Training for a half marathon: Adapting to the cold

Jennifer Fontanez is a kindergarten teacher in South Jersey who is training for her first half marathon.

The training program is definitely starting to kick in and show some results! Even with the cold weather and snow I managed to get a few outdoor runs in and I am looking forward to turning it up another notch in my 3rd week of training! This week's schedule is:

During the week I did my three and four mile runs outside, except for the one day when the snow hadn't quite cleared up yet. The weather has really pushed me into thinking like a runner, especially because I prefer running a good out and back compared to just toiling away the miles on a treadmill! It has been on the colder side, which has challenged me to really think about how much I prefer to run in the elements. I haven't run while it's snowing, but running in the winter tests my endurance. The lowest I can handle running outdoors is about 35 degrees, which seems pretty cold when glancing at the thermometer, but after the first couple of minutes it suddenly feels a lot warmer.

As a new runner outside, I take my running attire very seriously so I stay comfortable for the entire run. If I'm too cold or too hot, I know I won't run as well because I will focus on those issues instead of my pace. My new rule of thumb is one layer less. This is just my personal theory on running outside, but it basically means I can be comfortable running in one layer less than what I can stand comfortably outside wearing. So, if I need to wear a winter coat over my clothes to keep warm, I ditch the coat and instead run in a long-sleeved sweatshirt with layers underneath. My dad, a marathon veteran, reminded me that as long as your head is warm, the rest of your body stays warm, too. I put this to the test over the last week and realized I can run comfortably in the cold as long as my head and ears are warm and my skin is guarded against the cold wind.

Even though I'm better prepared for the outdoor winter run, I'm still looking forward to spring and no ice or snow on my running trail!

When is it too extreme for you to run?

Run with me!:

Join the Wild Half Marathon & 8k Facebook group to get your training started and follow me on twitter as I continue with the 2nd week: @fitfunjen203.

If you haven't yet registered for the Wild Half Marathon, click here. Philly.com readers get $10 off registration before May 1 by using promo code PHILLYDOTCOM at checkout.