I got a 10k run in on Christmas Eve on my own in -2C still conditions. And over the past 2 days another 2 x 9.8km runs in. The Sunday one (Boxing day) was the coldest start of the winter so far at -7C but the 27th run was a warm 2C! I did both runs shirtless.
I heard a couple of good comments today from other joggers out on their runs as they passed me:
1. "At least you are wearing shorts"! - if only he knew...... , and
2. "I want a running outfit like that"
The snow looks like it will disappear over the next 2-3 days as the air temperature moves up towards 10C by the end of the week. That will leave a lot of water and mud around - could be fun!
Monday 27 December 2010
Thursday 23 December 2010
Snow still on the ground
It's nearly a week since the snow arrived and it is still lying on the ground and quite deep in a number of places.
I went out for a run on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week but the footpaths next to the road were very slippery and quite dangerous so it took me around 4 minutes longer to do my normal 7k route. Once you get off the slippery concrete and tarmac surfaces the snow is much easier underfoot. As it is a holiday week I have been running slightly later too and have met up with a few different people than normal. All have been friendly and none have said anything about me being shirtless when out running in the snow. I will run again on Friday and then again on Sunday 26th.
On my run yesterday I did stop for a couple of minutes on the final leg of my run and had a quick, naked roll in the snow. What a great feeling! If you have never done this before you must really try it.
I will try and take the camera along tomorrow and post a few pics of my route so you can all see how pretty it looks - a great inspiration to keep me running.
Happy Christmas Everyone!
I went out for a run on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week but the footpaths next to the road were very slippery and quite dangerous so it took me around 4 minutes longer to do my normal 7k route. Once you get off the slippery concrete and tarmac surfaces the snow is much easier underfoot. As it is a holiday week I have been running slightly later too and have met up with a few different people than normal. All have been friendly and none have said anything about me being shirtless when out running in the snow. I will run again on Friday and then again on Sunday 26th.
On my run yesterday I did stop for a couple of minutes on the final leg of my run and had a quick, naked roll in the snow. What a great feeling! If you have never done this before you must really try it.
I will try and take the camera along tomorrow and post a few pics of my route so you can all see how pretty it looks - a great inspiration to keep me running.
Happy Christmas Everyone!
Monday 20 December 2010
Snow Fun (It's no fun)
Well, the heaviest early snow and cold temperatures for several years hit the UK and my part of the country over the weekend and I spent most of it away from home and not able to enjoy it.
Hopefully I will get to go for a run in it tomorrow morning and give you all a report back later in the day.
Hopefully I will get to go for a run in it tomorrow morning and give you all a report back later in the day.
Thursday 16 December 2010
Brief period of warm weather
The weather has been warmer this week (i.e. above 0C) and with 3 runs under my belt including the Monday one it is looking like a reasonable week running wise. The Pond I considered doing a dip in is really looking overgrown and dirty so I have almost given up on the idea of taking a mid-run cold water dip in that for the moment (until we have more rain and it gets cleaner/clearer water in it). There was still ice on the top however so it is tempting for me to break the ice and get in.
The forecasters say there is more snow and cold weather on the way so I will keep you all informed as to how much snow we get and how cold the thermometer drops to (and whether I ran in the cold or not).
The forecasters say there is more snow and cold weather on the way so I will keep you all informed as to how much snow we get and how cold the thermometer drops to (and whether I ran in the cold or not).
Monday 13 December 2010
Boring week
I was away this past week with very little time to get out and run (early morning meetings and travel play havoc with running, as does staying in the middle of a city landscape with nowhere to run freely). I did, however, manage to get a couple of 1km swims in the pool at a hotel I was staying at and also to get a rare treat in the form of a massage one evening. I love massage and wish I could afford more of them.
I did a 10k run on Saturday morning in relatively warm 5C conditions compared to those I've been running in of late. Today I did a 7km run this morning in freezing fog (-1C) followed by a cold water shower of at least 4 or 5 minutes duration. The forecast is for colder weather and snow later this week so I may get my first snow run in for the season soon.
One of my blog followers wrote me an e-mail saying that he had re-read some of my earlier posts and how my early experiences with cold water were similar to his own. He also noted that some of my observations about how my body reacts to the cold were correct and how exciting that journey had been for both of us. I think I need to re-read what I wrote and discover some of that early enthusiasm again - maybe it will inspire me to do more and to push my body just that little bit further into experimenting with cold water some more.
I did a 10k run on Saturday morning in relatively warm 5C conditions compared to those I've been running in of late. Today I did a 7km run this morning in freezing fog (-1C) followed by a cold water shower of at least 4 or 5 minutes duration. The forecast is for colder weather and snow later this week so I may get my first snow run in for the season soon.
One of my blog followers wrote me an e-mail saying that he had re-read some of my earlier posts and how my early experiences with cold water were similar to his own. He also noted that some of my observations about how my body reacts to the cold were correct and how exciting that journey had been for both of us. I think I need to re-read what I wrote and discover some of that early enthusiasm again - maybe it will inspire me to do more and to push my body just that little bit further into experimenting with cold water some more.
Sunday 5 December 2010
Cold Running
The temperature on Friday was not as low as they expected it to be but was around-5C at 07h00. It was still at -4C after 08h00. I managed my regular 7km loop in around the same time as usual (37 minutes). My Saturday run was warm in comparison with the temperature gauge in the car on the way to the start point showing only 0C. That 10km run was icy and so a little slower than normal at just over 54 minutes. Some sections of the locks on the Saturday run were frozen over, the first time I have seen that on that stretch of the river. I was tempted to take a plunge into the river, but I think my running mates would just no understand that desire - not yet anyway.
Always looking for running mates that would understand the need to take a quick dip in ice cold water and continue running - any takers?
My weight seems to be relatively constant nowadays - hovering between 65.5Kg and 66.6Kg, depending on what I have been eating and drinking. I normally weigh myself directly after my run and shower so the timing each day is consistent.
Always looking for running mates that would understand the need to take a quick dip in ice cold water and continue running - any takers?
My weight seems to be relatively constant nowadays - hovering between 65.5Kg and 66.6Kg, depending on what I have been eating and drinking. I normally weigh myself directly after my run and shower so the timing each day is consistent.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Record Low Temps in the UK
Well, what a start to the winter season we are having here in the UK. Record low temperatures and the earliest snowfalls in several years. Locally we seem to have escaped the worst of the snow but there is still a dusting on the frozen ground.
In a very strange way I am actually getting excited about looking at the weather forecasts and the prospects of some even colder temperatures as it will give me a chance to see how I get on running shirtless in very cold weather and testing my "toughness".
Today it was around -3C (26F) outside air temp at around 07h00 when I set out on my run. Sure it was cold but after a few minutes I got used to it and ran for nearly 40 minutes before getting home again. I could definitely have run further than i did.
The temperature is due to go down again tomorrow and Friday with expected temps of -8C. I wonder what that will feel like to run in shirtless? Anyone want to join me?
In a very strange way I am actually getting excited about looking at the weather forecasts and the prospects of some even colder temperatures as it will give me a chance to see how I get on running shirtless in very cold weather and testing my "toughness".
Today it was around -3C (26F) outside air temp at around 07h00 when I set out on my run. Sure it was cold but after a few minutes I got used to it and ran for nearly 40 minutes before getting home again. I could definitely have run further than i did.
The temperature is due to go down again tomorrow and Friday with expected temps of -8C. I wonder what that will feel like to run in shirtless? Anyone want to join me?
