Do you only train indoors after September?

Perhaps you should rethink how uncomforatble you find winter outdoor training...

The below picture is from a kettlebell juggling competition in Russia. Kettlebells are very popular there and many competitions are held all over the country. Not only is this girevik (kettlebell lifter) wearing only a pair of shorts, he is also blindfolded as he performs his routine. I think this may redefine "hardcore" for those of us who forsake the outdoors for wintertime training.

The colder weather is now upon us so let's take our inspiration from the man in the above picture and make sure to not only stay active this winter but also to get outside, no matter what the weather.

It is important to remember the survivalist phrase "cotton kills" when we get dressed to train outdoors in colder and wetter weather. MEC sells very inexpensive wicking underwear and shirts, a must as cotton will hold your sweat and also is a very poor insulator unlike poly base layers which retain body heat and wick moisture to the surface where it evaporates. If you are unsure what type of base layers to wear, ask the staff at MEC or any other good outdoor-wear store.

Another great investment is some sort of waterproof/breatheable jacket and pants. A quality rainsuit can be a bit pricey but with proper care it will last for years. I am a big fan of Gortex but there are many other such fabric technologies out there that provide similar performance.

It can be next to impossible to keep your feet completely dry so make sure to steer away from cotton socks as well. Merino wool socks are a great investment as they will keep your feet toasty warm even when soaked right through. I have been able to hike for hours this way with soaking wet feet!

If you are well-prepared clothing-wise you will certainly discover a new love for British Columbia in the wintertime, and avoid a case of cabin-fever at the same time!

Do.