Over the last few weeks I have managed to get two cold water swims in a local river. In the first I was out for a shirtless run in the evening with two of my mates and as the run finished along a stretch of a large UK river that runs a few miles from my house I said I wanted to go for a swim.
Although I had said this before to my two friends they said that I was always saying that and not doing anything about it but talk. Well, that was enough to spur me on so I stopped at a convenient point, stripped off completely and waded into the water. I didn't stay in the water for too long but I think I have broken the ice with them so when I headed out on another run with them a few days ago when we got to the river they asked if I was going to swim again. I said "yes, of course".
So when we got to a place not far from the end we stopped and I stripped off completely again and this time stayed in the water for a bit longer this time. No comment from them this time, they just stayed and watched, but were not tempted to get in themselves.
I have no idea what the temperature of the water was but I do know that the air temperature was around -2C. Once I got out and started running again in just shorts and trainers I warmed up quickly.
I think I need to go out for more runs and swims in the dark evenings as there are less people around, less likely to be seen (apart from by my mates).
Showing posts with label Run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Run. Show all posts
Saturday, 23 January 2016
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Another Snow & Ice Bath
We had some unexpected snow overnight Sunday which put sufficient of the white stuff on the ground to enable me do the snow bath thing again. As a warm-up I did a short 7k shirtless run first thing in the morning in quite slippery conditions.
Temperature on the run was hovering around freezing point as I set out and did not move from that in the 50 minutes or so it took to run. I stopped a couple of times to look at the snow laden trees as the sun broke through at dawn. On the way back to home I made a detour to a clearing in the woods that I know would have a good depth of snow and stripped off to have a naked roll around in it. Although cold on the skin the feeling of freshly fallen snow is quite difficult to describe. Its like being caressed by dry water or soft foam.
After my run I warmed up with a coffee and then set about filling the bath with 5 buckets full of snow and running cold water over it. Once the bath was full I dispersed the ice, took the temp of the water (0C) and Set the timer for 10 minutes and got in. I started to shiver a little at the 7 minute mark but that soon passed and before I knew it the timer was going off for me to get out.
My hands and feet were very stiff as I was drying myself off but these seem to be recovering more quickly the more times I do this. After drying and dressing warmly I made myself a cup of coffee and warmed up slowly while shivering quite a bit on the warm-up cycle for the next 30 minutes or so. The shivering also didnt seem to last that long this time. So maybe getting used to this cold water immersion really does help speed up your metabolism.
Comments welcomed!
Temperature on the run was hovering around freezing point as I set out and did not move from that in the 50 minutes or so it took to run. I stopped a couple of times to look at the snow laden trees as the sun broke through at dawn. On the way back to home I made a detour to a clearing in the woods that I know would have a good depth of snow and stripped off to have a naked roll around in it. Although cold on the skin the feeling of freshly fallen snow is quite difficult to describe. Its like being caressed by dry water or soft foam.
After my run I warmed up with a coffee and then set about filling the bath with 5 buckets full of snow and running cold water over it. Once the bath was full I dispersed the ice, took the temp of the water (0C) and Set the timer for 10 minutes and got in. I started to shiver a little at the 7 minute mark but that soon passed and before I knew it the timer was going off for me to get out.
My hands and feet were very stiff as I was drying myself off but these seem to be recovering more quickly the more times I do this. After drying and dressing warmly I made myself a cup of coffee and warmed up slowly while shivering quite a bit on the warm-up cycle for the next 30 minutes or so. The shivering also didnt seem to last that long this time. So maybe getting used to this cold water immersion really does help speed up your metabolism.
Comments welcomed!
Thursday, 31 January 2013
The snow has gone
Having the Snow around for a while did give me opportunities to explore some of my cold limits and establish a new cold/duration personal best. This week in the UK the weather has been considerably warmer temperature wise but with more rain and wind.
Now the snow has gone, that doesn't mean that the fun is over. I have been out running shirtles on 3 occasions since last Friday with this morning's run proving the coldest of the week so far. I found small stream close to where I am this week that offers some opportunties for wallowing in shallow cold water. So I managed to get 2 x 2-minute dips in during the return leg of the run. I did not really feel cold during the run but I did feel that my muscles were not as flexible and I think I ran the last leg a lot slower than I normally would have. If I get the chance to do the same run early in the day tomorrow I will have to do the 2 minute dips on the outward run as well as the return leg to see how that affects me.
After having breakfast upon getting home I then ran a cold bath (water out of the tap 6C) and managed to stay in that for 20 minutes before getting out. Sure I was cold and shivered for a while afterwards but not that bad. I think I am getting used to this.
I think I am also getting used to the shvering part, what I am not getting used to is the fact that my fingers and toes become stiff and very cold and painful (and white until the circulation returns to them).
