 300km more than any other year - it seems like everyone runs more distance than me), but I overcame some early-season injury woes, did just under 500km of racing (with some unexpectedly good results), and went on a few trips that I truly enjoyed. I got to share it all with my wonderful, hard-working and incredibly patient partner in crime, and I'm heading into 2018 with ambitious plans and a great new series of races to which I am greatly looking forward. That beats chasing spreadsheets in my books!

As it's doubtful I'll have time for another post before this old year gives way to the new, I'll wish you all a very merry Christmas season and joyous solstice. Thank you for tolerating my inane blitherings, blatant narcissism, incessant whining, and childish crayon art - I'd resolve to do better in the new year, but we all know that won't happen.

Just more of this.

So, until we meet again - may your days be merry and your feet be light!

Signs and Portents

If the start of this winter is any indication of what the rest of it will be like, it's going to be a very long few months.

Oof.

December had been pretty relaxed up until last weekend - sure, I needed an extra layer here and there, but I'd run in a skirt with bare legs on the 2nd and 3rd and had seldom even reached for a jacket yet.

That definitely changed on Saturday, with snow that started just after sunset...just as I was setting out for a run.

Though it did mean I could go without a headlamp for some of it.

It was only about -4c so I still managed without a jacket, though I did have a double layer of warm, longsleeve shirts on. Sunday's temperature was about the same as I set out to explore the Lions Lake Trail around Woolwich Reservoir for the first time, but the wind was powerful and bitter.

..and the snow continued to fall.

With the dam being closed for maintenance until March (a fact I only discovered once I arrived at the closure, having hoped to run loops of the 7km trail), I ended up having to do an out-and-back from Floradale Park to the dam counter-clockwise, then another out-and-back clockwise to the closure, and then one last out-and-back covering the same ground as the first jaunt...only this time in pitch dark with even heavier snow falling.

Glad I brought my better headlamp..

While the trail isn't really technical and is quite flat, my ankles took a bit of a beating from being unable to see roots, rocks, and frozen, lumpy mud under the thick blanket of fresh snow. I'm sure my osteopath - whom I'd just seen two days prior for a treatment on my left ankle - would be delighted with me! It was definitely a return to all the most challenging parts of winter running, and I think now that's a trail I'll leave be until springtime.

I only ran on my lunch on Monday and Tuesday, but even that proved a bit dicey - it snowed heavily enough on Monday that it was difficult to see while I ran into the wind, as the big, fluffy snowflakes blew into my eyes even under the brim of my hat. 

Not a great way to be in Mississauga traffic.

Tuesday the snow relented, but the late-morning temperature of -4c (for which I'd brought kit to work) dropped to -7c with 50kph winds blowing streams of snow off the roofs of buildings by the time I got out for my lunch run. Windchill: -16c, for which I had definitely NOT brought kit.

The only thing that saved me from freezing solid was the bit of sunshine on my thin, black tights.

Wednesday was even colder as I ran down the trails in the dark after work, once again able to go without a headlamp between the snow and the glow.

Fortunately I mostly had a tailwind for this one, too.

Then last night was the chilliest yet at -11c with a windchill of -18c when I finally set out around 10pm.

I wasn't super happy when my eyelashes iced up and started trying to stick my eyes shut.

We've been thrust firmly and without ceremony into the days of chapped lips, windburn, too many layers, and serious concern over the state of my previously badly frostbitten appendages...all as the 12th annual 100 runs in 100 days challenge begins.

While it may seem a bit cheesy, this challenge - which I've done every year since (I believe) 2011 - really does help motivate me when winter is howling outside the door and I am despairing at the thought of leaving my cozy, warm house or office to face its wrath. Winter and spring are also the only time I am really able to manage double run days due to my schedule: I can run on my hour-long lunch (which is reduced to half an hour in summer, making it impractical), then again after we get home from work. The challenge gets me out the door for that 2nd run on tired legs, knowing that my Fridays off will mean I have a day to make up each week.

To pull it all off, more than ever I'll need to focus on finding the good in every run even as the weather turns miserable. There's almost always something beautiful - or at the very least interesting - every time I step out the door, so the goal is just to be mindful and seek the positive every day.

Like road salt that blooms into a flower on a random manhole cover.

..or a beautiful display of lights.

..or the serene beauty of Cooksville Creek in ice, snow and darkness.

I'd encourage anyone to consider signing up for the 100 runs in 100 days challenge. It's completely free, though to officially participate you need to set up a login on Slowtwitch.com's forums and record your workouts in their training log. They do have Strava integration now if you balk at the minute or two that would take daily, or you can always just record your runs via your own means if you don't care about your name showing up on the leaderboard - there are no prizes other than emerging from the winter with a solid running base and perhaps a few less lingering pounds of turkey, stuffing and gingerbread 'round your middle.

Wait, that's just me, isn't it?

In any case, you don't need to feel obliged to put in the full 100 runs - any increase in your running frequency (assuming you're not already running 7 days a week and still take any appropriate rest that your body may require to stay healthy and un-injured) is almost certain to pay dividends once racing season comes 'round, and at the very least it's a great exercise in discipline.

