Well since it's winter up here in the show me state running is starting to take it's toll on my body....It's complete torture!

There isn't really anywhere else I can run but outside. Since the cold weather can hurt your body, my question is this....

Should I run long slow distance runs ( 3 miles less than 23:00 Min), or short fast ones (1.5 miles less than 10:30 Min)

I personally want to just grit my teeth and run normally, but am a little reluctant to . I only have 2 weeks until departing to BMT so an injury would be devistating.

Also does anyone think that New Airman are in better physical shape with the new PRT?

Just wanting to look before i leap....huh
JOE-B00 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Kennon

With only 2 weeks to go I wouldn't worry too much. Personally, I would run 3 days a week for 45 min (not distance) at about 155-165Bpm heart rate. Cross train (active recovery) on the off days. This is what I would use to keep the cardio up and blood flowing without risk of injury.

If you have the cash, I would advise buying some polypro and a wind breaker running suit as a long term investment. Wear the windbreaker outside with layers of other clothing underneath and polypro next to the skin. Gloves and a hat will help a lot, too. A scarf over the face is good when it is really cold. If you don't have the cash, don't worry about it. You will be OK even if you don't run for a couple of weeks. It's more important not to injure yourself before you leave.

Don't underestimate how important a pair of gloves are in cold weather when running. I get away with polypropylene liners here in TX on cold no wind days, and wear a Windstopper pair on breezy days.... amazing what comfy hands mean on a long run.

Your biggest hazard will probably be the ground. Hitting a little bit of ice can ruin you for a long time, or a little snow hiding a hole or step of some kind.

You might see if a health club might give you a 2 week deal... get on the recumbent exercise bikes and you can get aerobic or anaerobic workout, and since you can use your hip flexors similiar to a flutter kick motion, it's a good workout for that and your swimming. Or break out the old jump rope for some marathon sessions... still a great tool to use....

Best of luck, and keep us updated...

Kennon...

Once you get to Lackland, the Air Force will dictate what you wear, so that helps some. For the time being, here might be some low cost solutions.

Wal-mart sells long sleeve shirts by STARTER. They are lycra-like and run about $12. If you don't want to wash them all the time, they rinse out in the sink and hang dry fast.

Wear against the skin. It works well down to 50-55 degrees by itself. If windy wear a t-shirt over it and you will be pretty good down to close to freezing.

As a guy who used to race on ICE. I can tell you that once you approach freezing, you have to do things for your health. First cover exposed skin on hands and ears. Also, you need to be careful not to bundle up too much. As you will find in you military training, comfort can cost you. Once your core temperature rises, you will not need much to keep you warm if you can keep the wind off your skin while you are moving. Make sure you can vent, particularly from the neck and upper chest. Sweating to the point that you become soaked can get dangerous if the temp is low.

Also, take your warm-up very seriously in cold weather, your joints will suffer in the years to come. If you can get a basic warm-up in the house do it. Remember you don't have to run like a jack rabit from the first step. I have noticed that thinner guys, which I am definately not, seem to need to cover their lower bodies to keep warm at a mild temperature and I heard it is better for your knees. This is my understanding, so sweat pants or lycra may be in order. My legs get too hot being covered unless it is below freezing...so act accordingly. I wore only lycra until it got down into the teens on my legs for speedskating and most of us skated barefoot. MC or one of the "real" runners should be able to shed the light of truth on this for you.

You will pay for what you do now in a few years, for the good and bad. So don't get caught up in killing yourself every chance you get. Persistancy, consistancy and patience will serve you well. Stay healthy.

<small>[ October 27, 2003, 20:06: Message edited by: JOE-BOO ]</small>