Now the snow has gone, that doesn't mean that the fun is over. I have been out running shirtles on 3 occasions since last Friday with this morning's run proving the coldest of the week so far. I found small stream close to where I am this week that offers some opportunties for wallowing in shallow cold water. So I managed to get 2 x 2-minute dips in during the return leg of the run. I did not really feel cold during the run but I did feel that my muscles were not as flexible and I think I ran the last leg a lot slower than I normally would have. If I get the chance to do the same run early in the day tomorrow I will have to do the 2 minute dips on the outward run as well as the return leg to see how that affects me.
After having breakfast upon getting home I then ran a cold bath (water out of the tap 6C) and managed to stay in that for 20 minutes before getting out. Sure I was cold and shivered for a while afterwards but not that bad. I think I am getting used to this.
I think I am also getting used to the shvering part, what I am not getting used to is the fact that my fingers and toes become stiff and very cold and painful (and white until the circulation returns to them).
Friday, 18 January 2013
Scotland Run/Swim
I spent most of this past week up in Scotland near Stirling. While I was there I met up for a run and a swim with an online buddy (let's call him Joe) who is a very keen cold weather runner and swimmer. We had been discussing what we were going to do and where we were to run by e-mail in the days beforehand. We also decided that as the place would likely be deserted that we would run only in speedo swimwear (he is a barefoot runner - I ran in my Nike running shoes).
He met me at my hotel and then I drove us out to Glen Finglas reservoir near Callander for a late afternoon start. On the way the temperature kept dropping and was close to freezing by the time we reached the small car park that was to be our starting point. Increasing amounts of snow also lay on the ground the closer we got to our destination. After parking the car we stripped off to our Speedos and got ready to run.
The first part of the trail is actually a steep and winding tarmac road which then turns to gravel after about 1.5km. After the initual climb the road winds its way down to the head of the lake away from the reservoir wall. The road was covered in snow and quite icy in parts so hampered our speed as we needed to avoid falling.
This is a view of the lake from one of the higher points in which you can see the gravel trail path in the foreground:
After about 35 minutes we were close to the lakeside near the far end of the picture and decided to take a short swim before heading back. Joe's watch showed a water temp of around 4C once we got in the water. This is the coldest water I have swum in. We swam and stood in the water for around 5 minutes before getting out and heading back the same way we came in retracing our path along the trail. The run was close to 9km in total.
It was definitely colder on the way back (maybe I was just colder) and because I kept my shoes on when I swam (as I knew that if i took them off I would nevere be able to re-tie the laces with my cold hands) my feet became colder and my laces froze into position on the way back. My hands were painful too as I did not wear gloves the whole run. It took a while to thaw out in the car but by the time we reached the hotel I felt quite normal but elated and refreshed with "tingling" skin.
Not the coldest run air temperature wise that I have ever done but with the swim at the far point of the run it does not leave you with many options to warm your body up on the return leg except to run faster.
Regrettably I was not able to get any more runs or swims in with Joe this time around. However, there is snow on the ground in the South of the UK today so I may get a good snow run in tomorrow morning. And there is always a next time for a trip to Scotland.
One interesting incident happened on the run: That was that we were passed by what may have been a ranger or local farmer in his Land Rover on the gravel track. Initially he waved at us as he went past but after a few minutes he returned and asked us if this was a "dare" or what? And if we were "OK"? We assured him that we were fine and that we were used to doing this type of crazy thing. With that he turned around and we never saw im again. I bet he had a few conversations about that encounter in the local pub or with his wife that evening!
He met me at my hotel and then I drove us out to Glen Finglas reservoir near Callander for a late afternoon start. On the way the temperature kept dropping and was close to freezing by the time we reached the small car park that was to be our starting point. Increasing amounts of snow also lay on the ground the closer we got to our destination. After parking the car we stripped off to our Speedos and got ready to run.
The first part of the trail is actually a steep and winding tarmac road which then turns to gravel after about 1.5km. After the initual climb the road winds its way down to the head of the lake away from the reservoir wall. The road was covered in snow and quite icy in parts so hampered our speed as we needed to avoid falling.
This is a view of the lake from one of the higher points in which you can see the gravel trail path in the foreground:
After about 35 minutes we were close to the lakeside near the far end of the picture and decided to take a short swim before heading back. Joe's watch showed a water temp of around 4C once we got in the water. This is the coldest water I have swum in. We swam and stood in the water for around 5 minutes before getting out and heading back the same way we came in retracing our path along the trail. The run was close to 9km in total.
It was definitely colder on the way back (maybe I was just colder) and because I kept my shoes on when I swam (as I knew that if i took them off I would nevere be able to re-tie the laces with my cold hands) my feet became colder and my laces froze into position on the way back. My hands were painful too as I did not wear gloves the whole run. It took a while to thaw out in the car but by the time we reached the hotel I felt quite normal but elated and refreshed with "tingling" skin.
