Underrated or Overrated: Winter Training

Finn Melanson [00:00:09]: Hello, fellow runners. I'm your host, Fin Mollansing, and this is the Run to the Top podcast. A podcast Dedicated to making you a better runner with each and every episode. We're created and produced by the expert team of coaches at runnersconnect.net where you can find the best running information on the Internet as well as training plans to fit every runner and every budget. The winter season is officially here. And while most people spend their time inside watching Netflix or curling up to a good book, Many runners brave the elements to keep training through tough conditions. If you're a runner looking to run year round, we're here to help. In this episode of underrated or overrated, we're covering winter training topics so you know what gear and training strategies will actually help get you through the colder winter season.

Finn Melanson [00:01:03]: Training in the wintertime can bring many unique challenges. In colder climates, The cold and snowy weather means lots of extra layers and depending on the conditions, some extra flexibility to find a safe running route. We thought we'd make it simpler to navigate these challenging conditions by answering winter training questions like, does Gore Tex gear actually help keep you warm and dry? Are mittens or gloves better for protecting your hands during colder runs? Should you run through a snowstorm? And many more winter training questions. We're turning the tables this week, and I'll be interviewing our showrunner, Corey. He lives in trains in Toronto, Canada year round, So I'm excited to hear his thoughts on running in winter conditions. So let's get into it with an underrated, overrated winter training This podcast is brought to you by MedPro, World renowned concierge nutrition and fitness coaching company. Head to MedPro dotcoforward/rtt to get a complimentary metabolic profiling assessment and a 30 minute consultation with a MedPro expert. Muscle Health Plus combines clinically effective doses of creatine, HMB, BCAAs and estrogen to make the most comprehensive muscle health supplement available.

Finn Melanson [00:02:21]: Head to runnersconnect.net forward slash muscle, and use code r t t t fifteen to save 15% off your first order. Alright. We are back with another episode of Underrated versus Overrated and this time, we are focused on winter training topics. How are you doing today, Corey?

Cory Nagler [00:02:47]: I'm doing pretty well. Excited to chat about this topic.

Finn Melanson [00:02:51]: Yeah. I I think we both hail from colder parts of the northern hemisphere and I think a lot of our audience does as well. So this is certainly a timely discussion. We have 4 categories here today. Are you ready to dive in?

Cory Nagler [00:03:05]: Absolutely. Let's get into it, Finn.

Finn Melanson [00:03:07]: So the 1st category is winter apparel And the first topic is mittens versus gloves. Go ahead. Okay. Well, this is

Cory Nagler [00:03:18]: a tough one, but I think I have to go with gloves. I know that each serves a purpose, but gloves are just so much easier to use. I can't get over how hard it is to use mittens when you're on the For 1, they're not as comfortable. You can't splay your fingers. But more than that, if you wanna take out your keys, if you wanna stop your watch, It's just you can't use them the same same way that you that you blow gloves. So I have to go with them just purely off of that reason. But, I do recognize that gloves give more protection, so it does get pretty cold down here. At times 1 thin layer of glove won't do it.

Cory Nagler [00:03:52]: So for me preferring gloves, I'll often just use multiple layers of gloves, or even when it gets really cold, I've had to resort to using, like, heated gloves, which, Which have to charge into the wall after, but I realized that's a bit of a a luxury when it's really, really cold out. But at the end of the day, like, I'd rather put on 3 or 4 pairs of gloves even then have to put on mittens because I just cannot be bothered to to then have to take them off if I wanna juggle around with my watch. So, yeah. I think that's my answer is gloves.

Finn Melanson [00:04:22]: Next up, balaclavas. I love saying

Cory Nagler [00:04:25]: that word. Yeah. It is a fun word to say. And I'll have to admit that, when I first saw this one, I had to Google for myself, what is a balaclava? Which Probably tells you my answer, which is I'm going to go with overrated. I think there's something to be said for keeping your face warm, for Making sure that you're covering everything up, but at the end of the day, I think there's better options that are less constraining. Wear a hat, make sure that you've got a good jacket on and worse comes to worse. Something that I've liked to use in the past if I need to cover my face is to use, a neck gaiter, so essentially kinda like a bandana for your neck. You can just kinda pull it up, and then if you overheat, it's easier to take off than a balaclava.

