Winter training wear
What to wear for winter training survival
Having trouble facing winter training? Jo Chapman tells how to beat the chilblains and stay toasty warm.
In a momentary lapse of reason, I decided I would train for the Canberra Half Ironman in 2003, comprising a 1.8km swim, 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run. The gravity of this undertaking necessitated some serious bike training through winter, whose merciless icy tentrils were fast descending.
I decided that the Greenvale circuit would be a good option - some flat bits out to Yan Yean and then, at the halfway mark, a nice long hill to climb with no traffic (great!).
The outer northern suburbs of Melbourne are not renowned for their balmy 7.00 am temperatures in June. As we headed out of Mill Park and houses were replaced by cow paddocks, the temperature seemed to drop a degree every kilometre. By Whittlesea the grass was encrusted with ice and it felt like my face was going to freeze solid and simply fall off. The booties covering my shoes served only to make my feet numb with cold, rather than providing any insulation, but numbness was preferable to the painful windburn afflicting my ears and fingertips. I was waiting for my brain to freeze to block out the alarming thoughts flooding through my mind - could I fake a seizure? Maybe I could make myself throw up? Then we'd be able to turn around, surely??!
The sad reality is that 100km from home is just that. Unless you catch the bus, there is not an abundance of options! I am pleased to say that I suffered stoically through these winter rides, each time applying another layer of clothing and preparing more appropriately for the conditions.
My advice to the cold weather cyclist? Lycra isn't warm!
Chillblains are no fun, so dress appropriately for the weather.
- Cut down the wind chill with a vest or jacket made of suitable fabric.
- Invest in some booties.
- Don't be afraid to wear two pairs of gloves and two pairs of socks.
- Garments designed to allow sweat out but keep the heat in when running are also great for cycling.
- It doesn't matter how much gear you've got on. You can always peel the layers off and put them in your jersey pocket.
- I haven't gone this far myself, but a balaclava is a great idea! At the very least, get a band to cover your ears. They will thank you for it!
Jo Chapman enjoys participating in multi-sport events such as the Sri Chinmoy Triple Triathlon in Canberra, and the Canberra Half Ironman. She has also completed the Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney marathons and the gruelling 'Six Foot Track' 45 km run through the Blue Mountains. She works for the Victorian Government and is looking forward to a secondment with the Commonwealth Games in 2006.