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!
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