Not the coldest run air temperature wise that I have ever done but with the swim at the far point of the run it does not leave you with many options to warm your body up on the return leg except to run faster.
Regrettably I was not able to get any more runs or swims in with Joe this time around. However, there is snow on the ground in the South of the UK today so I may get a good snow run in tomorrow morning. And there is always a next time for a trip to Scotland.
One interesting incident happened on the run: That was that we were passed by what may have been a ranger or local farmer in his Land Rover on the gravel track. Initially he waved at us as he went past but after a few minutes he returned and asked us if this was a "dare" or what? And if we were "OK"? We assured him that we were fine and that we were used to doing this type of crazy thing. With that he turned around and we never saw im again. I bet he had a few conversations about that encounter in the local pub or with his wife that evening!
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
First Sea Swim of the year
Hi All
Managed to get a few days away at the coast this past weekend. Also managed to get a couple of 10k runs in first thing in the morning which I followed up with a swim in the sea to cool off.
The sea temp was around +9C and the air temperature just a little cooler than that at around +7C. I got a few stares from passing folk and at least two people say "you're brave" (why is that the phrase that more people use than any other?) as I ran past them.
A great weekend away but not nice to come back from the great outdoors and have to work in a stuffy office. Here's looking to the next time I can get away.
Managed to get a few days away at the coast this past weekend. Also managed to get a couple of 10k runs in first thing in the morning which I followed up with a swim in the sea to cool off.
The sea temp was around +9C and the air temperature just a little cooler than that at around +7C. I got a few stares from passing folk and at least two people say "you're brave" (why is that the phrase that more people use than any other?) as I ran past them.
A great weekend away but not nice to come back from the great outdoors and have to work in a stuffy office. Here's looking to the next time I can get away.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Snow Run
The first snowfall of winter started overnight last night and it was still lightly falling when I set off for my normal morning run today. Temperature was around freezing with a light westerly wind, so not too cold compared to some mornings. Great to get out and feel the snow on my shirtless body. Just a pity you cant run naked!
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Winter arrived today
Its been a long time coming but today was the first time this winter that we had a really cold start to a day. For some of you -3C is not so cold, but for the south of the UK -3C is pretty chilly. The temeperature did not stop me from getting up early to run with my mates though - shirtless of course (the only one as usual). It was a great run, not too fast not too slow - 10km in around 55 minutes. Temp at finish -1C. so a complete sub-zero run, the first one of that sort for the season.
It was a clear sky, moon still out in the dawn light to be replaced by an orange sun a few minutes later. Great to see the frost glistening on the hedges, trees, fences and grass as the sun came ever higher in the sky along with the mist hanging low and burning off in the valleys.
I really like running in winter, the scenery is great. Even saw a deer running away from us across one of the fields. The hot coffee afterwards was also a great way to warm up and get some feeling back into my fingers!
Till next time........
It was a clear sky, moon still out in the dawn light to be replaced by an orange sun a few minutes later. Great to see the frost glistening on the hedges, trees, fences and grass as the sun came ever higher in the sky along with the mist hanging low and burning off in the valleys.
I really like running in winter, the scenery is great. Even saw a deer running away from us across one of the fields. The hot coffee afterwards was also a great way to warm up and get some feeling back into my fingers!
Till next time........
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Pushing myself
My late resolution has started off quite well. I sort of pushed myself on my 10k run on Monday and put up my 5th fastest time for the route. It is, unfortunately some 4 minutes slower than what I want to do though so I have a way to go. The problem is that I could have done much better cos I walked the really steep part of the route rather than running it as I have in the past.
Going back to some other toughness stuff I have been playing around with recently - I had a friend of mine give my nipples a real working over for more than an hour. Tweaking, pushing, pulling, twisting, putting some clamps and stuff on them to test my toughness/pain endurance. It worked out really well - quite a rush actually. Any other toughness stuff that any of you think I should try? Comment and let me know.
Not said much about my weight recently. It started to creep up past the 67kg mark - so I need to exercise more and eat less to lose 1 to 2 Kg and get back to what i consider my ideal weight. I dont obsess over my weight but i do like to keep it in a close range so it does not get out of hand.
Going back to some other toughness stuff I have been playing around with recently - I had a friend of mine give my nipples a real working over for more than an hour. Tweaking, pushing, pulling, twisting, putting some clamps and stuff on them to test my toughness/pain endurance. It worked out really well - quite a rush actually. Any other toughness stuff that any of you think I should try? Comment and let me know.