Thursday 25 November 2010
Colder Weather coming
I have been taking things a little easier this week after competing in a 10k race last Sunday as the only shirtless runner in a field of over 200.
The race was good for me finishing in the top 20% of the field. I did get quite a few comments from other runners the best of which were:
"Now that I have seen you I don't feel so cold anymore!" and,
"You are absolutely Mental!" which I think indicated that he thinks I am totally crazy!
I may well be crazy but I still ended up in front of him at the finish line.
My two runs so far this week have been a short 7.1km circuit (both in under 37 minutes). The Tuesday one started with the temp at around 5C. Today it was -2C when I left the warmth of the house. It was a great run though - cool and crisp air with a slight breeze. No rain or snow and a great sunrise too.
The weather forecast says that colder weather and snow is on the way so maybe I will get my first shirtless snow run of the winter in very early this year with the thermometer just a few degrees lower.
The race was good for me finishing in the top 20% of the field. I did get quite a few comments from other runners the best of which were:
"Now that I have seen you I don't feel so cold anymore!" and,
"You are absolutely Mental!" which I think indicated that he thinks I am totally crazy!
I may well be crazy but I still ended up in front of him at the finish line.
My two runs so far this week have been a short 7.1km circuit (both in under 37 minutes). The Tuesday one started with the temp at around 5C. Today it was -2C when I left the warmth of the house. It was a great run though - cool and crisp air with a slight breeze. No rain or snow and a great sunrise too.
The weather forecast says that colder weather and snow is on the way so maybe I will get my first shirtless snow run of the winter in very early this year with the thermometer just a few degrees lower.
Monday 15 November 2010
First Freeze
Today was the first day that the temperature was definitely below zero at the start of my morning run. The signs were all there, white frost on the grass, trees, houses and pavements. Ice on top of the puddles, frozen mud on the paths in the forest that crunch underfoot as they give way under your weight. The occasional slip of the foot from underneath you on the more icy stretches.
Today was also the first day in a long time that I have had vehicles hoot at me as they went past, kids (and their parents) looking out of their warm cars in amazement at me running shirtless on the pavement. I even got a few "thumbs up" signs from older teenagers on their way to school on the school bus as they went past.
It was one of those days it is fun to be a shirtless runner - it certainly brings a smile to my face.
9.8km in 53 minutes. Temp: -1C approx
Today was also the first day in a long time that I have had vehicles hoot at me as they went past, kids (and their parents) looking out of their warm cars in amazement at me running shirtless on the pavement. I even got a few "thumbs up" signs from older teenagers on their way to school on the school bus as they went past.
It was one of those days it is fun to be a shirtless runner - it certainly brings a smile to my face.
9.8km in 53 minutes. Temp: -1C approx
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Colder Weather -
The only thing I like better than running on a cold, wet morning is to stay in a nice warm bed. But then again, when the weather starts turning and getting colder why waste the time in bed? Besides that I find a shirtless run in the cold quite stimulating, sets the heart beating and gets my mind into a relaxed state at the start of the day.
To start a run in near darkness and watching a sunrise on a cold morning is great experience too. Pity that the last 2 or 3 days have not been so good. I still managed around 10km each of the past 2 days.
To finish off the runs I have a cold shower and then gradually turn the temperature up over around 10 minutes. A slow warm-up session followed by a hot cup of tea.
Try it - you may eventually get to like it as much as I do.
Post a comment and let me know.
To start a run in near darkness and watching a sunrise on a cold morning is great experience too. Pity that the last 2 or 3 days have not been so good. I still managed around 10km each of the past 2 days.
To finish off the runs I have a cold shower and then gradually turn the temperature up over around 10 minutes. A slow warm-up session followed by a hot cup of tea.
Try it - you may eventually get to like it as much as I do.
Post a comment and let me know.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Sea Swim
Was away at the coast this past weekend and did a 9km run along the seafront and followed it with a short swim in the sea.
Although the air temp was quite low (around 7C) the sea temperature was actually quite warm in comparison (15C I later found out). I was the only person running shirtless - a lot of others were cycling and running but wearing multiple layers of clothing - and certainly the only one swimming at that time in the morning (around 08h00).
I saw few surfers out on the water on Saturday, but no-one was swimming or in the water without a wetsuit. I guess I will have to go back to the beach again in the middle of winter and do the same thing again. It may turn a few heads if I do.
Although the air temp was quite low (around 7C) the sea temperature was actually quite warm in comparison (15C I later found out). I was the only person running shirtless - a lot of others were cycling and running but wearing multiple layers of clothing - and certainly the only one swimming at that time in the morning (around 08h00).
I saw few surfers out on the water on Saturday, but no-one was swimming or in the water without a wetsuit. I guess I will have to go back to the beach again in the middle of winter and do the same thing again. It may turn a few heads if I do.
Thursday 21 October 2010
First Cold Days of Autumn 2010
The past 2 days here in the South East of England have been the coldest of the Autumn season so far. Air temps last night dipped well below zero and there was a significant depth of ice (3-4mm) on rainwater puddles in open areas and a heavy ground frost much in evidence. Yesterday was only slightly warmer - just above freezing with the thermometer in the car showing air temps varying from 0.5C to 3.5C when driving to and from the place I went for a run.
I had not planned to go out this morning but as it was cold and clear (and I am a sucker for running when it is very cold) I am glad I did. To feel the cold air on one's bare chest, arms and legs is really quite refreshing after the much warmer temperatures of the summer. Once you get out there and adjust to the cold it doesn't feel or seem so cold anymore.
For those that want to try it - start small and work up. Do a short run of only a few minutes and build up over time. I ran for around 50 minutes today and 1h10m yesterday. I topped the run off this morning with a cold shower - progressing to luke warm after about 3 or 4 minutes. I promise you that there are no lasting adverse effects!
One final thing - I think I may have found a place I can take a dip to cool off mid-run. On one run I did last week I ran along a clean, swiftly flowing stream with a few areas which would allow easy access. I may try that out early one morning, next week. I'll let you all know how I get on.
I had not planned to go out this morning but as it was cold and clear (and I am a sucker for running when it is very cold) I am glad I did. To feel the cold air on one's bare chest, arms and legs is really quite refreshing after the much warmer temperatures of the summer. Once you get out there and adjust to the cold it doesn't feel or seem so cold anymore.
For those that want to try it - start small and work up. Do a short run of only a few minutes and build up over time. I ran for around 50 minutes today and 1h10m yesterday. I topped the run off this morning with a cold shower - progressing to luke warm after about 3 or 4 minutes. I promise you that there are no lasting adverse effects!
One final thing - I think I may have found a place I can take a dip to cool off mid-run. On one run I did last week I ran along a clean, swiftly flowing stream with a few areas which would allow easy access. I may try that out early one morning, next week. I'll let you all know how I get on.
Friday 15 October 2010
Back to Basics
I realised a while back that I had moved away from the original intent of this blog which was to explore my relationship with cold water. The blog seems to have evolved to one of my return to a high level of fitness and running as well as how much weight I had lost.
Today I want to get back to basics: cold water immersion.
With the winter months approaching and the temperatures declining slowly, I thought it was about time to test the water and get back into at least one cold bath a week until the really cold weather bites. The thermometer indicated 13C as I ran the water - not too cold but quite a few degrees colder than my first cold bath at 16C around 18 months ago when I shivered uncontrollably after only a few minutes.
