(leggings, ear warmer, gloves ((I can’t believe how warm these are)), shoes, half-zip)
Waterproof shoes are kind of a requirement these days in Utah. Ten miles @ 8:40 average while it was snowing for most of the run.
I’ll run in pretty much anything except when it gets below 10… My Peloton will be saving me next Thursday.
I got a little reading in during nap time while the snow was falling.
We went and did some shopping for the angel tree.
Brooke called this Pink Pasta the best pasta in the world.
I’m still on my December quest for the best peppermint and chocolate combo. Ghirardelli brownie mix + Ghirardelli peppermint bark sandwiched in the middle…. delicioso.
PS I need to clarify something from yesterday’s post… I hate honey, but I adore honey butter. Mix anything with enough brown sugar and butter, and I will love it.
We are celebrating Christmas today, which is so exciting but also gives me the weirdest feeling of already missing the big kids for Christmas Day. Ugggg, I try to stay positive about this stuff but sometimes it still just hits me, so there’s that.
One of my favorite pictures ever:
The other day when I was taking a class from Kendall on the Peloton, she talked about how the first interval is always the hardest. Ummm yes. That is always the case for me when doing speed workouts; the first rep always hurts the most and has me questioning how I will survive and complete the rest of the workout. She talked about why this is—> your body is fighting against your heart rate increasing. Your body suddenly needs your heart to pump more blood with oxygen faster to your muscles because they work harder! It just takes a little bit of time to adapt to the changes happening and to better cope with what you are asking it to do.
So next speed workout, when the first interval is hurting, and you can’t imagine doing X more repeats, remind yourself that the first one is the hardest for everyone. It’s not just in your head!
You will adapt!
At what point is it too cold for you to run outside?
Want to exercise and can’t run outside… what do you do?
-Bike.
Are you staying in town for the holidays or going somewhere?
How long after you wake up does it take for you to feel alert?
-Usually 15ish minutes.
44 comments
Molly S
That sunrise during your run!!
I hope your little fam enjoys your early Christmas today! It’s a bummer that they won’t be there for the actual day but I always tend to prefer Christmas season over the actual day.
This year we are staying in town and doing an Italian spread. I can’t wait!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much, Molly! That is such a great point… the build-up to it all is the best part. I needed that perspective change. Can I come for the Italian spread, I’m jealous! Have a beautiful day!
Moni
Hi Janae :)
my threshold is 10 too. It just gets super hard to breathe below that. For biking its 20 f because the wind just hurts that much more (I commute by bike and it gets so painful in winter). It’s really cold in Germany at the moment and on mornings where it’s too cold or too icy out I’ll just strength train
For the holidays my whole family will leave town together for a vacation on an island in northern Germany… We wanted something different this year :)
For the waking up question… It takes me about 1 minute to be fully there in the mornings (to the dismay of my boyfriend, he needs at least 30 minutes too even open his eyes on his own accord). But I am a very, very strange morning person to the extreme. That’s probably my unpopular opinion: I hate evenings! I am exhausted and every little thing upsets me that much more because my mental guards are down… mornings for the win!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’m with you, I don’t want to feel like my lungs are freezing. I can’t imagine biking in the winter, you are hardcore. An island in northern Germany, that sounds DREAMY! Oh you will have to send me a picture. We would be great friends, evenings are rough for me too! My patience is -1029. Have a beautiful morning and day and an early bedtime. Thanks, Moni!
Kathy
My minimum temperature depends on company. By myself? Honestly, probably 25. With a general group of running buddies? 10. Good running buddy with gossip? -10.
We are staying home and I could not be more excited. I am hoping that I develop an excellent butt groove in this couch.
Also, your bread looks amazing. New stop on the way to work.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Such a great point hahaha… with gossip, I’ll get out in the wind even for that;). I’ll join you in the couch butt grooves goals this holiday season. Thanks Kathy! Have a great one.
Allison
I don’t like honey but I LOVE honey mustard sauce. I guess we all have our exceptions!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Great point… I feel like I don’t taste any honey in honey mustard sauce so I am on your team with this. I hope your morning is off to a great start.
