Let me qualify the title before I get the laughs of denizens of harsher climate zones...Based in Vancouver, I cherish the temperate climate of the Pacific Coast. It never gets too hot or too cold, we don't have blizzards or suffer through slush for 6 month of the year. Until the winter of 2008/2009 rolled around!
Mid December saw us shiver in a cold snap with temperatures not getting above -10 degrees C for a week or so. Vancouverites get puzzled as to their clothing choice in conditions like that. We don't own overstuffed full length down jackets, heated boots and whatever else keeps the rest of the country warm. What to wear when heading out for a run during this deep freeze was a favorite topic of discussion among my running buddies. Some didn't even consider braving the elements and headed to the gym.
For my part, I love running in the cold, crisp air. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to dress appropriately. Bottoms were the easiest part. My usual alpaca wool running socks and trail runners did the trick for my feet. I dug out a pair of MEC thermal tights usually worn under my ski pants. My kids claim they look like long johns and they are probably right, but who cares about looks at minus 10. How to layer shirts and jackets was a more complicated issue. I overheat easily and hate having too many layers. In the end I found the perfect combination with the Chitosante Club Fat Ass shirt, that I have come to love not only for design, feel and no stink features, but also for it's thermal regulation qualities (no matter the temperature it always feels great) as the first layer, followed by another goodie, the hoodie matching the thermal tights. For the outer layer I went with my bright green MEC Jetstreak jacket. I had no experience with the jacket as, after suffering through years of monsoon running in not much more than a windbreaker, it is a recent addition to my running wardrobe. The product info recommended it as a waterproof, windproof jacket for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter running, or other cold-weather aerobic activities. Bring it on. My wardrobe choice was perfect. The snug hoodie (combined with a rather large fleece neck wrappy thing) kept my ears and chin cozy. The jacket kept the wind and the cold out and looks snazzy to boot. Only complaint is that the zipper didn't consistently stay up all the way (maybe had to do with the bulk of the hoodie and fleece wrap)
The next weather challenge came just before Christmas. Snowflakes as big as mosquitoes in Winterpeg started to blanket Vancouver. You might laugh, but snow is normally a once a year occurrence in Vancouver. It hardly ever stays on the ground for longer than a day, but is washed off by a nice Pineapple Express. Not so this season. Blizzard after blizzard added to the snow cover and in my back yard, we measured about 70cm. While I did sympathize somewhat with the whining about road and sidewalk conditions and that the stuff was challenging for the elderly, I loved it. Running wardrobe now included gaiters and snowshoes or - during the Vancouver New Year's Day Fat Ass 50- Yaktrak type attachments (thanks for lending them, Michele). The temperatures had risen slightly and I managed with only two top layers, my CFA shirt and my Jetstreak jacket (which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine).
On to the current weather situation...incessant, hard rain. Together with rising temperatures there are flood warnings out for the valley and some communities are handing out free sandbags. Luckily, we live on higher grounds, and short of clearing the storm drains from snow and fearing for the roof to hold the mass of heavy, wet snow, we are not threatened by flooding. The trails are a slippery mess, though and I abandoned my usual trail running loop in favour of a road running session. To avoid traffic and darkness, I ventured out during my lunch break armed with my bright green jacket (great for visibility and a reflective, flashing band around my upper arm. Because of the sidewalk conditions, I chose to run facing traffic (i.e. on the left hand side) on the roads in my neighborhood. I couldn't totally avoid busier roads, but the drivers were in general friendly and I moved out of their way as much as possible. I was looking forward to test the waterproof qualities of the Jetstreak jacket, but alas, the rains stopped for my run (I swear I didn't plan that ;-) and the water test will have to wait...With daytime temps of around 9, I was worried that I would overheat in a jacket designed for cold weather and I only wore an ancient short sleeve Club Fat Ass shirt underneath. Perfect again! I am quite impressed with the heat regulation and breathability qualities of my new jacket.
Let's see what the coming months have to offer on the extreme weather front...and I promise to report in if I manage to stay dry.