I set the timer for 10 minutes as I climbed into the 13C water today. Once fully immersed I was pleased to discover that my breathing rate was not much above normal and nor was my heart rate. I didn't feel cold at all during the entire ten minutes, in fact I was quite enjoying it - even at the end.
I take it from this that I am still acclimatised to the cold water experience and am looking forward to when the water temperature gets into single figures so that my skin goes red and numb after a few minutes immersion.
I really do have to find a place that I can try swimming in cold water this year. Maybe a few trip to the sea and a cold water swim there would be good for a change of scenery and a new experience. Any suggestions of places to go on the UK South Coast? Anyone want to join me?
Today I want to get back to basics: cold water immersion.
With the winter months approaching and the temperatures declining slowly, I thought it was about time to test the water and get back into at least one cold bath a week until the really cold weather bites. The thermometer indicated 13C as I ran the water - not too cold but quite a few degrees colder than my first cold bath at 16C around 18 months ago when I shivered uncontrollably after only a few minutes.
I set the timer for 10 minutes as I climbed into the 13C water today. Once fully immersed I was pleased to discover that my breathing rate was not much above normal and nor was my heart rate. I didn't feel cold at all during the entire ten minutes, in fact I was quite enjoying it - even at the end.
I take it from this that I am still acclimatised to the cold water experience and am looking forward to when the water temperature gets into single figures so that my skin goes red and numb after a few minutes immersion.
I really do have to find a place that I can try swimming in cold water this year. Maybe a few trip to the sea and a cold water swim there would be good for a change of scenery and a new experience. Any suggestions of places to go on the UK South Coast? Anyone want to join me?
Monday 20 September 2010
10k Race time
I did a 10k race a few weekends ago. I managed a time of 46m 51s on a course which had a 1km steady climb at the start and a steady descent on the way back cos the course ended along the same road that it started on. I was hoping to do better than 5
minutes per km (which I did) so I am quite pleased with the time. Weather was overcast but quite warm (around 18C at the finish)and humid. The best part was I did the run shirtless (as usual) but did not see any other runners shed their shirts at the start or during the race. I guess being shirtless will become my "signature" for future races.
We had a short cold spell this past weekend with the air temp on Saturday morning down at around 5C. It made a change to get cold on a run instead of too hot. Bring on the colder and wetter weather, I cant remember the last time I ran in the rain.
Finished my 55 minute run today with a 10 minute cold (14C) shower. Water temp gradually creeping down to single figures - just how I like it. All I need to do now is to find that elusive pond or stream to take a dip in mid-run!
minutes per km (which I did) so I am quite pleased with the time. Weather was overcast but quite warm (around 18C at the finish)and humid. The best part was I did the run shirtless (as usual) but did not see any other runners shed their shirts at the start or during the race. I guess being shirtless will become my "signature" for future races.
We had a short cold spell this past weekend with the air temp on Saturday morning down at around 5C. It made a change to get cold on a run instead of too hot. Bring on the colder and wetter weather, I cant remember the last time I ran in the rain.
Finished my 55 minute run today with a 10 minute cold (14C) shower. Water temp gradually creeping down to single figures - just how I like it. All I need to do now is to find that elusive pond or stream to take a dip in mid-run!
Thursday 12 August 2010
No, I am not giving up posting - just taking a summer break!
I now know from one or two e-mails that I received that people are actually reading this and want me to continue it. If you just started to read this blog now here's a quick update.
Posts will be difficult over the next few weeks but as the autumn and winter weather kick in I want to get back to the original theme of this blog - Cold Water Toughness. For that you need cold water (for me this is anything under 9C)
Being physically fit helps too of course, which is why I started to run in the first place (as well as losing a bit of weight).
Today my weight is steady at around 66Kg (145lb) with around a 1kg (2lb) variance over a day or two. I regularly run from 4 up to 10 miles 3 or 4 times a week. I always run without a shirt - whatever the weather and temperature.
I recently competed in my first half marathon (13.1 miles) in a time of just under 1h 53m. I ran a 5 mile race earlier in the year in 36m33s. More races are definitely in the pipeline over the winter too.
I hope to do some cold water swimming this winter in local rivers/lakes and I may even try and enter a competition or two. Let's see what develops.
If you have a question write to me and I will post the answers on here.
I hope all my readers enjoy the rest of the summer, have fun but have more fun in the cold when it comes.
Posts will be difficult over the next few weeks but as the autumn and winter weather kick in I want to get back to the original theme of this blog - Cold Water Toughness. For that you need cold water (for me this is anything under 9C)
Being physically fit helps too of course, which is why I started to run in the first place (as well as losing a bit of weight).
Today my weight is steady at around 66Kg (145lb) with around a 1kg (2lb) variance over a day or two. I regularly run from 4 up to 10 miles 3 or 4 times a week. I always run without a shirt - whatever the weather and temperature.
I recently competed in my first half marathon (13.1 miles) in a time of just under 1h 53m. I ran a 5 mile race earlier in the year in 36m33s. More races are definitely in the pipeline over the winter too.
I hope to do some cold water swimming this winter in local rivers/lakes and I may even try and enter a competition or two. Let's see what develops.
If you have a question write to me and I will post the answers on here.
I hope all my readers enjoy the rest of the summer, have fun but have more fun in the cold when it comes.
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Last Post?
To those of you that have read this blog from the beginning:- my heartfelt thanks.
Personally, I think my blog has become a little boring, more like a training log than personal experiences which was how I think I started it. The Blog will stay online for posterity and maybe to inspire the occasional reader who finds it. I will maybe post an occasional entry but I have decided to make this the last entry (for the moment anyway - I will post my half marathon time at the end of July).
Since I started my journey to get fit, albeit in a little unusual fashion, I have had many experiences. Swimming in water as cold as 9C; taking 20+ minute baths in 3C water; long cold showers on winter days; playing naked in the snow; and always running shirtless (and sometimes shortless - i.e. naked - too) in any weather (summer, winter, dry, rain, snow, hail and wind)! The coldest temp I ran shirtless in was -12C and the hottest around 32C.
My fitness level has increased from being able to run barely 100m to the point where I feel I am ready to run a half marathon in July without walking any of the way. I took part in my very first road race a few weeks ago and despite coming 287th out of a field of 1600+ runners managed a respectable time of 36m33s for the 5 mile distance.
My longest run to date is just over 10 miles and in the past month alone (May 2010) I have run over 100km in preparation for my first half marathon in July. I consistently run a circular trail route of 7.1km from my home through the local woods and with some steep gradients in approx 36 minutes.
My weight has come down from just over 75kg in January 2009 to a consistent 67Kg now with a fluctuation of up to 1kg either way on a daily basis.
On a different, mental, level I feel less stressed, able to cope with a variety of stresses and situations that come along both from a work and personal perspective. I have made a few new friends and am starting to explore the limits of my body in other ways too (pain control for example).
I don't have any before and after pictures to illustrate the difference but I can assure you that it is real.
Right now, I want to sit back and enjoy the summer sun (which finally arrived in the UK), get a good tan (not a politically correct thing to do, I know) and enjoy myself. Maybe do a bit of camping swimming and cycling in the great outdoors too.
I hope all my readers have a really good 2010 summer season.
All the best.
Personally, I think my blog has become a little boring, more like a training log than personal experiences which was how I think I started it. The Blog will stay online for posterity and maybe to inspire the occasional reader who finds it. I will maybe post an occasional entry but I have decided to make this the last entry (for the moment anyway - I will post my half marathon time at the end of July).