Rhiannon
Hi Janae! I haven’t commented in SO long but I have been reading! Being a new mom makes it a little challenging to stay up to date on things. :) Today is my first day back at work after maternity leave and your post is super timely because I am treating this like the first interval in a hard workout or run – I know today is going to be one of the hardest but it will get better. So that applies to a lot of things in life!
I wish the timing of when I had my girl had aligned to better weather, because I haven’t gone for a run in a really long time, and I am super wimpy with cold, so I don’t have any plans to run outside until spring. Treadmill it is for me!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Rhiannon! Congratulations on your new little one:). I am so happy for you and I hope you have had all of the time to snuggle the last few weeks. I am so sorry maternity leave is over. Uggg I wish I could come give you a hug right now. You can do hard things and I hope the work day flies by. Enjoy that time with your daughter and the treadmill when it works with your schedule. You’ve got this, Rhiannon and I need to see a picture:)
Mariah
If it’s too cold out, I’ll go to the gym at my apartment and bike or use the treadmill. Although this morning I did a peloton yoga session with music from midnights! Highly recommend.
Enjoy Christmas today!! I’m sorry actual Christmas Day won’t be a full celebration, you have every right to feel sad about that. But I hope you all have fun as a family today!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I have to find that yoga session, thanks for sharing! Thank you friend… life is sure crazy sometimes but today is going to be great. I hope your morning is off to a great start and I’m grateful for you!
SaraK
In Ohio we get cold weather so I’m usually good to be out year round. But last winter I went out at -20 and my eyelashes were so frozen! I only made it 20mins! I love my Peloton app! I have a different treadmill and bike but can take the classes on the app.
We are traveling to Utah! Going to hike in Zion for a few days. We’ve never been to Utah and are pretty excited and hoping for good weather!
Amanda H
I’m also in Ohio & hoping for snow! So jealous of all the snow in UT.
I don’t go out to run in anything less than 20.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Come visit! It will not stop snowing here. I hope you get some soon. Have a beautiful day, Amanda!
SaraK
Where are you in Ohio?
Amanda H
About an hour south of Toledo. :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
-20! Oh my goodness, how did you even make it 20 minutes?! Isn’t the Peloton app the best? I seriously cannot believe how much I love it. ZION! When are you going? You are going to love it and if you can, make it over to Bryce Canyon too. I feel like I am on Mars at Bryce Canyon! Have a beautiful day, Sara!
SaraK
We fly in to St. George Christmas day! Leave on the 29th. I think we are staying in La Verkin. My husband wants to hike Angels Landing for his birthday. I’m thinking I’m too scared!
Wendy
10° I would never run in, ha. For me anything I. The low 20’s and below is too cold for me. But I rarely get a chance to do that, so I know I don’t have the right clothing and gear.
If the weather is too bad to be outside, I’ll go to the gym and run on the treadmill or do the elliptical. But I’m pretty spoiled with decent weather most of the time.
We’re staying home for Christmas this year. But we’ll be celebrating with family, so that’s always fun. We’re actually going to a football game on Christmas day, which will be different. Definitely not traditional, but will be fun.
I am determined to get the house completely cleaned today, so everything is ready. My youngest will be home tomorrow, the my oldest will be home on Sunday 😊
I’m heading out for a “cold” run now (weather app says it feels like 39°, ha) which is always a good way to start the day.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I need to come join you for a run next Thursday! The right gear really does make the biggest difference but you’ll never need that in California. I love that you are going to a football game on Christmas. Your boys are going to love doing that with you guys. So happy they will be home soon. Hope your run was a great one. Thanks Wendy!
Mindy
It depends on how long my run is but usually if it is in the single digits I head to the indoor track or treadmill.
We are staying home for Christmas, I would love to travel but it would impact too many extended family traditions. We did go to Mexico the week before Christmas last year and it was fantastic. Traveling the week after Christmas would be ideal, but it SO expensive.
