It’s January, and I just moved from Tucson to Portland, OR. Winter is peak running weather in Tucson— sunny in the daytime, and cool in the mornings and evenings. In Portland, it’s. . . dark. From 4:30 PM until 7:30 AM. And wet. I’ll treadmill it if necessary, but it sucks the joy from my life. So what’s a girl to do? Adapt. Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
- Gear. Since Ragnar last year, I haven’t had much use for my reflective vest but now I do. I also needed a better headlamp. Now I’m visible, and I can see. Safety? Check. Add that to toasty tops and tights and something to keep my ears warm, and I’m feeling pretty good. I’m still figuring out which shoes are best for slick sidewalks (any advice??), but I’ve got muddy trails covered.
- Adjust expectations. Yes, I can run in the dark. In the rain. I won’t melt. The rain is often kind of misty and drizzly— almost pleasant, in a way. Portlanders aren’t phased the way Tucsonans are— I used to joke that people stayed home if it looked a little cloudy. Here? Bring it on. People are out there. I also thought it would suck running before it’s light out, remembering pre-dawn runs of yore before early hospital shifts. But 6 AM is way better than 4:45, even if it’s dark.
- Learn to love the mud. Pippi, Max and I ran on some Forrest Park trails last weekend and we had a blast— it was sloppy, but who cares? There’s a distinct joy in getting dirty. Own it.
- Back up plans and cross-training. Some days it’s too nasty. A gym membership was in order— so I got one. I can use the treadmill, sure, but maybe a functional training class (kettlebells! boxes! bodyweight!), a rowing workout, or some cycling, too. Cross-training has its own set of benefits that I’m starting to enjoy, like feeling stronger on hills.
What other tips to you have for me to help me run all winter long?
zabbylogica 
https://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/
I finally used some Yaktrax but they break too easily, worked well on ice and snow, and were all over the place in mud . I would buy something better next time.
Come to Winnipeg, where the runners hit the roads at -20F.
yikes. i’m building my tolerance to adversity slowly. . . mad props to you!
I’m not a runner. I just walk everywhere.
After living in Montana, I’d say that’s 100% true. . . you do stay warm once your body adjusting to sucking in freezer-air.
Don’t run with me . HAH! Also, you’re doing the right stuff for sure, just convince your brain it’s a good thing. I always feel a bit more badass running in the gross weather than on the nice days. . . but I also hate running due to a gimpy foot, so anything that makes it feel like “more reward than usual” is great.
I live in Hood River, about 60 minutes from Portland and this year is exceptionally warmer and sunnier than usual! Better make good use of this year because next year? Thanks for sharing! The Trainer (RN)* Personal Trainer, “One On One Only”