Since I started my journey to get fit, albeit in a little unusual fashion, I have had many experiences. Swimming in water as cold as 9C; taking 20+ minute baths in 3C water; long cold showers on winter days; playing naked in the snow; and always running shirtless (and sometimes shortless - i.e. naked - too) in any weather (summer, winter, dry, rain, snow, hail and wind)! The coldest temp I ran shirtless in was -12C and the hottest around 32C.
My fitness level has increased from being able to run barely 100m to the point where I feel I am ready to run a half marathon in July without walking any of the way. I took part in my very first road race a few weeks ago and despite coming 287th out of a field of 1600+ runners managed a respectable time of 36m33s for the 5 mile distance.
My longest run to date is just over 10 miles and in the past month alone (May 2010) I have run over 100km in preparation for my first half marathon in July. I consistently run a circular trail route of 7.1km from my home through the local woods and with some steep gradients in approx 36 minutes.
My weight has come down from just over 75kg in January 2009 to a consistent 67Kg now with a fluctuation of up to 1kg either way on a daily basis.
On a different, mental, level I feel less stressed, able to cope with a variety of stresses and situations that come along both from a work and personal perspective. I have made a few new friends and am starting to explore the limits of my body in other ways too (pain control for example).
I don't have any before and after pictures to illustrate the difference but I can assure you that it is real.
Right now, I want to sit back and enjoy the summer sun (which finally arrived in the UK), get a good tan (not a politically correct thing to do, I know) and enjoy myself. Maybe do a bit of camping swimming and cycling in the great outdoors too.
I hope all my readers have a really good 2010 summer season.
All the best.
Wednesday 28 April 2010
Volcano interruption!
I have been away in the USA and delayed by an Icelandic volcano spewing ash and preventing my returning to the UK until today.
Unable to sleep, I thought I might as well update this blog with some of my running activity whilst I was away. The place I went to in the USA was fairly flat and devoid of many hills so fairly easy running at a relatively fast pace was in order. I think on the whole I managed, when I was on my own, to run at around 8 minutes per mile or 5 minutes per km. I wasn't really paying attention to the times as some days I was running with new friends or a work colleague and they couldn't keep up to my pace. Still the distance I covered was roughly the same as I would have covered in the UK. Some runs on roads, some in parks and on cycle trails alongside roads running through public parks.
I did all of the runs shirtless.
It seems that the Americans also have their fair share of people that do not appreciate or want to humiliate runners (rednecks?). I was shouted at once from a passing car and hooted at a couple of times. So this phenomenon is not restricted to the UK. However, I did see quite a few more shirtless runners there in the parks than I have in the UK. Maybe the spring weather being sunny and in the 14C to 20C range had something to do with that.
I also managed to get a good massage on the first Sunday I was in the USA - just the thing to sort out tired muscles and the stress of flying. Come to think of it, I could do with a massage now to relax me and get my internal time clock back on UK time!
I managed to keep my weight under control too - tipping the scales at 68Kg this morning. Not as bad a gain as I had expected given the size of food portions in the USA and the amount of food that was on offer.
Till the next time - and hopefully not at 5h30 in the morning!
Unable to sleep, I thought I might as well update this blog with some of my running activity whilst I was away. The place I went to in the USA was fairly flat and devoid of many hills so fairly easy running at a relatively fast pace was in order. I think on the whole I managed, when I was on my own, to run at around 8 minutes per mile or 5 minutes per km. I wasn't really paying attention to the times as some days I was running with new friends or a work colleague and they couldn't keep up to my pace. Still the distance I covered was roughly the same as I would have covered in the UK. Some runs on roads, some in parks and on cycle trails alongside roads running through public parks.
I did all of the runs shirtless.
It seems that the Americans also have their fair share of people that do not appreciate or want to humiliate runners (rednecks?). I was shouted at once from a passing car and hooted at a couple of times. So this phenomenon is not restricted to the UK. However, I did see quite a few more shirtless runners there in the parks than I have in the UK. Maybe the spring weather being sunny and in the 14C to 20C range had something to do with that.
I also managed to get a good massage on the first Sunday I was in the USA - just the thing to sort out tired muscles and the stress of flying. Come to think of it, I could do with a massage now to relax me and get my internal time clock back on UK time!
I managed to keep my weight under control too - tipping the scales at 68Kg this morning. Not as bad a gain as I had expected given the size of food portions in the USA and the amount of food that was on offer.
Till the next time - and hopefully not at 5h30 in the morning!
Thursday 8 April 2010
A quick catch up
Sorry for the infrequent posts - business trips interfere with blog postings! I am feeling better and did a little cycling and running over the Easter weekend. Friday a 6km bike ride and then a timed 1.5 mile run in 11m35s. the run was slightly downhill with an uphill return which I found quite tough.
Saturday was an equally tough and hilly 8.8km run in a relatively slow 55 minutes. It was with my normal group so understandably slow - but enjoyable nevertheless. Monday was another group run of 10km in just on an hour - again slow but over a cross country course with a few obstacles. Again, enjoyable and fun albeit a little muddy.
Will run tomorrow and then probably try and get some runs in when I hit the USA this weekend and during the week too. Maybe even try swimming in a cold lake if i can find one. Keep watching this space for more updates.
Weight is up again - must really be careful about what I eat when I am away and keep up the exercise. It will be very tough.
Saturday was an equally tough and hilly 8.8km run in a relatively slow 55 minutes. It was with my normal group so understandably slow - but enjoyable nevertheless. Monday was another group run of 10km in just on an hour - again slow but over a cross country course with a few obstacles. Again, enjoyable and fun albeit a little muddy.
Will run tomorrow and then probably try and get some runs in when I hit the USA this weekend and during the week too. Maybe even try swimming in a cold lake if i can find one. Keep watching this space for more updates.
Weight is up again - must really be careful about what I eat when I am away and keep up the exercise. It will be very tough.
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Being sick is no fun!
Last week was a business trip starting Sunday afternoon. So in-between work, entertaining clients and my Boss being with me the whole week not a lot of time for a run at all. I did manage a short 30 minute (5km) shirtless run along the banks of the Seine in Paris at 06h30 on the morning of the 24th but then nothing till my normal Saturday run with my mates (10k; 8C). No record breaking times either.
On Saturday afternoon I started to feel off colour and by Sunday night I had a raging sore throat, high temp and fully blocked sinuses. I must admit that I have not felt like doing (nor have I done) any running yet this week.
My brain is saying you should be exercising but my body is saying lay off till you feel a little better and can breathe a little easier. At the moment my body is winning that particular fight.
I guess the warmer weather of the past few days and now a short, sharp, cold spell is not helping matters either. I am still braving the cold showers - at least at the start to wake me up and shock my body into a state of alertness. I will finish with warm water these days till I am full recovered from being ill.
I am thinking of running tomorrow (Thursday). If I do I will write it up here.
I hate feeling ill and this is the first major sickness I have had since starting this fitness/toughness/cold regime nearly 14 months ago. I think that's a pretty good record actually.
On Saturday afternoon I started to feel off colour and by Sunday night I had a raging sore throat, high temp and fully blocked sinuses. I must admit that I have not felt like doing (nor have I done) any running yet this week.
My brain is saying you should be exercising but my body is saying lay off till you feel a little better and can breathe a little easier. At the moment my body is winning that particular fight.