..I'm just not sure what it might portend when this year's challenge starts on my own non-negotiable rest day.

So anyway, between tomorrow and late March, if you're looking for me...I'll be out plodding along, looking for something that makes me smile.

Sometimes it's right under my nose.

Happy Go Lucky

Will you kindly indulge me in being a bit pleased with myself for a moment? It doesn't happen often..

I was also pleased with the lovely sunshine over the weekend.

I had mentioned last week that I'd got a couple of bits of good news lately, both of which had been rather surprising. I'm sure the suspense has been non-existent, but nevertheless I'm ready for the big reveals.

The first piece of news I've actually been sitting on for awhile, because I almost couldn't believe it until I had the proof in my hands.

That free hat cost me 337km of racing between April 29th and October 28th

Somehow a lot of the big guns - by which I mean the incredibly fast and talented ladies who usually dominate the OUTRace Ultra Series - were off racing other things this year, so I managed 2nd place woman under 40. I was even more stunned when I looked at the final standings and saw that I'd managed to place in the top 5 women overall!

Not by much, but there I am.

For someone who really has no clue of what they're doing and just tries to truck along as best they can, it's a huge honour to see my name among such ass-kicking women. It almost makes me feel like I may have some business out there after all..

Nah, not really - but I still have fun.

It's a nice cherry on the top of a fairly successful 2017. Not only did I make all of my racing goals, I actually managed to place in at least the top 3 of my age group in 5 out of the 8 events I ran this year.

Even if everyone else was gone by the time I finished so they could announce the awards..
(True story)

This means 2018 is going to have its work cut out for it in order to top all that. However, the other piece of news I got just last week should help out with that a lot..

Say whaaaaaaa?

I was invited by the kind folks at Happy Trails Racing to act as one of the handful of ambassadors for their growing race series in the 2018 season. With the wonderful experience I had at their inaugural event - the Sticks n'Stones Race this past October - and knowing the incredible passion of the Race Director and Race Coordinator for both trail running and philanthropy, I couldn't possibly say no! I'd already registered for the first event in the new year; an indoor track race in January called Stride Inside that will benefit Women's Shelters Canada, partly because I'm a sucker for punishment (having said I'd never do another indoor track race) but mostly because I know that Jeff and Heather will be sure to nail down every last detail to make it a fantastic experience. The excellent cause that will benefit is the icing on the cake!

Like the gorgeous sunset over the Grand River at the end of Sunday's run.

I look forward to racing or volunteering at as many of Happy Trails Racing's future events as possible, as these two continue to bring more depth and variety to the Ontario trail and ultrarunning scene while selflessly working to support worthy causes. I'm honored to have a tiny part in that, and encourage you to check out some of the unique races they have planned!

Which come with some awesome swag, too!

So I'm cruising on a bit of an ultrarunning high right now, and have great hopes for the season to come.

'til next time, you awesome people - Happy Trails!

Well Seasoned

I'm bad at off seasoning.

Because this is my happy place.

I have been saying for months now that November would be an easy month - I'd only do short, little runs and take as much time off as I wanted.

..and this is how that worked out.
Green squares indicate days that I ran, with weekly totals at right.

I didn't even manage to take every Friday off running, and that's usually a non-negotiable rest day. I did take last Thursday off, but that was under orders from a medical professional - I'm finally seeing someone about trying to patch up my wonky ankle, and had my first treatment that evening. He told me not to run afterward and I hadn't been able to get out earlier in the day, so an extra day off happened.

Only somewhat grudgingly..

All told I took 7 days off (3 more than I usually would, as there were 4 Fridays in November) and ran 186.8km. It's the second-lowest monthly mileage I've posted this year, so I was sort of taking it easy..

Now, however, it's that exciting time when registration is opening for events in the new year and plans are starting to become concrete. I'm already signed up for the first four events I plan to race in 2018, and it's just a fortnight away from the start of the 100 runs in 100 days challenge. I can almost taste the double run days now..

In the middle of all this, I recently got some stunning good news on a couple of fronts. I'll ask you to wait a little longer before I reveal all of the details (though some of you may already know about one or the other through different channels), but both are things that I feel shine like sunbeams - one on my 2017 season, and one on my future endeavours.

So, regardless of how much I may or may not have rested in my "off" season, one thing is clear: the time is ripe to get it ON!

..and go chase my happy on the trails.

Oh, and just as weird little notes: by the end of last week (Sunday, November 26th), I'd broken my annual mileage record to date. Last year I totaled 2,640.1km - I hit 2,640.4km during the run pictured at top, on the Royal Recreational Trail and have clocked another 30km since. On Wednesday's run I passed 17,000km since I started running regularly in 2008 - just 19 days after the 9th anniversary of the trot 'round my block that started this whole business. If I have my way, I'll be calling on every single step of that training to get me through the challenges I've set for myself for the year to come!