Training in the Cold (I mean REALLY Cold)

This morning, it was about 24 degrees when I started my run. My legs and hands and even my face aren't a problem; once I start running, they warm up. The problem is my lungs. The cold weather hits them and they burn the whole time I'm running. It keeps me from running all out.

I know I'm not the only one who faces this problem. I'm interested in knowing how the rest of you deal with this one.

Thanks.

I have the same problem. The key is to warm up your lungs slowly -- I use a neck warmer -- not the ski kind, but something thinner - they sell them at running stores and even have a name for them (which I forget). Mine's by Sugoi - but I've seen lots of them. Or use a bandana . Something that is loose enough not to make it hard to breathe. I use that for the first 10 minutes or so, and then my lungs are OK.

Also, you might want to check yourself out at the doctors office. I found out I have 'exercize enduced asthma' which is only a problem in the cold weather.

Now, I just use an inhaler when it's cold, and don't even have to do the whole thing I described above....

I live in the NE and it gets icey here sometimes -- I go for the treadmill. Honestly it breaks things up, and I feel like sometimes I can get a great workout. Just make it interesting - I like to warm up for a mile or two, then click a bit faster every half mile, until I finish at a 7 min. pace (I'm a 9 min miler for my Marathon Pace).

Also, a good episode of Sopranos or Entourage or what ever you can TiVo can really help you get through an hour workout on the Treadmill.

People love to disparage the 'mill -- but I try to make the most of it.