Outdoor Athlete: Rebecca T.

Splits in the Cold: A Runner and Coach Who Refuses to Let Winter Win

Rebecca Trachsel · Runner and Track Coach

Picture a winter track practice. Rebecca’s distance runners are knocking out 400-meter repeats, and she’s standing at the line with a stopwatch, wearing a heated vest, scarf, gloves, socks and a blanket wrapped over the top of it all. Comfortable and warm.

“Standing outside and taking splits for them is one of the most grueling jobs. But, they're working hard and so I do my best not to complain.” she says.

Her take on cold weather is one a lot of people can relate to: “I hate being cold. End of story.”

Rebecca’s Rules for Winter

Between coaching and her own training, Rebecca has worked out a simple approach to winter.

1. Always have a layer nearby. “Once summer is over, my ororo gear is with me at all times. If I’m not wearing it, it’s in my bag or in my car. Weather can turn on a dime.”

2. Warm up before you head out. “Single digits and running just don’t work for me anymore. By starting my run with a pair of gloves or a vest on, I can take less time to warm up and use that time to find a groove for training.”

3. Keep your core warm. Her favorite piece is the heated fleece vest, “because I can wear it under many layers and it keeps my core warm no matter what.”

4. Don’t think about the cold. “By staying warm I can focus on the task at hand, not how I’m feeling.”

“I can’t coach and train if I’m cold. It just doesn’t work.”

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