Marathon Training in Winter.

So, I haven’t really addressed the Boston Marathon in a while mostly because I’m terrified to start training! I’m kind of hoping walking around in deep snow will be enough to get through Heartbreak Hill? I hope that, but I realize it’s not realistic. The reality is where we live now is the perfect place to train for a race: the terrain is rough, high altitude, snow on the ground..it doesn’t get much harder than this (the Leadville Ultra-Marathon is about an hour away..yikes).  So, it’s a great place if you really want to rule a race..but I am so intimidated by the training I’m going to have to do here…it’s going to be so hard.

I’ve never trained for anything in the dead of winter. Well, I did in Dallas, but that doesn’t count. Dallas winter is nothing compared to here. I’m not sure how to train when there is 3 feet of snow on the ground…but I guess I’ll figure it out! I’ve also never trained anywhere that wasn’t flat: Chicago is flat, Phoenix is flat, and the Big D is flat. Here? I wouldn’t describe it as flat considering I’m surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The altitude is another thing that scares me although I’m pretty sure my body should get used to it. It’s something I notice right away: just walking up the stairs to my place I’m out of breath. I certainly can’t imagine running 20 miles out there.

Anyway, I guess I have to man up and just start running. The weather is actually pretty nice right now but it’s just hard to start because I know what’s coming.  I read up on winter running and here’s some advice I found:

• Dress in Layers– This seems obvious I guess, but I think the point is appropriate layers. For example, when it’s 10 degrees outside, you should wear more than a long sleeve shirt and jacket. Wear a base layer that’s thin and made of wicking material, a middle layer that is warmer but not made of cotton (cotton doesn’t breath), then a running jacket that’s wind and water resistant. Pretty serious stuff. I’m not sure I have a good base layer and I definitely don’t have tights to wear under my pants. Christmas anyone?
• Use the Dreadmill When Necessary– So right now I don’t have access to a treadmill but I might need to join a gym for one. On days when it’s -15 outside, you may be better off running on the treadmill. Most people recommend doing your shorter runs or midweek runs on the treadmill and trying to run outside for long runs. If it’s negative anything I’m staying indoors! Maybe I’ll run in place.
• Use Vaseline on Your Face– This was interesting and probably not a situation I would ever be in because I hate being cold…but if you’re brave enough to face the harsh winter weather (like -10) rub some vaseline on your face otherwise your skin will chap. Sounds fun doesn’t it?
• Try Snowshoeing– I’ve heard snowshoeing is actually pretty difficult and some runners recommend doing it for cardio on your cross training days. So maybe I’ll look into that…

I just hope the paths around here get plowed otherwise I think I’ll have to run on a treadmill? I guess there’s a first for everything.

I’m thinking I’ll start running regularly as soon as possible (but I’ve been saying that since I got here a month ago) but I definitely need to start training in December. Here’s the schedule I think I’m going to follow:

I’m following a Novice program from Hal Higdon’s website. I just like how simple and straightforward his training programs are.

 

Have you ever trained for a race in winter? Any advice?