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January 24, 2014

The Coldest Run Ever.

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This morning’s run wins a new accolade: it was officially the coldest run I’ve ever done. 12 degrees, with a “feels like –2 degrees” situation from Weather.com due to the wind chill? Yeah, it was really freaking cold. But you know what? It was worth it to spend the morning looking at views like this.

IMG_1069

Even when it’s this cold… the great outdoors still wins out over the treadmill.

It helped that I had someone crazy enough to be out there with me – my buddy Mary, who I can always count on to be on board for ridiculous running conditions. (Her fuzzy Christmas tree hat cracks me up.)

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We did give ourselves the luxury of meeting later than normal – a civilized 7:30 a.m. – so that we were at least running in freezing sunshine rather than freezing darkness. It was such a treat to not be running in the dark!

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We decided that even though the trail was likely an icy/snowy mess, it would be worth the views to run down towards the water. We were right on both counts. 🙂

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Honestly, it was super super cold, but it really wasn’t that bad once we got moving and distracted by chatting. I wore my warmest tights (although my hips/butt ended up pretty cold by the end of the run – no link for the tights because they’re really old), my warmest gloves, a short sleeved tech tee, an old warm running jacket, and then my new Asics lightweight rain/wind jacket over it, which was perfect to block the wind. I put the hood up, too, and wore an ear warmer underneath! My core felt great, but my exposed face was pretty cold, though – probably could have used a mask.

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Anyway! I definitely wanted to bail on this run when I saw the weather, but I’m so glad I didn’t. We ended up covering about 6 miles (some of it rather gingerly/slowly on the snow) and it felt great to get a little fresh air. The hardest part of winter for me is being cooped up most of the day!

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Thanks, Mary, for being as insane as I am. 🙂

In other workout news, I did something on the other end of the spectrum last night: a hot yoga class at Studio DC Dupont with my friend Karen. A warm room and a really nice vinyasa flow on a cold night? Perfection.

studio dc dupont circle

Dupont was looking so pretty in the snow on my walk to the studio!

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We grabbed a sweaty Sweetgreen dinner after the class, and I tried their new rice bowl – so good! I believe it was wild rice, kale, chicken, apples, dried cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. YUM! Plus some of their tasty bread.

sweetgreen rice bowl

—

And now, in other exciting news: the Winter Shape Up challenge information is now up on the blog! It officially starts Monday, but Gina and I launched it today so that you have the weekend to prep and get ready. Check out this page for all the details, including a link to the week 1 meal plan and grocery shopping lists. We hope you’re as pumped as we are and can’t wait to hear how you guys are doing with it!

Time to pack up and finish up some work before rushing out the door – Matt and I are headed down to North Carolina this weekend (we were supposed to go 2 weeks ago but had to postpone) to meet our new nephew, and swinging by Chapel Hill tonight on the way. Excited!

Have a great weekend, friends!

What’s the coldest weather you’ve ever run in? I bet some of you midwesterners and Canadians have today’s temps beat by a landslide!