I hate mornings, if it is a work day it takes me at least an hour to feel awake and ready to deal with people. On non-work days I can be good to go in 15-20 minutes.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Single digits are what get me too. We looked up tickets for a bunch of places to go since the big kids would be gone and the prices were insane… I get it. So fun that you have so many extended family traditions. I hope you have a beautiful day and that you get a bunch of days off for Christmas. Thanks Mindy!
Whitney
I woke up this morning thinking “how does she not like honey?!” Haha!
I haven’t been a gym member for about 2 years now and ever since my morning workouts have felt sooo tough. I used to wake up more during the 15 minute drive to the gym and now that I work out at home that time is gone! It seems to take me about the same time (15min) walking on the treadmill before I can even think about going faster and running so I’ve been doing lunchtime workouts. 2023 goal is to get back into AM runs. They make my entire day feel more productive.
East coast winters are no joke but not until like January. Right now it hasn’t been too bad so I will run outside until it’s below 20 degrees. Have a great Christmas with the big kids!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hahah Brooke is not okay with my hatred towards honey. I’m excited for you to get back into AM workouts but awesome job getting in those lunchtime workouts. If I don’t run by 9 am, it isn’t going to happen later ha. Enjoy the mild weather for now until you guys get hit hard. Thanks Whitney, have a beautiful day!
Kathy McElhaney
I’m trying a peppermint twist on this dessert http://mcmomentsandmemories.blogspot.com/2014/07/friday-foodie.html for a party on Friday. Adding crushed peppermint to the pudding mix and sprinkling peppermint on top. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
I think the coldest weather I’ve ever run in is maybe 28 degrees. Not because I’m not willing, but you know, California!
I exchange cycling for running, too.
Les is traveled out, so we are staying home for the holidays.
Most days I’m alert within minutes of waking.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Ummm can I come over for that pudding. That sounds amazing. Hey, 28 is COLD! And I’m guessing it never gets near that temp in Hawaii. Enjoy the time together at home. It just feels so cozy to stay home for the holidays. Have a beautiful day, Kathy!
Amy S
Hi Janae! I usually read your blog as part of waking up! It’s nice and positive and helps me start the day feeling good (as opposed to reading the news).
That’s pretty cool to know about the first interval and heart rate thing. I always thought of first interval like first pancake but the heart rate thing makes more sense.
Happy Wednesday!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I love that I get to join you first thing in the morning. Yes to the first pancake visualization too… that makes sense in my brain. Thanks Amy, hope your day is off to a great start!
Beth T.
I think my version of cold may be your shorts weather, here in socal. It is 36 outside. I was just thinking I need to get some ear warmers before I run in the cold to me am, as opposed to waiting until later when it is a bit warmer. Waiting to see if I get anything fun for Christmas! I have run in the snow on vacation, and that was SO fun!
So far where we are, if it’s too cold in the am to run I just run later in the day. We don’t typically have highs below 40-45. So our cold is mostly in the early am. Which means I can normally still get a run in, just later in the day. If it ever does get too cold, I plan to use the Peloton I just got for my husband for Christmas. Beneficial present, haha!
We are staying home for Christmas, but hoping we can go to Mammoth sometime over Christmas break. One of my favorite places ever!
I will admit I am not and never have been a morning person. It takes me a good hour to be fully awake. But having kids definitely helped force me to wake up more quickly than that, haha!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I totally get it… when I was living in California my perspective on what is cold completely changed and I would have been the same as you. Under 50 and I need ear warmers so we are the same on that one. I hope you get some fun Christmas gifts. I love that you are able to go out later sometimes for a run too and you are both going to love that Peloton. Win win! Mammoth… that sounds amazing. Enjoy every second. Hahah kids definitely force us into some new habits. I hope you are having a beautiful day, Beth!
Terese
So this doesn’t answer any of your questions today, I just have to share something. As I was getting my tooth drilled this morning at the dentist I started repeating my running mantras, including “I can do hard things”. It actually calmed me down and took my focus off the horrible sound lol. Have you every used your running mantras in other areas of your life to get you through tough situations?
The Hungry Runner Girl
ABSOLUTELY! I am so glad that those mantras were able to help (the dentist is the worst). I love using them for my kids too in all areas of life. Running does so much for us. I hope you have a beautiful day, Terese!