I guess the warmer weather of the past few days and now a short, sharp, cold spell is not helping matters either. I am still braving the cold showers - at least at the start to wake me up and shock my body into a state of alertness. I will finish with warm water these days till I am full recovered from being ill.
I am thinking of running tomorrow (Thursday). If I do I will write it up here.
I hate feeling ill and this is the first major sickness I have had since starting this fitness/toughness/cold regime nearly 14 months ago. I think that's a pretty good record actually.
Monday 15 March 2010
A weeks worth of postings
Now the cold weather seems to be departing and making way for spring (nothing is certain with the UK weather at the moment) it seems a bit crazy to report temperatures any more. So, I guess this will turn into my shirtless running/swimming blog and log for the foreseeable future - unless something unusual happens of course. At the start of my runs last week the temperature was hovering around 0C, by the end of the week it was around 3C.
Last week as a little hectic with work. As you know I got the standard run in on Monday and then was away. No run Tuesday or Wednesday but by Thursday morning the lack of exercise was doing my head in so I did my standard 7k run on Thursday and again on Friday. Both days were less than 37minutes.
Saturday was a group run with my running buddies. Just over 9km on a relatively flat course in just over 49 minutes (could have been a lot faster). This run tends to be a bit slower as we chat along the way and generally try and keep together as a group.
Today I left my watch at home but the standard 7km run was a pleasant one with the sun shining for a change. My weight these days seems to be stable at around 66.5kg with fluctuations up or down by 0.5kg to 0.8kg depending on what I eat and drink. Is that type of fluctuation normal?
Last week as a little hectic with work. As you know I got the standard run in on Monday and then was away. No run Tuesday or Wednesday but by Thursday morning the lack of exercise was doing my head in so I did my standard 7k run on Thursday and again on Friday. Both days were less than 37minutes.
Saturday was a group run with my running buddies. Just over 9km on a relatively flat course in just over 49 minutes (could have been a lot faster). This run tends to be a bit slower as we chat along the way and generally try and keep together as a group.
Today I left my watch at home but the standard 7km run was a pleasant one with the sun shining for a change. My weight these days seems to be stable at around 66.5kg with fluctuations up or down by 0.5kg to 0.8kg depending on what I eat and drink. Is that type of fluctuation normal?
Monday 8 March 2010
A week later!
Sorry for the delay in posting, but I was away last week on a business trip.
Last Saturday (9days ago)I did a 9km run with some mates and then nothing again till last friday. That was the normal 7km run in around 37minutes. This past Saturday I ran on my own on a different route in the late afternoon in sunny conditions of around +5C. A full 10km in close to 51 minutes (my best time for this distance so far).
This morning was a little tougher with an air temperature of -4C but with sun in the sky back to the standard run of 7km in 36m20s. You could just feel the sun hitting and warming your skin on some segments of the run. However, my hands did not feel the benefit of that and were quite numb by the end of the run. I really must remember to wear gloves on such cold mornings (however, I think that wearing gloves while running shirtless looks even more strange than just running without a shirt).
My weight has been up a little these past 2 weeks (nearly 67Kg) but that could be because I have been entertaining clients and eating a much larger breakfasts and richer meals than normal when away. This week it is getting back to the normal 66kg level. Also no running time when I was away, although I must admit that I should have taken a run on one morning last week when I had the opportunity to. They always say that it is the runs that you don't do that you regret.
I still keep getting the odd comments shouted or spoken to me when people pass on these colder days. Comments like "Put some clothes on, Man!" or the more common one from other runners: "Your'e brave!" are quite the most common. Anyone else have any common remarks of note that people shout at them when running without a shirt? Let me know.
Last Saturday (9days ago)I did a 9km run with some mates and then nothing again till last friday. That was the normal 7km run in around 37minutes. This past Saturday I ran on my own on a different route in the late afternoon in sunny conditions of around +5C. A full 10km in close to 51 minutes (my best time for this distance so far).
This morning was a little tougher with an air temperature of -4C but with sun in the sky back to the standard run of 7km in 36m20s. You could just feel the sun hitting and warming your skin on some segments of the run. However, my hands did not feel the benefit of that and were quite numb by the end of the run. I really must remember to wear gloves on such cold mornings (however, I think that wearing gloves while running shirtless looks even more strange than just running without a shirt).
My weight has been up a little these past 2 weeks (nearly 67Kg) but that could be because I have been entertaining clients and eating a much larger breakfasts and richer meals than normal when away. This week it is getting back to the normal 66kg level. Also no running time when I was away, although I must admit that I should have taken a run on one morning last week when I had the opportunity to. They always say that it is the runs that you don't do that you regret.
I still keep getting the odd comments shouted or spoken to me when people pass on these colder days. Comments like "Put some clothes on, Man!" or the more common one from other runners: "Your'e brave!" are quite the most common. Anyone else have any common remarks of note that people shout at them when running without a shirt? Let me know.
Friday 26 February 2010
Referral Friday
Today's Run
Today was another shirtless run - standard distance of 7Km with my running partner - a bit slower today (38m 20s) in windy and rainy conditions at an air temp of +2C.
Shirtless Running
I have been looking at the issue of running shirtless and have found a few interesting blogs and/or yahoo groups which discuss this subject. The following one, "Running Shirtless", has some relevant and good articles on the subject.
Thomas is the guy that puts that blog together from various sources. His bio says: "I'm an ordinary guy with an ordinary job and deathly ordinary achievements. Shirtlessness - in the right contexts - should be every bit as ordinary." I thoroughly agree with his stance on the subject and find the articles he posts quite thought provoking at times. There should be more shirtless runners - whatever the weather.
Another related blog is "Shirtless Freedom". This a more generic site about being shirtless in different situations.
The last one I want to refer to today is a new Yahoo Group I joined - "Shirtless Running". It needs new shirtless runners for membership and could do with some additional input too. It has some good ideas and should develop quite nicely if it keep on going the way it started off. Join and put your own opinions and experiences about shirtless running across.
That's all for today. Hope you have a great shirtless running weekend.
Today was another shirtless run - standard distance of 7Km with my running partner - a bit slower today (38m 20s) in windy and rainy conditions at an air temp of +2C.
Shirtless Running
I have been looking at the issue of running shirtless and have found a few interesting blogs and/or yahoo groups which discuss this subject. The following one, "Running Shirtless", has some relevant and good articles on the subject.
Thomas is the guy that puts that blog together from various sources. His bio says: "I'm an ordinary guy with an ordinary job and deathly ordinary achievements. Shirtlessness - in the right contexts - should be every bit as ordinary." I thoroughly agree with his stance on the subject and find the articles he posts quite thought provoking at times. There should be more shirtless runners - whatever the weather.
Another related blog is "Shirtless Freedom". This a more generic site about being shirtless in different situations.
The last one I want to refer to today is a new Yahoo Group I joined - "Shirtless Running". It needs new shirtless runners for membership and could do with some additional input too. It has some good ideas and should develop quite nicely if it keep on going the way it started off. Join and put your own opinions and experiences about shirtless running across.
That's all for today. Hope you have a great shirtless running weekend.
Saturday 20 February 2010
Cold Runs
This going to be short 'cos its weekend and I'm time deprived (hope that's the PC way to say don't have a lot of time to spare!).
Last 2 days' runs:
Friday: 7km; Air Temp -1C; slight snow on the ground. Time: 37m40s
Saturday: New run 9.9km; -4C air temp; hard frost on ground. Time: 54m28s.
