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<p>Very cool. Unfortunately, as any runner knows, most drivers who shout at you are not nearly so kind. I’ve even had them throw eggs at me - and then go around the block to make another pass when they missed the first time (they missed the second time too).</p>
<p>Throwing missiles from a moving car at another car is a felony in most states. It might be the same thing if done at a pedestrian. I suppose that the police could charge such a person with assault or attempted assault.</p>
<p>I don’t know why someone in a car would bother a runner. Some runners do carry.</p>
<p>^^My theory why some motorists get offended by the very sight of a runner is that by your very presence out there running along side the road you are making a Statement. You are making it abundantly clear that you are not like them. You are active, healthy, tough, and focused on improving yourself. They are visibly reminded that they, on the other hand, are few or none of these things.</p>
<p>I’m going to recommend my three favorite products for winter running. I use these items when it’s under 40 degrees and they work well in rain or snow. I’m gonna warn you, the first two are expensive, but consider the cost savings if you will really commit to running outdoors instead of in a gym :)</p>
<p>Favorite pants: Great for XC skiing, as well as cold weather running, and they shed rain and snowflakes pretty well. $105</p>
<p>[SportHill</a> - Products](<a href=“http://www.sporthill.com/product.php?TypeID=2130&gender=w]SportHill”>http://www.sporthill.com/product.php?TypeID=2130&gender=w)</p>
<p>Favorite socks: Nothing compares with these. Dry feet, no blisters. I just ran a marathon in these. They have to be babied a little: no drier sheets. I just hang them to dry. About $20 a pair (much cheaper at Zappos)</p>
<p>[Drymax</a> Sport Socks with DRYMAX removes moisture from your skin!](<a href=“http://www.drymaxsocks.com/index.php]Drymax”>http://www.drymaxsocks.com/index.php)</p>
<p>Favorite layering item. I know, these look weird, but they work. I wear them with a short sleeved performance shirt (NOT cotton), and a waterproof shell over the top. You can push the sleeves down around your wrists if you get too hot. $8</p>
<p>[ASICS</a> America - Running - Accessories - ASICS® Arm Warmers](<a href=“http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240011807&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001579&PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001541]ASICS”>http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240011807&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001579&PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001541)</p>
<p>My soccer playing son swears by zyflex gear when practicing/playing in the rain. You can check it out at zyflex.com</p>
<p>Coureur - oh dear, that was a highly unusual experience for me. As a competitive racewalker (an oxymoron, I know), I have heard ALL sorts of comments, not to mention been followed by 10 yr. old boys imitating me. It was so nice to hear something kind for a change!</p>
<p>Thank you all! I looked at the CW-X tights on Zappos, and the first review was written by someone in Seattle about how great they were for running around the Green Lake. I did not have to read any other reviews - SOLD! I will research the other stuff as well.</p>
<p>workinprogress, racewalking is not an oxymoron, it is an Olympic sport!</p>
<p>Well, BB, it looks like you won’t have any excuses not to go out in the rain :)</p>
<p>Got my new running gear this weekend (gloves, hat, reflective vest, etc.), and my new warm tights arrived last night. The tights feel very nice, and they do have panels of windproof fabric on the front. I can’t wait to go for a run tonight, and I’ll post how it goes. Upon my friend’s suggestion I also got new running shoes, Brooks Gycerin (it helps that there is a Brooks outlet not too far from where I live). Apparently, these are some of the better shoes for running on wet paved surfaces.</p>
<p>I commuted by running or bike in Boston winter for some years. My thing became a windproof pair of pants over tights - neoprene when it got really cold - and a windproof jacket. I preferred an outer layer with a zip up bottom because that let me control how much air came into my legs (and it’s easy to get on and off over shoes). I also took two pairs of gloves, one again for warmth - just a thermal skin - and the other because wind kills your fingers and they can go in the pockets if it’s nice.</p>
<p>I sweat too much for gortex to be useful; the water builds up no matter what. For the top, I found the best solution was a tshirt of some kind - even cotton - with fleece over that and then a windproof jacket. Fleece is light, soaks up water, dries quickly and any cheap thing can work.</p>
<p>I never found a good solution for my face.</p>
<p>Lergmom - biking attire is really tough. Unlike running, it is not just a matter of warming up. You can work up quite a sweat going uphill and then be much colder going down. DH bikes well into the winter and I admire him so much.</p>
<p>So, BB, can’t wait to hear about your purchases. As I said before, the key is to keep running (or in my case walking) as the weather starts to get colder, if you stop now you will never be doing in it December AND to have the right clothing. </p>
<p>One last thought. Last year DH nagged me about making sure I had enough clothing for walking. It killed me to spend the money, but I made sure I had 7 jog bras. It is one less excuse not to go out the door.</p>
<p>My husband also bikes into the winter and says the hardest problem is keeping his feet warm- even with all the shoe covers etc.</p>
<p>To me, the current weather is a little difficult because it FEELS cold early in the morning, but isn’t really cold enough (38 degrees) for the full winter running stuff like hats. Going out early in the dark, I like to be warm, so I err on the side of too much. So what if I get sweaty? I’m not in a race and I’m not going to dehydrate on my 8 mile run.</p>
<p>Lergmom, I pretty much wear the same running attire as you. Like you, I prefer two pairs of bottoms when it’s really cold outside (15 to low 20s), and especially when it’s cold and windy. One layer doesn’t cut it for me–not even if the pants are warm and fleecy. Agree that two pairs of gloves are a must. I also wear two pairs of socks when it’s frigid outside. </p>
