I have a theory that my loss in weight/body fat % can largely be attributed to this. At the tail end of my stress fracture recovery period in late 2009, my weight ballooned up to the low 190s. I was still trying to remain active by mountain biking and going to the gym but nothing could replace running. I'm sure it didn't help that I still ate like I was running 40-60 miles a week.
December 2009, in heavier times.
December 2010, in leaner times.
Fast forward to present day where I am about 20+ pounds lighter and body fat is right at or below 10%. These days I can't step outside without at least a pair of gloves, arm or long sleeves. A couple of nights ago with temps in the 50s, I went out on a double-digit run donning a pair of gloves and arm warmers thinking I'd ditch them at some point. They never came off.
Add to it that I find myself either scheduling runs based on the weather or skipping them entirely if conditions are too "cold". What the hell happened to me?
Ideal no more.
I know most runners relish running in cool temps like we're having but I increasingly and uncharacteristically find myself pining for summer-like temperatures in the 70-80s again.
Guess living in LA all these years finally caught up to me and is making me soft. That, or I need to start doubling up on my caloric intake.
13 comments:
Soft? No. You have lost weight and acclimatized to your surroundings. My hands get cold really fast, but when the temp in Colorado is 50, I will be out in shorts and short-sleeves. Don't stress it, it is what it is, but you are not soft.
LA definitely ruined my ability to function in cold weather.
It's just aclimatiztion although I am not sure what your excuse is given ll the shitty weather of late...every day I leave my house it's 35f!
You ain't kidding! Try going from 230 lbs. to 145 lbs. I used to run in my regular running shorts and short sleeves even when it was 32F. Now it feels cold at 45F and in the mid 30s my fingers are in pain (until they finally go numb).
It's supposed to be 30F here tomorrow - at least I only have 4 miles.
I'm with you on this one. Cannot wait for summer again.
Cold Sissy here as well. But I am also a hot sissy (hot as in temperature). As long as it's above freezing (so 37f is okay) and below 80, I'm good. I think it's what we're all used to.
I'm right there with you on the inability to function in the LA cold, but I can't blame it on weight loss. I used to run all the time in the dark winter of LA. This year I did all my runs at lunch time in the sun.
Congrats on getting the pounds off. LA definitely makes people soft, but I'd rather be soft in a 60 degree sunny SoCal Feb day than "hard" in a 30 degree overcast/rainy/sleeting or whatever Feb day elsewhere!
LOL, I was happy that things were finally warming up here in Ottawa and I could shed a layer today because the temperature is rising to 10F this morning!
I have become a wuss. L.A. does that to people. I need to get out of here quick.
On the other hand (what does this term mean?) I think it is much harder to run in the oppressive heat than cooler temps. So maybe L.A. dorks are tougher.
Being soft. That's why I enjoy living here!
I'm going with it's more your low body fat than you being a wimp. As in, when someone calls you a wimp you can quickly (so you don't freeze to death) just flash your six-pack at them.
I am the opposite, can't stand the heat, it breaks me... like on the 2nd loop at MC today... ouch. I love it when I start a run and it takes a couple miles for my numb feet to warm up =)
How'd you do today?
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