Both runs done in only shorts and trainers.
Comment from fellow runner on Saturday: Q: "How cold does it have to be for you to put a shirt on?" A: Probably a lot colder than this.
Priceless picture of a woman passenger in a passing car bringing her hands to her face in total disbelief at seeing someone running without a shirt (she was inside the car with heavy overcoat on and still looked cold!).
Last 2 days' runs:
Friday: 7km; Air Temp -1C; slight snow on the ground. Time: 37m40s
Saturday: New run 9.9km; -4C air temp; hard frost on ground. Time: 54m28s.
Both runs done in only shorts and trainers.
Comment from fellow runner on Saturday: Q: "How cold does it have to be for you to put a shirt on?" A: Probably a lot colder than this.
Priceless picture of a woman passenger in a passing car bringing her hands to her face in total disbelief at seeing someone running without a shirt (she was inside the car with heavy overcoat on and still looked cold!).
Wednesday 17 February 2010
10km and a Pond dip
Today was a good day. 2C air temp, the occasional drop of rain or drizzle and an early start for exploring different footpaths to stay off the roads. I started off on my normal route but then varied it by taking a different footpath at around the 3km mark that I have not taken before.
More exploring on various and different paths in the woods and after about 40 minutes from the start I come to the pond where I strip off and take a dip of around 4 minutes in the murky 2c to 3C water (I really do have to find a place where the water is less fetid - good job I shower as soon as I get home). Suitably cooled off I head into the more dense part of the wood naked to dry off as I run. Around 1km later I get to the edge of the woods where I put my shorts back on to cross the road and head home, about half of it on the road.
Including my time at the pond and stopping to get my bearings on occasion I took around 64 minutes for the entire 10km distance that I ran (a couple of steep >5% incline uphill sections I walked because I can walk them faster than jogging). I am happy that I effectively ran the 10k distance in less than 1 hour.
Hoping for colder weather tomorrow so that I can push the same distance again but maybe in more harsh conditions and in a better time now that I have the new route mapped out.
p.s. Anyone know the easiest way to keep your hands warm when running? I hate wearing gloves, especially when running without a shirt - it just looks plain odd!
More exploring on various and different paths in the woods and after about 40 minutes from the start I come to the pond where I strip off and take a dip of around 4 minutes in the murky 2c to 3C water (I really do have to find a place where the water is less fetid - good job I shower as soon as I get home). Suitably cooled off I head into the more dense part of the wood naked to dry off as I run. Around 1km later I get to the edge of the woods where I put my shorts back on to cross the road and head home, about half of it on the road.
Including my time at the pond and stopping to get my bearings on occasion I took around 64 minutes for the entire 10km distance that I ran (a couple of steep >5% incline uphill sections I walked because I can walk them faster than jogging). I am happy that I effectively ran the 10k distance in less than 1 hour.
Hoping for colder weather tomorrow so that I can push the same distance again but maybe in more harsh conditions and in a better time now that I have the new route mapped out.
p.s. Anyone know the easiest way to keep your hands warm when running? I hate wearing gloves, especially when running without a shirt - it just looks plain odd!
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Normal running
Monday turned out to be a normal pace run (shirtless of course) of around 37minutes for the 7.1km route. I would say it was a cool run with the air temp hovering around 0C. Nothing special though. Not even a pheasant fluttering out of the bushes along the way disturbed by footfall.
There was a thin layer of ice on a lot of the puddles on the route but I guess that was to be expected. A brisk cold shower after I got home and then on with the normal day-to-day routine of work. Today is an off day as usual, so no report for today. More tomorrow......
There was a thin layer of ice on a lot of the puddles on the route but I guess that was to be expected. A brisk cold shower after I got home and then on with the normal day-to-day routine of work. Today is an off day as usual, so no report for today. More tomorrow......
Saturday 13 February 2010
Weekend Update
As it turned out I didn't go for a run on Thursday. I felt lazy and stayed in bed till it was way too late to hit the pond run again. It was cold too, -2C. Coldest this week and I missed it! From the weather forecast I am going to have to wait till next weekend for similarly cold temperatures again.
I punished myself Friday for the laziness though. Air temp was hovering around 0C with the occasional snow flurry as I ran shirtless with my running partner pushing us hard to the fastest time we have done to date 35m24s for 7.1km. A full 40seconds plus off the best time so far. My reward was a cold shower of 5 minutes. My next goal for the standard route is to do it in less than 35 minutes.
Today, Saturday, I went off with some mates for a slightly longer (55minutes) shirtless mixed country track and road run in -1C air temp with quite a strong wind chill. All the other guys bar one were in full track suits with multiple clothing layers on! The run was quite hilly and slow (6m55s per km) compared to my normal pace (approx 5m30s per km) but adequate enough to keep warm and have a decent conversation along the way too which makes a change. I mapped the run on www.mapmyrun.com and it worked out at 8km.
I am considering entering my first 10k race soon in the UK. Problem is, I dont know whether race organisers allow you to run without a vest (which is what I want to do). Anyone know if UK athletics or race organisers of official races will let you run shirtless? Please let me know via the comments section.
I punished myself Friday for the laziness though. Air temp was hovering around 0C with the occasional snow flurry as I ran shirtless with my running partner pushing us hard to the fastest time we have done to date 35m24s for 7.1km. A full 40seconds plus off the best time so far. My reward was a cold shower of 5 minutes. My next goal for the standard route is to do it in less than 35 minutes.
Today, Saturday, I went off with some mates for a slightly longer (55minutes) shirtless mixed country track and road run in -1C air temp with quite a strong wind chill. All the other guys bar one were in full track suits with multiple clothing layers on! The run was quite hilly and slow (6m55s per km) compared to my normal pace (approx 5m30s per km) but adequate enough to keep warm and have a decent conversation along the way too which makes a change. I mapped the run on www.mapmyrun.com and it worked out at 8km.
I am considering entering my first 10k race soon in the UK. Problem is, I dont know whether race organisers allow you to run without a vest (which is what I want to do). Anyone know if UK athletics or race organisers of official races will let you run shirtless? Please let me know via the comments section.
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Run and Pond dip
I took a different route today to my normal run. It's one that is a bit shorter(6.4Km) and goes through woods but it does have its advantages. The first is that is a lot more secluded and much further away from houses; second it has a much denser undergrowth and thirdly there is a small pond at the halfway mark.
The first two advantages mean that I can (if I want to) run part of my route in just my trainers and much less likely to be caught out by other people running, cycling or walking their dogs and also less likely to be seen from other parts of the wood (especially as I take very unfrequented paths). The last advantage means that I can also do some cold water endurance at the halfway point.
Today I managed both the above. Running around 2km naked and able to take a 3 minute relax in the ice covered pond. Last time I was there I managed 2 minutes and felt OK. so I pushed the time up a bit today. It did not take me long to warm up on the return leg. The air temp was around -1C with a brisk wind chill, the water had ice on it so I guess the water temp was around +1C or+2C (I need to buy that watch with the thermometer built in). The pond is really only deep enough to sit in so the swimming will need to wait for a deeper pond, river or lake.
The forecast is for some snow and temps of -3C overnight so although its not a normal run day tomorrowfor me, I may just venture out and do the same run shirtless tomorrow too!