Cory Nagler [00:05:09]: The other thing I'll add is that I'm often getting in my runs early in the morning and rushing to work or to record a podcast after. So, the less time I have to take to get ready afterwards and before, the better. And having an extra layer like a balaclava that is kinda like Going underneath everything, it just adds that much more time. That, again, I can't be bothered for.

Finn Melanson [00:05:30]: Next up, and this seems like a broad topic to me, so take it wherever you want, but Base layers.

Cory Nagler [00:05:36]: Yeah. I think base layers is a very broad topic. But thinking about base layers in the context of some kind of clothing design specifically to go against, To be your 1st 1st layer under other layers that you're wearing, I'm gonna say overrated. And I'll get into a little more because I think, you know, layering in the wintertime, Absolutely important. It's essential that you put on multiple layers if it's cold. There's no jacket that's gonna be thick enough to keep you warm if it's, Twenty below freezing Celsius or for American listeners who are going by Fahrenheit, I think that's probably somewhere in the ballpark of, 0 to negative 5. But at at the end of the day, I think, like, if you have good running clothing, that's gonna serve you well whatever the temperature. So I think just yourself a good pair of long sleeves, throw on layers, a good running jacket, or something on top of that, and I think it's gonna do just as well as anything specifically advertised as being a base layer.

Finn Melanson [00:06:42]: Our last topic inside the winter apparel category is Expensive running jackets and, you know, maybe to set some boundaries we should possibly determine what constitutes expense. I'm sure that's different For various members of the audience, but, what comes to mind, overrated versus underrated when you think of expensive running jackets?

Cory Nagler [00:07:04]: That's a tough one as well. But I think I'm actually gonna go with underrated on this one. I I am a sucker for a good running jacket. And obviously, there is a cost. I'm not gonna be throwing $1,000 at a at a running jacket. So the line has to be drawn somewhere. But at the end of the day, if I'm thinking about like an article of clothing, especially winter clothing in particular that I'm gonna be willing to spend a premium. I think jackets come near the top for me.

Cory Nagler [00:07:36]: Just because I I have yet to find a good substitute. You really need something that's going to be a bridge layer that protects you against the wind, in a way that other layers of clothing can't. But then anything that's not kind of specifically designed for running, It's just even in the coldest weather, it's gonna make you sweat. It's gonna stick to your clothing. It's just uncomfortable. And also, you still need to be warm when you're doing a workout. So I want something that's gonna be able to keep me warm, but also be light and comfortable when I'm on the run. So I have to say even expensive running jackets, underrated.

Cory Nagler [00:08:12]: I know that I'm not

Finn Melanson [00:08:13]: a part of this, but I also agree. I think it's very much underrated. That wraps up our winter apparel category. We are now on to fabrics, the first one being Gore Tex or really any other waterproof material. Do you find Gore Text to be overrated or underrated and why?

Cory Nagler [00:08:32]: Oh, I think it's interesting that you add the caveat Gore Tex or any waterproof material. When it comes to both of those, I'm gonna have to say underrated, But I think Gore Tex or anything name brand, I might have to say overrated. And maybe I'm cheating a little by adding the caveat, But I think that if it's really snowing hard, if it's getting really cold, I think there is some value in in having, Something there that's that's really gonna keep out the elements. I think that's especially the case for keeping dry. Like I find that this stuff tends To not get as soaked through as some other materials, maybe on the warmth. I I don't know that you need the the waterproofing as much, but I think A lot of the Gore Tex I think is marketing the same way. You'll kind of see HEBA or other materials and shoes, which are, Like the generic material, but then there'll be specific names for it that all the brands have. So I wouldn't necessarily assume it's better just Because it's, Gore Tex, obviously not a sponsor of ours.

