Hi Ali,

I'll see you at the Resolution Run! My running partner and I will be running the 10K. Small world.

I am a little bit worried about the cold myself. I think I have poor circulation or something but my feel and hands get cold easily! A friend of mine told me that while she was running her shoes froze. Another girl was telling me about how her water bottle froze while running.

I have a feeling that this winter is going to take a lot of motivation! I really want to run the half marathon in May... that is going to involve dedication all winter long.

Oh well I guess we'll all find out as the cold approaches.

Thank you for that site SJ and Ali, I will definitely have to get a pair, I'd really like to try to jog in the colder weather...

I haven't run in a couple of days but I intend to run tomorrow afternoon...

I've read somewhere that exercising in the colder temperatures is more beneficial, does anyone know anything about that? I can't remember where I read that!

It's a good idea to dress in layers (easy to take off and put on layers) whether or not your running, skating, snowshoeing (something else I wouldn't mind doing, it's a great workout), skiing (especially cross-country) and even tobaganning. We get some pretty big drops in and other areas (like Alberta) get huge drops in temperature.

Ilene: I was looking at the socks at the running room last night and they do have some double layer ones that are made for cooler weather. My instructor says she just uses her usual double layer socks and she's fine. I guess it depends.

Fannie: My hand are freezing right now and I am at my cubicle hehehe. I have inherited my dad's circulation which isn't great at all (and poor guy, he's diabetic now so it's even worse) All I know is that I am glad I am running now and not starting in the winter. I am debating doing either the half or the full marathon for May, depending. If I do a really slow 10K I might do another 10K clinic. We shall see, but i would love to run a marathon though and I love a challenge. BTW I live in Stittsville.

Other topic: dry skin! I have chronic eczema in my hands (which is finally improving), but I have to be soooooo careful in the winter. My doctor recommended Neutrogena norwegian formula hand cream and I find it really compliments my cortizone regime. I have heard petroleum jelly can be good for exposed skin of a very cold day. I hope this winter isn't as cold as last winter, it was brutal.

Michelle: I think people burn slightly more calories since they're wearing more clothes. Also there are factors like a lack of humidity and not hot temperatures that reduce the risks of heat stroke and dehydration . Of course in the cold people risk hypothermia and frost bite, we have to be careful too. Also getting out in the sun in the winter could probably help us lift our spirits... I get the winter blahs every year (not as bad as SAD or anything, but I do run for comfort foods) so getting some sun should rise my spirits and add some vitamin D as well.

Cheers!

Ali

I'm going to invest in some warm mittens, a touque and some thermal socks and I'm going to run all winter long. I may stay indoors when its -30 or go to the gym, but otherwise I'll be out there.

Ali - I'm going to run the 10K Resolution Run and then the half marathon in the Spring. I guess I'll see ya there!

Cheers

nice warm skinny vibes to all ~~>

This winter I plan to walk until it gets too cold to do so. Then I may join a gym. There's a Bally's close to my home. There's also a dance studio near me that teaches bellydancing, yoga and pilates so I may join a class or two.

Not to get off the subject or anything but my goal is to go cross country skiing next winter. What particular exercises should I be focussing on to prepare for that?

Dharma: For cross country skiing, first off all since you're just starting (congrats on that BTW, starting is the biggest and best step you can take in weight loss), walking should be fine, it will get you moving. You might also want to start some weight training to get the whole body into action and to help you retain muscle as you lose weight.

If you can, maybe go and see if there's an aquafit class near you since it works out the upper and lower body, without much stress on the joints.

If you join a gym that has an elliptical trainer with the movable arms, that would be excellent training for Cross-Country skiing. I'd also see a personal trainer if possible (they're fabbo).

A good focus right now for you is getting into a sustainable routine that will aide ya to your goals.

Anyway congrats on starting out!

Ali

Thanks Sweater Girl for the advice