The first two advantages mean that I can (if I want to) run part of my route in just my trainers and much less likely to be caught out by other people running, cycling or walking their dogs and also less likely to be seen from other parts of the wood (especially as I take very unfrequented paths). The last advantage means that I can also do some cold water endurance at the halfway point.
Today I managed both the above. Running around 2km naked and able to take a 3 minute relax in the ice covered pond. Last time I was there I managed 2 minutes and felt OK. so I pushed the time up a bit today. It did not take me long to warm up on the return leg. The air temp was around -1C with a brisk wind chill, the water had ice on it so I guess the water temp was around +1C or+2C (I need to buy that watch with the thermometer built in). The pond is really only deep enough to sit in so the swimming will need to wait for a deeper pond, river or lake.
The forecast is for some snow and temps of -3C overnight so although its not a normal run day tomorrowfor me, I may just venture out and do the same run shirtless tomorrow too!
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Bahtime again
After a long break from taking cold baths I managed to eventually get into one today. I have no idea what the water temperature was but I reckon it must have been below 10C (based on past experience) as it came straight out the cold tap at the hotel and we have had some really cold weather in the UK recently. I stayed in the water for 10 full minutes with no shivering at all. I could have stayed longer but I was pressed for time and needed to get to a meeting - so it was just 10 minutes. There was a nice numbness to my skin when I got out that I have not felt for a while. It really needs to be close to zero to get the really numbing effects that I like the best though
No run today but with the temperatures starting to fall in general across the UK and with snow forecast for where I live I think the next few days could make for some interesting runs and comments from other walkers/runners (and motorists?). If i get to run on my own I may try a route that takes me past the local pond twice (one on the way out and once on the way back) for a 2 or 3 minute dip each time. Last time I went past the pond on a run there was ice on the top so I guess the water is close to zero underneath the ice too.
For those of you that are keen to see the type of thing I would really like to do in cold water, there have been a number of new videos posted by many different and new members on Youtube. Take a look at the cold water swimming playlists in my profile on the right to view them. The latest are in the "more cold water swimming video" section. Enjoy.
No run today but with the temperatures starting to fall in general across the UK and with snow forecast for where I live I think the next few days could make for some interesting runs and comments from other walkers/runners (and motorists?). If i get to run on my own I may try a route that takes me past the local pond twice (one on the way out and once on the way back) for a 2 or 3 minute dip each time. Last time I went past the pond on a run there was ice on the top so I guess the water is close to zero underneath the ice too.
For those of you that are keen to see the type of thing I would really like to do in cold water, there have been a number of new videos posted by many different and new members on Youtube. Take a look at the cold water swimming playlists in my profile on the right to view them. The latest are in the "more cold water swimming video" section. Enjoy.
Friday 5 February 2010
Weight Loss - a milestone!
I know that my blog is supposed to be about cold water and running and stuff like that. However, one of the side effects of all this cold and exercise is that I have lost weight. I know that it is not just the cold water and the exercise - having a balanced diet; eating less, but more often so you feel sated all the time; and not eating like a pig or snacking heavily between meals nor drinking excessively has also helped.
Over the course of the past year I have lost around 10Kg. It has been a very gradual process as you can see if you trudge back through my posts over the past year. It was one of the goals to lose weight and get fit - which has been proven now. I am definitely healthier and fitter than I was, you can even see my muscles under the skin and the body fat% is definitely a lot lower than it was a year ago. Even the semblance of a 6-pack that was lurking underneath my stomach is starting to show through!
I have a few theories as to why cold water training and running shirtless have helped:-
Quite a milestone!
Over the course of the past year I have lost around 10Kg. It has been a very gradual process as you can see if you trudge back through my posts over the past year. It was one of the goals to lose weight and get fit - which has been proven now. I am definitely healthier and fitter than I was, you can even see my muscles under the skin and the body fat% is definitely a lot lower than it was a year ago. Even the semblance of a 6-pack that was lurking underneath my stomach is starting to show through!
I have a few theories as to why cold water training and running shirtless have helped:-
- When you get cold your body works harder to generate heat. It gets the energy to do that from your fat reserves. So exercising, swimming or just plain cold bathing/showering helps the process.
- If you are cold your metabolism speeds up to compensate. So when you run shirtless in the cold your metabolism peaks for longer - and continues well after any exercise to bring your body back to its "normal" state. Just running elevates the metabolic rate even without the effects of cold. Again, this raised metabolic rate needs energy and so the fat gets burned. The colder you were at the end of whatever you were doing, the longer it takes your body to get back to normal.
Quite a milestone!
Tuesday 2 February 2010
How Cold is "Too Cold"?
My second day in Germany it was already -12C when I woke up (I put the thermometer outside my bedroom window!) and the wind was blowing too. I decided that this was a little too cold to venture out in just shorts and trainers (this was before I wrote my previous post and had decided that even in extreme cold I could do short “out & back” runs without putting myself at risk) so I stayed in bed. Call me a coward if you will. Next time I will run even if it is -20C and I only cover a 300m out and back run.
The third day in Germany it was quite a lot warmer (-2C) so I ventured out and did 3 sequential out and back runs. The first and longest was around 2.5km - I was still warm after that so headed off on another 2 shorter out and back runs with a short interval just lying on my back making a snow angel at the side of one of the fields. Total distance covered it turns out was about the same as the first day but I was not nearly as cold at the end of it. As it turns out I think I could have done the full circuit and more without a problem but I wanted to play it safe rather than being a little stupid like I was on the first day there when I totally underestimated the intensity of the cold and the effects of the wind.
Come the following day and I am back in the UK. A normal 7km run in around 40 minutes with my running partner. A break over the weekend and then another light flurry of snow overnight Sunday with cold temps meant a -3C start to my run on Monday morning. But what a great run. Just the right temperature so as not to get too cold and running with a partner in case of difficulty. A better time too of around 38 minutes. No run today but planning to do a longer 10k run tomorrow, hopefully with a short 2 or 3 minute dip into a local pond on the way back. Depending on how early I start running and on how many people I see out there, I may even try to run naked in the more secluded part of the wood. Wait for my next post to find out.
A couple of questions for any of you out there that are actually reading this:
1. What is the coldest temperature you have ever run in and for what period of time?
2. How were you dressed when you ran in the cold (naked; trainers only; trainers and shorts, trainers, top and shorts; trainers, full track suit hat and gloves)?
Please let me know your answers in the comments section.
The third day in Germany it was quite a lot warmer (-2C) so I ventured out and did 3 sequential out and back runs. The first and longest was around 2.5km - I was still warm after that so headed off on another 2 shorter out and back runs with a short interval just lying on my back making a snow angel at the side of one of the fields. Total distance covered it turns out was about the same as the first day but I was not nearly as cold at the end of it. As it turns out I think I could have done the full circuit and more without a problem but I wanted to play it safe rather than being a little stupid like I was on the first day there when I totally underestimated the intensity of the cold and the effects of the wind.
Come the following day and I am back in the UK. A normal 7km run in around 40 minutes with my running partner. A break over the weekend and then another light flurry of snow overnight Sunday with cold temps meant a -3C start to my run on Monday morning. But what a great run. Just the right temperature so as not to get too cold and running with a partner in case of difficulty. A better time too of around 38 minutes. No run today but planning to do a longer 10k run tomorrow, hopefully with a short 2 or 3 minute dip into a local pond on the way back. Depending on how early I start running and on how many people I see out there, I may even try to run naked in the more secluded part of the wood. Wait for my next post to find out.
