Running in Freezing Temps

Hello and Welcome to my first blog entry about my training experience for my first marathon. I will be running the NJ Marathon on May 2, 2010.

My name is Andi. I am 28, married, with 2 toddler daughters. Although I was very active when I was younger I have never been a runner. Running was always just a means to an end, a way to train for whatever sport I was participating in (usually soccer). After having my second daughter, I needed to lose weight and change my eating habits. I started going to the gym and eating right, but was struggling with losing weight. I knew this was normal and wanted to come up with a long term goal that would keep me focused...and hence the goal of running a marathon.

I started running June of 2009 and set out a goal to run a marathon in the fall of 2010. I set small goals for myself and registered for 5ks, 10k, and eventually ran a 15k at the end of November. Since I had been doing so well training and sticking to the plan, I decided to run the marathon in the spring. The NJ Marathon is the perfect fit because it's a beautiful course along the beach (which I love) and it's in my home state.

I officially started training for the marathon in the beginning of the year and am into a week and a half of training. It has been quite an experience considering we (NE) haven't had below freezing temperatures for such an extended period in decades. But that hasn't stopped me from training. I have learned the do's and don'ts of running in cold weather, both through research and through personal experience. In some ways, it's easier to run in freezing temperatures then in hot and humid weather. At least in the cold, you can bundle up and achieve a comfortable state. Running in the heat, especially when it's humid, can many times be unbearable.

So to initiate my first entry on my blog, I have decided to provide you with the gear I use to run in freezing temperatures. Through trial and error I have finally figured out the best gear to wear to reach a comfortable state of running - no matter what the temperature or distance. Before I list my items, I just want to make you aware that I am a bargain shopper and the links provided below may not be to the exact gear I wear, but very similar. TIP: You can find high quality running gear at affordable prices at Marshall's or TJ Max. Hope this helps you run in the cold.

So here goes.

Half Face Mask:
http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Face-Mask-Half/dp/B001O11LSE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1263409466&sr=1-4

Headband:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/NIU1095/


Beanie:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASW2344/

Wicking Baselayer Shirt:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/NKL1331/

Running Jacket:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MCL319/

All-weather or fleece gloves
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRU1023/

Reflective Belt (for running when it's dark)
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/FNU113/

Tights (any kind)
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRL895/

Fleece or Sweat Pants (no link provided)

Crew Socks (no link provided)

Sneakers (no link provided)