Not said much about my weight recently. It started to creep up past the 67kg mark - so I need to exercise more and eat less to lose 1 to 2 Kg and get back to what i consider my ideal weight. I dont obsess over my weight but i do like to keep it in a close range so it does not get out of hand.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Pushing the boundaries
Yesterday I went for a run with a friend. This is nothing unusual as I run with friends all the time. Except that this friend is more than 20 year younger and in training for a Marathon in a few months' time. The distance we set was more than either of us had ever run in a single training session before and really pushed us both to a new level. We covered just over 30km (19miles) in under 3 hours with only a short stop to refuel and drink some water at around the halfway mark.
It was cold at the start (-2C) but there was very little wind and the sky was clearing with a high possibility of sunshine warming things up later. Although I had thought about running with a shirt on seeing as I knew we would be on the road for a long time I asked my mate what he thought and he said "what are you most comfortable with?". I replied that I prefer to run without a shirt and at that point the decision was made: no shirt.
The temperature when we finished was around +1C or +2C so I survived a full 3 hours in what many would say are very cold conditions. There were a few comments passed by other walkers and runners out on the route like the normal "Are you mad?"; "Don't you feel cold?"; and the best of the day from a passing runner kitted out wearing leggings, shorts, 2 shirts, gloves and a hat: "I thought I was crazy!"
I enjoyed the run and the company, we chatted along the way and encouraged each other a lot. I only walked on one very steep section of trail for less than 200m. It was a tough run but enjoyable and yes, I can still walk today!
As its the end of the month I think an update on a few other things is in order too. Total running distance covered in January: 169km (105 miles). Weight at the end of January 66.2kg.
I guess all of this made me think that:
1. Running a full marathon is now a real possibility and within my grasp
2. I should never even think about wearing a shirt when running
3. You only learn about what is possible when you push yourself to new limits and set goals (i.e. running distance; shorter time for a race; cold endurance temperature and/or time)
4. If you had told me 2 years ago that I would be able to do any of this I would have told you that you were crazy
What things have you been able to discover about yourself when you push your boundaries? I would be interested to hear about them. Post a comment below or send me an e-mail.
It was cold at the start (-2C) but there was very little wind and the sky was clearing with a high possibility of sunshine warming things up later. Although I had thought about running with a shirt on seeing as I knew we would be on the road for a long time I asked my mate what he thought and he said "what are you most comfortable with?". I replied that I prefer to run without a shirt and at that point the decision was made: no shirt.
The temperature when we finished was around +1C or +2C so I survived a full 3 hours in what many would say are very cold conditions. There were a few comments passed by other walkers and runners out on the route like the normal "Are you mad?"; "Don't you feel cold?"; and the best of the day from a passing runner kitted out wearing leggings, shorts, 2 shirts, gloves and a hat: "I thought I was crazy!"
I enjoyed the run and the company, we chatted along the way and encouraged each other a lot. I only walked on one very steep section of trail for less than 200m. It was a tough run but enjoyable and yes, I can still walk today!
As its the end of the month I think an update on a few other things is in order too. Total running distance covered in January: 169km (105 miles). Weight at the end of January 66.2kg.
I guess all of this made me think that:
1. Running a full marathon is now a real possibility and within my grasp
2. I should never even think about wearing a shirt when running
3. You only learn about what is possible when you push yourself to new limits and set goals (i.e. running distance; shorter time for a race; cold endurance temperature and/or time)
4. If you had told me 2 years ago that I would be able to do any of this I would have told you that you were crazy
What things have you been able to discover about yourself when you push your boundaries? I would be interested to hear about them. Post a comment below or send me an e-mail.
Monday, 27 December 2010
Festive News
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!
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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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......
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, 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.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Coldest Run
Today was very frosty and cold. Clear skies overnight meant a hefty frost and temps of around -2C this morning. I decided to run shirtless anyway! It was quite a shock getting straight out of bed, into my running gear and out on the road. However, the cold seems to have spurred me on to run my best time yet for my standard run - 36 Minutes and 15 Seconds - that's almost a minute faster than I have done before.
My hands were cold and painful at the end of the run too, but not unbearably so and they recovered quite quickly. I had one motorist sound his hooter (horn) at me this morning - first time in a long time that this has happened. I am sure that they can't believe someone would go out running not fully dressed for arctic conditions in this kind of weather.
Nevertheless, I found the run quite invigorating and not unpleasant in any way. I just wish that I could fit in a cold water swim along the way too.
My hands were cold and painful at the end of the run too, but not unbearably so and they recovered quite quickly. I had one motorist sound his hooter (horn) at me this morning - first time in a long time that this has happened. I am sure that they can't believe someone would go out running not fully dressed for arctic conditions in this kind of weather.
Nevertheless, I found the run quite invigorating and not unpleasant in any way. I just wish that I could fit in a cold water swim along the way too.
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