- anne
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47 comments
  • Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
    January 24, 2014 · 12:19PM:
    Oh my gosh, kudos to you and Mary for getting out there! I don't even want to leave the house when it is this cold! I've never tried one of Sweetgreen's grain bowls, but I am always tempted to. Yours looks fabulous! Have fun in NC!
    Reply
  • katie
    January 24, 2014 · 12:39PM:
    Nice work! My rule is that I don't run in weather, less than 0, or over 90. So the 12 degrees (I ignore "feels like") means I could have ran. Unfortunately, there are no paved paths, and with Minnesota snow/ice, its too dangerous for me to get out there.
    Reply
  • Nicole
    January 24, 2014 · 12:41PM:
    Pretty photos! I decided a long time ago that if I have to have a separate wardrobe to address the low temps, then it's time to run indoors on the track or treadmill!
    Reply
  • Caroline
    January 24, 2014 · 12:50PM:
    Brrr- those types of runs hurt my throat and I end up coughing for a few hours, so I try to avoid running in that weather at all costs. The coldest run I've ever done is maybe a windchill of somewhere between -10 and -15. Colder than that and I'm definitely at the gym.
    Reply
  • Lauren
    January 24, 2014 · 1:08PM:
    You are insane :) And I love the hat!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 5:37PM:
      I'll take that as a compliment. ;)
      Reply
  • Abi@AbsofSteel
    January 24, 2014 · 1:15PM:
    good for you getting out in that weather! I have a 9 mile run tomorrow and I'm probably going to wimp out and do it on the treadmill. Once things get below 20 degrees it's just a bit too frigid for me.
    Reply
  • Jenn@Mark My Mile!
    January 24, 2014 · 1:20PM:
    Looks like so much fun! I want to go next time : )
    Reply
  • KVG January 24, 2014 · 1:29PM:
    Kudos to you for running in the snow! I thought about it, but I wimp out when I think my feet are going to get wet and cold. Whenever I'm outside in running shoes and there is snow on the ground somehow the snow seems to get in my shoes. Any tips for keeping your feet dry while running in the snow? Maybe I need to get a new pair of shoes?
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 5:37PM:
      I definitely got my feet wet, so no tips here unfortunately!
      Reply
  • Jennifer January 24, 2014 · 1:33PM:
    Wow, you are brave! How do you deal with ice? I slipped a few weeks ago and sprained my calf, which was always my worst winter running fear. Just wondering how you avoid it.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 3:45PM:
      It was mostly snowy not icy - more like running in sand! If there was ice we walked or gingerly jogged.
      Reply
  • Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life
    January 24, 2014 · 2:08PM:
    Your dedication definitely shows your true love for running! You are very brave girl! :) It looks like the views were definitely worth it though. How gorgeous was your scenery!
    Reply
  • Amanda
    January 24, 2014 · 2:08PM:
    I'm so impressed. I ran my first half marathon in October and it was 32 degrees that morning. I had never run in the cold before. Not a fan. I live in Kansas City. I called my grandma yesterday and she said, "do you know it is warmer in Alaska today?" Not helpful, Grandma! It was -8 one morning this week with a wind chill of -25. I need to move somewhere warm. We don't even have snow. It's sunny out. It looks so warm outside and then BAM! It's just wrong. Your dedication just impresses me so much!
    Reply
  • Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life
    January 24, 2014 · 2:08PM:
    Your dedication definitely shows your true love for running! You are very brave girl! :) It looks like the views were definitely worth it though. How gorgeous was your scenery!
    Reply
  • Amanda
    January 24, 2014 · 2:08PM:
    I'm so impressed. I ran my first half marathon in October and it was 32 degrees that morning. I had never run in the cold before. Not a fan. I live in Kansas City. I called my grandma yesterday and she said, "do you know it is warmer in Alaska today?" Not helpful, Grandma! It was -8 one morning this week with a wind chill of -25. I need to move somewhere warm. We don't even have snow. It's sunny out. It looks so warm outside and then BAM! It's just wrong. Your dedication just impresses me so much!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 3:43PM:
      This weather definitely has me considering a move to California or something! Lol
      Reply
  • Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food
    January 24, 2014 · 2:38PM:
    So cold! My coldest run was a few weeks ago during that first big cold wave- 20 degrees. I don't think I'd get out the door for 12! Your views definitely did make up for it, though!
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    January 24, 2014 · 3:28PM:
    I've never been in that sort of temp let alone run in it! I think the coldest it's gotten here is about -6 Celcius which is about 21 F...running in that temp is EPIC!
    Reply
  • Faith Plvan January 24, 2014 · 3:29PM:
    I live in Central NY--Syracuse. On Monday, I ran 3 miles when it was 11 below. And that was the "real" temperature, not the wind chill temperature.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 3:42PM:
      Now THAT is hardcore. :)
      Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    January 24, 2014 · 4:52PM:
    That is still really cold! I would recommend something to cover you face the next time! I have ran in -10. Not smart and beyond cold! Have safe travels and a fun weekend!
    Reply
  • Roadrunner January 24, 2014 · 4:59PM:
    Lots of virtue points for today's run, Anne! Impressive! And congrats on the launch of the winter shape up initiative!
    Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    January 24, 2014 · 5:32PM:
    Wow it is COLD today!!! I don't know how you did it- I chose to do a workout DVD in my warm living room instead haha! Kudos to you!
    Reply
  • Emily
    January 24, 2014 · 5:54PM:
    I wanted to say that I just looked over the Winter Shape-up meal plan, and I am so pleased to see a complete breakdown of vegan options! I honestly was not expecting to get much out of the meal plan, but you have done such a nice job--so thorough! Thanks for your attention to detail and including gluten-free and vegan friends.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 6:28PM:
      Glad you are finding it helpful! :)
      Reply
  • Tricia @ Balance In Progress
    January 24, 2014 · 6:38PM:
    You are much braver than me! I live in Chicago and these brutal temps have kept my workout indoors and me dreaming of spring.
    Reply
  • Melissa January 24, 2014 · 6:43PM:
    As a Canadian I get a bit of a chuckle when I hear about cold temps. I did a snowshoeing boot camp in -36F this week. We sprinted up hills and ran around with our snowshoes on.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 24, 2014 · 6:51PM:
      I had a feeling you Canadians would be snickering! That sounds SO hardcore and awesome. I love it!
      Reply
  • Brittney @ Sweets 'N' Greens
    January 24, 2014 · 6:57PM:
    I don't envy how cold it was, but those running views are gorgeous!
    Reply
  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
    January 24, 2014 · 7:01PM:
    Way to get out there, girl! I ran all through the winter last year but this year I turned into a big ol' baby and haven't been able to do it. I don't think it helps that I don't like running in my neighborhood (note to self - this is important when figuring out a place to live!) and I can't get myself to DRIVE somewhere to run unless it's to the gym/some place warm.
    Reply
  • Jen@PregnantDiabetic
    January 24, 2014 · 7:34PM:
    Gorgeous pictures!!! It's mighty effing cold here in Michigan, but the snow was sparkling today, love that :)
    Reply
  • Jenny January 24, 2014 · 10:27PM:
    Did a Studio DC class tonight - they are even more amazing in this weather :)
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Hairway to Vegan
    January 25, 2014 · 1:48AM:
    I live in Santa Barbara and its been consistently 75-80 degrees all of January. Im jonesing for some cold! Never run in snow before, Im afraid I would fall. Plus if I'm in the snow I'm usually on vacation and not running :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 25, 2014 · 8:05AM:
      Omg soooo jealous of that weather!!
      Reply
  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
    January 25, 2014 · 12:36PM:
    It was a few degrees colder here in Massachusetts (7/feels like -4), but I cannot run when it's this cold because I get a kind of cold exercise-induced asthma. I've tried various neck warmers over my mouth, but to no avail. Maybe I just need to buy a ski mask? Looks like a lovely run! I love Dupont! Job well done!
    Reply
  • Pamela
    January 25, 2014 · 4:08PM:
    You're one of those crazy people that I am always in awe of who run in this weather! lol Im definitely the type of person who needs it to be a perfect day of 75 degrees no wind or rain! aka a wuss. You are my hero! :)
    Reply
  • Brigid January 25, 2014 · 8:09PM:
    I am so bummed, I went to SweetGreen by my house to get the rice bowl you got and they don't have them! They are only doing them at a few locations. :( But its ok I still have a great salad.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 25, 2014 · 8:35PM:
      Aww that's super lame!
      Reply
  • Carmie January 26, 2014 · 1:45AM:
    I signed up for a winter running group this year. In Maine, this has meant running through ice and snow and cold - but not as cold as the Midwest and Canada! I invested in a pair of Yaktrax which have been terrific for traction on the slippery days. I'm very impressed by your willingness to run in the colder temps - and by my own! I think it's easier to run in this stuff than in the heat!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 26, 2014 · 8:10AM:
      I totally agree! I prefer super cold to super hot for sure.
      Reply
  • Charlie
    January 26, 2014 · 3:50AM:
    That looks so beautiful!! I don't mind cold, it's just the rain that I dislike!
    Reply
  • Renie January 27, 2014 · 12:09PM:
    We are expecting snow in the Atlanta and parts of Georgia. Ugh
    Reply
  • Kristen January 27, 2014 · 12:33PM:
    I can't say I've ran in negative degree weather, I usually chicken out for that. I did however run in a snowstorm once when I was in college in Milwaukee. When I first got out the door I was like "whats the big deal there's no snow storm?!" but then I turned to go around the block and got my face smashed with blowing snow. No good. I think I made it about a mile and a half. It was still fun though! I've been wanting to do weekend outdoor runs (its dark when I get home from work during the week and I don't live in the city) but the negative degree temps in Wisconsin are scaring me back to the warm gym!
    Reply
  • Emily
    January 27, 2014 · 1:28PM:
    I am super jealous! I moved to NYC a few months ago from SC and I am deathly afraid to run in the snow. I mean, I can have a hard time walking in it with snow boots on, let alone run in it. Any tips for a new-to-the-snow runner??
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 27, 2014 · 1:34PM:
      Just run slowly and cautiously! Snow isn't bad but be careful of ice!
      Reply
  • Anna
    January 27, 2014 · 11:28PM:
    wow! the scenery is so beautiful!! I love it! http://annaindeed.blogspot.com
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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