Katie A
I love that you are embracing winter running so much. I always tell those who complain about the winter that if you force yourself to get outside to enjoy some activity, it makes it SO much more tolerable. At least that is true for me! We can still hate snowy/icy driving, but not winter/snow altogether. I am with you – under 10 degrees and I MIGHT go out with a buddy, but definitely not on my own. On those days, or if I can’t get outside due to scheduling, I like my online fitness programs.
Each morning, it takes me at least 15 mins of staring at the dark ceiling, to convince myself it’s really a good idea to get up. Then it takes me another 5-10mins to feel happy about my decision. I wish I were a better morning person – I am so happy on the days I wake up in time to get a head start to my day before the rest of the family!
We’re staying in town for Christmas – yay for no traveling, but I will miss seeing extended family. Have so much fun celebrating your early Christmas! You are so impressive for being all set for Christmas, in order to do it early together.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Katie, that was SO me. I hated winter when I wouldn’t go out in it. Now that I am out in it as much as possible, I have fallen in love with it. I need to make a reel about this topic haha. There really is something about waking up on your own (even if it is earlier) vs being woken up… my whole day goes differently. Hope your day is a great one!
Amber
Hi Janae!
Brownies look delicious. My idea was to freeze each square before putting in the middle of cookie dough and baking! Hope you are enjoying your holiday season!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That is such a good idea! I am trying that next. Thanks Amber, you too!
michelle
Probably wouldn’t run below 0. Between 0 and 10 I just keep it short because my little cattle dog is with me and I worry he’ll be too cold (although he’s still bounding all over the place living his best life so I guess he’s not worried, hah!). We usually don’t have that many really cold days, but this year we’ve already had several mornings below 10 so I bought a really warm but breathable puff jacket with a hood to run in those mornings. That’s been saving me.
And I LOVE that pic of the kids all in their Christmas jammies. Beck is sooooo teeny tiny. I love that he’s wide awake and ready to party. Have fun celebrating!!
Marissa
I hope you had the best time celebrating Christmas!
The coldest it’s ever been where I live is in the 20’s so I don’t actually know. 20’s aren’t too bad with the right clothing.
I have a Peloton and treadmill in the garage and I use both about the same amount.
We are staying in town for Christmas day but then the following week, our family is going on a small trip to Joshua Tree as our gift to eachother.
Christina
You all are WAY tougher than I am. My limit is 30, and I might not even go if it isn’t sunny outside (I’m in Chicago, so this is a challenge). I ran cross country in college and was forced to run at 6am in freezing weather for so many years, and I told myself I would never make myself do it again if I didn’t enjoy it – don’t force it if you don’t love it!
AmandaM
I am in California for the winters (new england in spring, summer, fall) and thankfully it is never too cold to be outside. Some days are rainy though! I love the elliptical machine! I have a peloton bike in New England and it is a love-hate relationship. It is so hard for me and challenging AND i feel amazing when i complete a class. I give myself a cheer. Ha ha ! I love the HIIT peloton workouts also.
Warren D. Footz
I want to say my limits are +25C and -25C but I’ve run beyond both…it all depends on the wind, ice, I hate ice….and I love bragging after a run when it’s really cold..makes it all worth while
~ R
-Too cold to run outside: under 10 in the dark, under 5 in sun. If I can’t run outside cuz it’s cold and snowy, I shovel snow. If I can’t run cuz it’s just cold, treadmill time.
– I stretch for 30-35 minutes first thing every morning. I’m mostly awake by the end of the 5th stretch, mostly cuz that’s when all my lying down stretches are done and I have to sit or stand up for the last four.
Jen M.
I have some flexibility with my work day, and have realized I have more energy in the morning, but less focus, so I’ve flipped my day. Cleaning + workouts in the morning, work later in the day. It’s been a game changer!
Also, fun tip I discovered from Trader Joe’s samples coming back — if you like honey butter, make honey butter with their hot honey! It’s great on cornbread (or their cornbread crisps) and sandwiches.