<p>I wear my Gore-Tex shell only when it’s exceptionally cold and windy. At other times, I’m dressed exactly like you–some type of t-shirt, fleece layer, and lightweight windproof or water-resistant jacket. I vary the heaviness of the fleece layer depending on the temperature.</p>
<p>I have a neoprene mask for my face, but I don’t like to wear it. Instead, I usually wear a wide headband around my neck that I pull up over my mouth as needed. If I get too warm, I can easily pull the headband off and shove it in my jacket pocket.</p>
<p>Just want to give a shout-out for my newest running shoes, the Nike LunarGlide. They’re fabulous! I’ve been having lots of trouble with my arches over the past couple of years, but I think the LG has nixed that problem. They offer just the right amount of support and cushioning. I have to buy new running shoes about every four months, so I’ve worn just about brand and style imaginable. It’s not often that I’m this impressed with a running shoe. (Although I must say my dad told me he “hates the way they look” and they’re “the ugliest shoes he’s ever seen.” LOL!)</p>
<p>I found neoprene boot covers that worked for me on the bike. With a face mask, it was like being encased in armor. I remember one ride home into a gale with the bike in lowest gear barely moving against the wind but being amused by it all.</p>
<p>There is no way to keep your feet warm running in the cold. Maybe a portable blow torch.</p>
<p>The biggest problem for me was the ears. They get cold and that can get into the middle ear and cause problems. I stopped in part because of that. I highly recommend experimenting with hats and headbands until you find what works for you.</p>
<p>I went for a run in my new tights and new shoes last night - 6 pm and it was complete darkness. H and I were experimenting with all sorts of flashlights. My biggest challenge was avoiding the garbage cans that some people put out too far away from the curb - I swear some of the %&#@ cans were sitting in the middle of the street!</p>
<p>The tights are AWESOME. It was about 40 degrees, but not windy or rainy. I was comfortable and warm but not hot or sweaty, and my kneees felt great (I don’t know if it was for real or if a “placebo effect” kicked in). The shoes are wonderful for running on asphalt (I misspelled Glycerin in my post 
). I bet they will be even better after a couple of days. The rain will be back tomorrow, so I should be able to report on how my new gear handles wet and cold Thank you all!!</p>
<p>I have Nike LunarGlides in my collection and like them. Avant is a similar shoe (Nike as well) and strangely inexpensive. </p>
<p>My feet don’t get that cold running if I have good socks. Standing around is another story…</p>
<p>I am running an extremely difficult marathon on Nov 22 - perhaps the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire 30 plus years of running. I am just starting to freak out about what the weather might bring. I’ve been focused on the impossible course up to this point.</p>
<p>MofWC - why is this particular marathon so difficult. I know they vary, but what is it about this one that has you a little intimidated?</p>
<p>And another question for you, MofWC:</p>
<p>Have you tried the Avant? I’m always looking for relatively inexpensive, yet decent running shoes since I have to buy them so often.</p>
<p>It’s my understanding that the LunarGlide offers more support than the Avant. The Avant is advertised as appropriate for neutral to mild overpronators, while the LunarGlide is appropriate for underpronators to moderate overpronators. I’ve been told I’m neutral, but I have problems with pain in my arches when wearing neutral shoes. So far, the LG is the only shoe I’ve tried that allows me to run pain-free, and I’ve tried every type of shoe–both with and without inserts. It would be great if I could wear the Avant without experiencing pain.</p>
<p>I’m not a competitive runner like you and worknprogress, but I do run about five miles every day.</p>
<p>Here is what the race director wrote us:
My dear Monkey Runners. </p>
<p>Over the years, one thing has become clear to me. To wit, running is stupid. It is foolish. It is painful. When we run, we hurt, we sweat and we get all out of breath. Who needs it. And when we run, we think about even stupider things. Like marathons. Goodness. </p>
<p>And so this: what were you thinking? </p>
<p>You signed up for the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon. Perhaps the stupidest marathon there is. I mean, there are hills. Lots of them. Big ones. And monkeys. Did I mention monkeys? There are angry winged monkeys who really have no time or interest in runners. And the danged course ain’t even certified. And the mile markers are approximate. And did I mention, there are hills too. Stupid. Just stupid. </p>
<p>Alas. You are registered. You are in good, albeit questionable, company. This year’s marathon filled in record time. I’d have thought that word would have gotten out about how stupid this marathon is, and kept folks away. I’d apparently have thought wrong. So, since you are registered, some details about the race. You know, in case you actually choose to go through with it. Which, of course, would be foolish. </p>
<p>Over the coming weeks, I will send you bits of information. In the meantime, feel free to peruse our website, [The</a> Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in Percy Warner Park](<a href=“http://www.harpethhillsmarathon.com%5DThe”>http://www.harpethhillsmarathon.com) </p>
<ul>
<li>You cannot actually train for this race. Don’t even try. It is futile.</li>
</ul>
<p>I do have the Avants and wore them for my marathon 3 weeks ago. They were fine. I think they are very similar in feel to the Glides. I actually don’t feel that the Glides have much pronation correction (which I don’t need) although I know they claim they do. The Avants are a neutral shoe. To me, so are the Glides. People on my running forums have been really happy with the Avants. They are a lot like Zoom Start 2009 which was my spring racing shoe and is now discontinued.</p>