winter's a-comin'

[Veronica]

I actually kind of enjoy doing Spinervals. I have a huge variety of workouts. I know I'll get a great workout in a fairly short amount of time.

V.

[pyxichick]

If you like a sport with gear (and if you're into cycling, then you probably do) then nordic skiing is for you. See if there are any ski trails near Milwaukee (and I'm pretty sure there are) where they make snow. Sadly, even the upper midwest is no longer all that reliable for good snow.

This is sort of like hedging your bets... if it's a warm winter, you can get on the bike, and if it does snow, you can be happy that you can ski.

And if it's 20 degrees outside AND no snow, then you can get a pair of ice blades to snap onto your ski boots and skate on the frozen lakes

Embrace winter!

Signed,
Kate, skier for global cooling

[Lise]

I ran all winter last year, unless it was below 20 degrees. That's just too painful. Then I went to the Y and swam +/or ran on the treadmill.

This is another fun thing I discovered last year: http://nordicwalker.com/

My family got me the shoes and poles for Christmas. It's good when it's too icy to run safely. The shoes are very good for running in the winter--much more "grippy" on potentially slick sidewalks.

I'm thinking of getting a trainer and putting my bike in the dining room, facing the TV in the living room...it's a pretty small apartment! I could move the bike back down to the basement when company comes over...I just hate the idea of losing the biking fitness I've gained this summer. I also hate the idea of going to the Y all the time. I really prefer to be outside, and barring that, in my own house.

But I'm like beta...don't want to think about winter! I won't ride outside if it's at all icy. Too scared of wiping out in traffic.

[velogirl]

I'm lucky to be able to ride year-round (I'm not gloating, really). But, some of my clients live in snowy climates or just like to go to the snow from time to time. One of the best cross-training activities for cycling is snow shoeing. You can walk, you can run, you can play games and have contests. The cardio is great and the muscular is very complementary to the cycling action. The folks who are really into it are pretty hard core.

[annie]

ashgarth,

I live in the cold and occasionally snowy not-so-flatlands of northeast Iowa.... pretty much the same weather/climate as you. I x-country ski, if possible, but snowy winters are few and far between, so you can't plan on this as a dependable option to riding. Snowshoeing is also a fantastic option, but the same limitations as x-c skiing - you need snow! And we don't always have that. I will do a bit of running, but since I HATE running, plus have a bad ankle, that's not my first choice. I do a huge amount of hiking! We have some beautiful areas here, on or off trails. I think of it as cross-training and a needed break from the bike.

Much as I would prefer to be outside, I WILL ride my bike indoors on a trainer, just to be pedaling. I ride to music, but close my eyes most of the time and imagine myself on my favorite summer routes and try and get into a zone of riding. I wear a heart rate monitor so that I know what level I'm working at....... or I can get waaaaaaaaay to lazy!

You can join a club - do spin classes. Cross train. Lift weights. The main thing is to continue to be active.

Oh- did I mention cycling outside if there is no snow or ice on the roads? With the right clothing, it is very do-able.

annie