Winter Layers

It was another wintry run this morning.

But warmer (kind of). . . .we were above zero this morning: 5 degrees! We’re making progress. The rest of the week looks promising as well—no negative numbers. (Oh dear, I’ve gone insane.)

I ended up running a total of 6 miles this morning in 56 minutes. Definitely nothing stellar, but I’ve quickly learned I have to lower my standards during the winter.

I tried out my new shoes for the first 4 miles. I’m really liking them. They are very cushioned—I was nearly starting to feel rocks in my other shoes, and they fit like a glove.

Brooks Glycerin 8

I finished the last 2 miles in my old shoes: Saucony Ride 4. I really enjoyed these shoes as well. They fit me very well, but I’ve had them since this summer, so it is time to retire them. I know they definitely have more than 500 miles on them. I’m thinking more like 700!

(This picture was when I first got my shoes. Oh how this makes me miss summer so desperately.)

I rarely purchase the same make/model of shoes time after time. I’m not really sure why; I guess I like to change things up.

As far as clothes these days, I usually wear 3 layers on top (base layer + fleece pull-over + thicker jacket), 2 layers on bottom (tights + regular running pants), a neck warmer, hat, and mittens. And I still get cold.

My go-to jacket during the brutally cold winter has been this Asics Storm Shelter Jacket.

It is thicker than a lot of other jackets and does a really good job of protecting me from the wind and snow.

I would like to find another winter running jacket to rotate in since I’ve been wearing this on nearly every run since Christmas. (It has been in the single digits or below zero since Christmas. I know because I’ve been keeping track.)

Any suggestions?

I also painted my nails this weekend, and I tried out the new fad with my ring finger being a different color. Craig said I look like a 14 year old girl. Ha! I think it is fun, but it is a little strange as well.

Yes, my hands are extremely dry and wrinkly from the weather and dry air up here.

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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9 Comments

  1. 1.31.12
    Sarah said:

    i bought a running jacket for the first time this year and i love it. i have the Nike Element Shield jacket- or at least, I think so. Mine was from an outlet, so it’s last season’s but from their website it looks the same. I love it because it has handwarmers in the sleeves, reflectors, and a nice pocket on the back left hip. by the way, your nails are cute! i like the blue alot. πŸ™‚ it is a strange trend though. i was so confused the first time i saw it.

    • 1.31.12
      Michelle said:

      Down to what temperature are you able to wear your Nike jacket? Is it pretty thick or just one layer?

      I like the blue-gray color as well. πŸ™‚

  2. 1.31.12
    Lauren said:

    Yeah… I shouldn’t even tell you about the heat wave we’re having down here. It’s supposed to be in the 60s today and high 60s tomorrow! Too bad I won’t be able to get out and enjoy it! πŸ™
    Some people love it, but the skiers and snowboarders are going nuts (my husband included)!

    • 1.31.12
      Michelle said:

      Not fair! I know most of the U.S. has had unseasonably warm temperatures, but here in Alaska we have been colder than normal this winter. Tell your husband to come here if he wants lots of snow.

  3. 1.31.12
    Kathy said:

    Hey – I found your blog from SkinnyRunner because I’m planning on doing the Mayor’s Marathon this June. I’m from Minnesota too, living in Colorado. I just bought the Brooks Speedy Bullet Jacket. It’s not very thick but says that it’s “thin aluminum membrane is designed to keep your body heat in.” I haven’t used it yet so I can’t say what temp it’s good in but just thought I’d let you know.

    Oh and you are BA running in that kind of cold. Brrr…

    • 1.31.12
      Michelle said:

      Yeah! Another fellow Minnesotan! That’s awesome that you plan on running Mayor’s! If you have any questions or want any tips/advice, let me know!

      Thanks so much, I’ll have to check it out!

  4. 2.1.12
    sue said:

    Got to love those nails. It’s been warm in MN in the 40’s last 3 days. We may get a storm this weekend, but then today they said it may miss us again. I see a lot of runners out running this winter more than I have ever seen, I’m sure it’s because of the nice weather. Just checking out to see how your doing and catch up.

    • 2.1.12
      Michelle said:

      I often wonder if the people in warmer climates really take advantage of their mild winter weather and run a lot or if they just get used to it.

  5. 2.2.12

    I completely agree with you! I got my Garmin 405 for Christmas and love the size but the dial is annoying at times.

    Cute nails! I love them! πŸ™‚