A couple of questions for any of you out there that are actually reading this:
1. What is the coldest temperature you have ever run in and for what period of time?
2. How were you dressed when you ran in the cold (naked; trainers only; trainers and shorts, trainers, top and shorts; trainers, full track suit hat and gloves)?
Please let me know your answers in the comments section.
Friday 29 January 2010
Nearly Famous?
I was chatting to a guy I had not heard from in a while on Instant Messenger. He has a racy little blog too ( which is worth a look provided you are not afraid of a little nudity and gay/bi themes - click here to view).
It does not fit with the theme of this blog but he offered to give my blog a push 'cos I am sure he thinks I am a little strange and 'cos he know I have some interests other than those I write about in this blog which seem to align with his (like being naked, exhibitionism, sexy undewear etc).
He asked while we were chatting if he could put up some pictures and do a short piece about me and whilst before I had said "no" to his requests, this time I said "yes, sure!".
He is not into cold water, running or other Toughness activity but I do think he admires guys that have a certain "edge" to them and do stuff that is a little more interesting, weird or a little different from the norm. So if you want to find out more about a much different side of me to the probably boring view you get on here hop to this link(allaboutme) to find out!
I will give an update on the final day of my German trip plus what I got up to this coming weekend on Monday.
It does not fit with the theme of this blog but he offered to give my blog a push 'cos I am sure he thinks I am a little strange and 'cos he know I have some interests other than those I write about in this blog which seem to align with his (like being naked, exhibitionism, sexy undewear etc).
He asked while we were chatting if he could put up some pictures and do a short piece about me and whilst before I had said "no" to his requests, this time I said "yes, sure!".
He is not into cold water, running or other Toughness activity but I do think he admires guys that have a certain "edge" to them and do stuff that is a little more interesting, weird or a little different from the norm. So if you want to find out more about a much different side of me to the probably boring view you get on here hop to this link(allaboutme) to find out!
I will give an update on the final day of my German trip plus what I got up to this coming weekend on Monday.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Running on Snow
I have been in Europe for the past few days at a hotel on the oustkirts of a big German city. There were fields on 3 sides of the hotel with footpaths and cycleways criss-crossing them. I had been to this hotel before but not since I started my running, so I did some prior research and mapped out a 4km circular run from the hotel. Just to check it out for suitability I walked the course in my full cold weather gear (hiking boots, socks, jeans, T-shirt, hoodie and winter jacket, gloves and a hat) on the evening of the day I arrived.
It seemed a good run. So next morning I decided to run the same route. Up at 07h00 it was cold out(I guessed that it felt like it was around -2C or -3C) but I decided to run it in just shorts and trainers because I have done longer runs at those temps before at home in the UK. I started off with a running vest to get me out of the hotel but stripped that off as soon as I was out of sight of the hotel and main hotel access road.
I soon warmed up on the first 1km quite nicely but what I didn't realise was that running on snow was slowing me down from my normal pace and I was having to be more careful about foot placement. Also until I changed running direction at roughly the 2km mark (the furthest point away from civilisation and literally in the middle of an open field) I hadn't noticed that the wind had come up and the temperature was dropping quite quickly (wind chill). Undeterred I carried running but was aware that I was a lot colder than normal.
Around the 3km mark I was thinking that I may be getting too cold, was getting out of breath but not shivering, so pushed on regardless (no other choice available). The cold was definitely taking its toll on the muscles too, slowing me down even further. My skin was already numb from around the 1.5km mark - nothing unusual about that. If I was not now within sight of my start point I think I may have been more worried, but by now I knew I could make it back without putting the running vest back on. I eventually put the vest back on just to walk across the hotel lobby and up to my room. It took me a while to warm up and then jump into a cool shower (a hot shower after getting very cold is not a good idea - look it up) to gradually raise my body temp.
After I got into the office I looked up the temperatures for the morning. It turns out it was around -5C to start with and was declining through out the morning and once the wind started to ratchet up the effective temp was around -9C or lower as I was running into the wind from the 2-3km mark and had a cross wind for the last km.
Lessons Learned:
1. I think I may have been in trouble if I had been on a longer route.
2. My running vest would have offered no warmth at all even if I had put it on.
3. My body is capable of a lot more abuse and can endure lower temps than I had anticipated
4. Find out how cold it really is before you venture out, not afterwards! (I did not run the following day as it was -12C at 07h00! However, I did enjoy a run today as there was an inch of fresh snow and the temp was only -1C and I took my own advice as per the following point #5 with an initial 800m out and back followed by 2 x 500m out and back for a total of 3.6km)
5. In order to be out of the cold danger zone and no be too isolated, run multiple "out and back" routes of 400m-500m rather than a circular route so you are closer to warmth and help. This way I could have venture out in the really cold weather in just shorts even though it was -12C.
6. I enjoyed the excitement (adrenalin?) of being in a position where I was isolated and faced with no choice but to carry on or face hypothermia if I stopped. This feeling of "no safety net" can be quite addictive I think.
It seemed a good run. So next morning I decided to run the same route. Up at 07h00 it was cold out(I guessed that it felt like it was around -2C or -3C) but I decided to run it in just shorts and trainers because I have done longer runs at those temps before at home in the UK. I started off with a running vest to get me out of the hotel but stripped that off as soon as I was out of sight of the hotel and main hotel access road.
I soon warmed up on the first 1km quite nicely but what I didn't realise was that running on snow was slowing me down from my normal pace and I was having to be more careful about foot placement. Also until I changed running direction at roughly the 2km mark (the furthest point away from civilisation and literally in the middle of an open field) I hadn't noticed that the wind had come up and the temperature was dropping quite quickly (wind chill). Undeterred I carried running but was aware that I was a lot colder than normal.
Around the 3km mark I was thinking that I may be getting too cold, was getting out of breath but not shivering, so pushed on regardless (no other choice available). The cold was definitely taking its toll on the muscles too, slowing me down even further. My skin was already numb from around the 1.5km mark - nothing unusual about that. If I was not now within sight of my start point I think I may have been more worried, but by now I knew I could make it back without putting the running vest back on. I eventually put the vest back on just to walk across the hotel lobby and up to my room. It took me a while to warm up and then jump into a cool shower (a hot shower after getting very cold is not a good idea - look it up) to gradually raise my body temp.
After I got into the office I looked up the temperatures for the morning. It turns out it was around -5C to start with and was declining through out the morning and once the wind started to ratchet up the effective temp was around -9C or lower as I was running into the wind from the 2-3km mark and had a cross wind for the last km.
Lessons Learned:
1. I think I may have been in trouble if I had been on a longer route.
2. My running vest would have offered no warmth at all even if I had put it on.
3. My body is capable of a lot more abuse and can endure lower temps than I had anticipated
4. Find out how cold it really is before you venture out, not afterwards! (I did not run the following day as it was -12C at 07h00! However, I did enjoy a run today as there was an inch of fresh snow and the temp was only -1C and I took my own advice as per the following point #5 with an initial 800m out and back followed by 2 x 500m out and back for a total of 3.6km)
5. In order to be out of the cold danger zone and no be too isolated, run multiple "out and back" routes of 400m-500m rather than a circular route so you are closer to warmth and help. This way I could have venture out in the really cold weather in just shorts even though it was -12C.
6. I enjoyed the excitement (adrenalin?) of being in a position where I was isolated and faced with no choice but to carry on or face hypothermia if I stopped. This feeling of "no safety net" can be quite addictive I think.
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