Confession:
Sometimes I like to eat chocolate in the morning after I finish my breakfast. 😯
I knew it was going to be another cold morning, so I headed to the gym to run on the treadmill.
I actually started out really slow–as in 10:30 minutes/mile slow. I only stayed at that pace for about 0.5 miles and continued to increase the pace throughout my workout. The second half of my workout was at a 8:00 – 8:30 minutes per mile pace.
I ran a total of 7 miles, and it took me over an hour. I don’t know exactly how long because the machine shut off after an hour. I was kind of upset!
Prior to running, I made myself a delicious piece of French toast to power me through my run.
I topped it with banana slices, walnuts, coconut, and raspberry jam. Yum! 🙂
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When I run outside in the winter, I have the hardest time keeping my legs, specifically my thighs, warm. It seems as though my legs should be the warmest with all the muscle mass and blood pumping through my legs, but I guess that’s not the case. Anyone know why this is?
Anyhow, these are a few pairs of pants I rely on to keep me warm–or at least not from going numb!
Under Armour
These are my newest (and favorite) pants for running in. They are slightly fitted through the thigh and loose around my calves. They are nice and long and have a thin fleece lining on the inside to help keep me warm.
There’s a nice pocket on the back, right side for stashing my key.
Under Armour
These are your standard Under Armour tights. I wear these nearly every day as my baselayer. They are quite ancient seeing I purchased them at least 6 years ago at TJMaxx for about $16, but they still do their job.
Nike
I really like these pants for fall/early spring running. They are super comfortable and fit really well.
I appreciate that the pocket in the back is centered, so that when you do fill it with your belongings, you don’t become lopsided.
The zippers on the bottom are great for adjusting the tightness around your ankles when running and help when getting the tights on and off. There are also reflective strips at the bottom for safety.
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Craig and I are now headed out to lunch! We don’t often go out for lunch but with our day off, we decided to do something a little special!
I just had half of this package of Clif Shot Bloks to tie my over until lunch. The strawberry flavor was really good!
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Question
Any recommendations for winter running pants? Or how I can keep my legs warm?
I don’t need super warm pants here in CA (I only have to run in tights 2-3 times each winter), but if I DID have to deal with chilly temps, I would probably splurge on the lululemon Outward Bound Pant – they look awesome!
SO jealous you only have to wear pants a few times a year! I think I need to move to CA!!
UGH! And we don’t have a Lululemon, so I’ll have to wait until we fly out of state–bummer!
I have heard it’s because your core stays the warmest when you are exposed to frigid temperatures and your legs and arms are the first place that blood stops going to keep you warm.
I’m a big baby and run inside when it is anything less than 15 degrees. You are seriously fabulous for even running outside at that temperature.
Makes sense.
Sometimes I don’t know why I go outside when it is so cold though!
Hey Michelle! I’m not 100%, but I think your legs staying cold would have to do with your body’s sympathetic response. Not emotionally sympathetic, but verses reacting with parasympathetics.
The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic (like automatic) nervous system. You might remember it as the “flight-or-fight” response. While this usually causes your heart to speed up and work harder (dilation for your muscles), your blood vessels in the skin will actually constrict in your body’s attempt to safeguard them from the insult/stress of the temps. They say this, and other “fight or flight” responses are to safeguard your body temporarily while under extreme stress (bear chasing you, freak adrenaline responses like a woman lifting a car to save her kid, extreme temps, and even severe emotional stress).
Isn’t the body awesome?
LW
Thanks! This was very insightful!
I layer in the winter. This morning I put tights under my running pants. Kept me warm the whole time!
Great job on the 7 mile mark! That’s quite an accomplishment!
Lululemon Alpine Tights are awesome. I run in -20F and they keep me super warm. They offer free shipping 🙂
The Outward Bound pants from Lululemon are awesome for staying warm. I should know .. I’m in Northern Canada !