Cory Nagler [00:09:36]: The one maybe exception that I'll add, I think is shoes. I have found that Gore Tex shoes do a pretty good job of making sure that your feet are, comfortable, warm, and dry. So I think that that's maybe the one area where I might splurge a little bit to to get those waterproof, materials.

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Finn Melanson [00:12:35]: Underrated or overrated?

Cory Nagler [00:12:37]: I'm gonna go with underrated on this one. I love merino wool, and I'll say that it applies to a lot of material. I think If you're a non runner, your first thought is probably like a warm, comfy sweatshirt or or something of the sorts. But I think for for runners, we kinda know those, either base layers or socks or, you know, maybe even have gloves that are merino wool. I'm I'm not sure. But I think When it comes to finding something that's gonna keep you warm, but still be sweat wicking and comfortable and light, It's just a really good option. I I don't I don't think that this is one that can't be substituted. Like, there's definitely other materials that are that are great.

Cory Nagler [00:13:18]: So I may be not, as hard into that camp as I was on the running jackets, but I I I will say that I just absolutely love Just about any running gear that have tried on, that's merino wool.

Finn Melanson [00:13:31]: That wraps up our fabric category. Moving on to winter tools and Accessories, our first one being hand warmers.

Cory Nagler [00:13:39]: I'm gonna go with overrated on this one. They feel really nice In the moment, but they don't last that long and I find that they don't really keep your whole hand warm. At the end of the day, like, whenever I've used hand warmers, I find that I'm still, longing to have some type of more warmth and to to cover it up with gloves, or whatnot. And, if you need to throw a glove over it, I know some people do that, but at that point I don't really see the point in having the hotshot or hand warmer. There's also something about just, like, holding on to something. Like, I've tried running in the past with, like, my phone or keys and, I I I don't like being constrained by that and having to hold something. So, even hand warmers are are not that great. I think I might actually feel differently more as a non runner on on this one.

Cory Nagler [00:14:32]: Like if I've been in corrals and stuff where I really love having hand warmers, and they can just be like A cool comfort. But if I'm trying to keep my hand warm on the run, I'm definitely going with overrated.

Finn Melanson [00:14:44]: Next up, visibility and or reflective gear.

Cory Nagler [00:14:49]: I'm saying underrated. At the end of the day, there's Nothing more important than safety. For most of us, this is a hobby. And even if you're a professional, you still have to stay healthy to perform well. And in the wintertime, not only is it cold and poor conditions, but there's so much more darkness. Honestly, like, I can't remember the last time that I've started to run, because I mostly run-in the mornings where it's been light out. So I also have to Wear a headlamp as well, generally, just to see where I'm going, let alone, anything reflective for cars. The other piece to Keep in mind that you may not think about if you're living in a warmer climate is that for a lot of us, when there's big snowfalls, the streets are where it's cleared first.

Cory Nagler [00:15:34]: So it's not always an option to run on sidewalks. And if you're gonna be running right in the middle of a street, even if it's not a major street that has a lot of traffic, You really wanna make sure that those cars can see you. So, I think whether that's a light or just something reflective, it's it's definitely a piece of gear that's, that's worth getting and and underrated.

Finn Melanson [00:15:55]: Our last category is titled fun, so

Cory Nagler [00:15:58]: this should be interesting. 1st topic, running in the dark. Underrated or overrated? This one is absolutely underrated. And maybe I alluded to this with my last answer, just talking about how I like to run-in the morning. But, I think it's just it's it's fun. Somehow it just feels like you're moving faster when you run-in the dark. There's also something to be said for running in tough conditions. It just makes you feel pretty cool.

Cory Nagler [00:16:26]: But if there's a massive snowstorm, heavy rain, it kinda sucks. Whereas running in the dark just just feels like a really cool experience. The other nice thing is depending on the time you go, you might see sunset or sunrise. So it can be pretty, as you're running, good views. And it's less crowded. If you go midday, especially if you have to be out on the road, there's a lot of cars, there's a lot of people, that makes it really hard to get in a work Whereas I wanna just have straight roads, not have to think about where I'm going, and the best time to do that tends to be when it's dark out. So underrated.

Finn Melanson [00:16:59]: Next up, running through a snowstorm.

Cory Nagler [00:17:03]: This one is definitely overrated. And this comes back to that safety piece. I talked about reflective vests, and I said, there's there's no premium for safety. That has to come first. And running through a big snowstorm, I just think is Definitely not in line with that, and I say this mostly because I've been guilty of that. I think there's, kind of, the the David Goggins mentality, Stay hard, where you wanna get out and and never miss a run. And if you're a streaker, in the running sense, I can I can see why you might wanna make sure you you get out and and try? But if the Conditions are really poor to the point where it's unsafe. I really think there's no there's no justification for it.

Cory Nagler [00:17:42]: And sometimes as runners, I think we kind of, Overestimate the impact of missing 1 run. If you're consistent with your training, you're gonna get a lot more benefit out of staying in than going out and running that snowstorm. And And even better, if you have options to get in some strength training or running on treadmill or something, it doesn't even have to mean risking your run. So running in a big snowstorm, Definitely overrated, but if there's a little bit of snow, that that should be fine as long as you dress appropriately.

Finn Melanson [00:18:10]: Our last topic here, and beforehand, I have to reference the fact that coach Rory, in a slightly different context, called post race beer overrated. But here we're asking you, which by the way is debatable. But here I'm asking you post run coffee / hot cocoa or some other warm beverage. Underrated or overrated?

Cory Nagler [00:18:33]: I'm going highly underrated on this one. And just for fun, I'm gonna add an underrated on the beer as well now that I have the chance to give my opinion. I actually recently did a, 5 k race that had hot at the finish. It was, near a Santa parade in town, and it there's it's just hard to beat having something really nice and warm on a on a cold run. And a lot of the time if you're running, whether it's a 5 k up to the marathon, typically they're happening in cool conditions because that's perfect running weather. You know, what's comfortable to walk around in 60, 70, 80 degrees Fahrenheit? That's way too warm for running. So usually you're gonna be a little chilly at the finish line, there's something really nice about having that half hot coffee or hot cocoa waiting for you at the finish line. To the point where I kinda wish a a lot of races even that weren't in the winter time that we're more in the the fall and spring might offer that in addition to the beer.

Cory Nagler [00:19:28]: So, whichever option that is, whether you you need your caffeine or whether you prefer the hot chocolate, especially for the kids, I think this one is definitely underrated.

Finn Melanson [00:19:40]: Corey, we can't thank you enough. I think we covered a lot of great ground today covering topics like winter apparel, fabrics, tools and accessories, Fun and I'm sure there are people in the audience that that agree, some people that disagree, but regardless, great fodder and maybe some added perspective. Is there anything you wanna leave listeners with before we go?

Cory Nagler [00:20:01]: Yeah. I think whether you're somebody who trains in in hot weather or cold weather, For me, the takeaway from a lot of this is keep running fun, but be safe. You need to dress for whatever the elements are. And obviously, that's gonna look very different if you're running in a snowstorm versus if you're running in Texas heat in summer. But I think, you know, run running can and should be a year round option. So there there's always ways to do that.

Finn Melanson [00:20:43]: Thanks for listening to the Run to the Top podcast. I'm your host, Finn Melanson. As always, our mission here is to help you become a better runner with every episode. Please consider connecting with me on Instagram at Wasatch Finn and the rest of our team at runners Connect. Also consider supporting our show for free with a rating on the Spotify and Apple Podcast players. And lastly, if you Love the show and want bonus content, behind the scenes experiences with our guests, and premier access to contests and giveaways, then subscribe to our newsletter by going to runners connect .netback/podcast. Until next time, happy trading.