Here in Central Texas, it's finally cooling down and the denizens in this little slice of heaven are getting the chance to take our training up to a new level of intensity. It is nice to have some cooler weather.

For you cats in the northern climes, fall signals to you that it is time to think about bundling up and ride the couch for a long winter.

"Say it ain't so, Joe!"

When I lived in Chicago, winter was something you had to compete with. You could let winter win, which meant staying inside, feeling lethargic and putting on layers of fat, or you could go outside and challenge the elements. I have to say, getting outside and challenging the elements can be energizing, you just have to be prepared.

One of the best runs I had in Chicago was on the running trail along Lakeshore drive while it was snowing . Actually, it wasn't snowing, it was dumping. Fortunately, there was no wind, just an incredible amount of snow falling, dampening the street noise and making everything white. I felt like a kid as I ran with a huge goofy grin on my face. And you know what, the few runners that were, also had that same goofy grin, as if saying "isn't this great!"

I was prepared because I wore the layers of wicking material, some wool, head cover, etc. Sure, I looked like the Michelin man, and thus looked goofy, but who cares?! The way I see it, I can exercise, stay healthy, feel better and look goofy, OR be a slob and have bypass surgery  when I'm 48. My Dad had that surgery when he was 48, and any of the folks who would have said, "You look goofy" weren't there to help him or my mom during their time of need. So, goofy it is...

The folks at Bicycling Mag, based in Pennsylvania, so they know the cold, have put together some tips on on dressing warm for the winter exercise.

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-1-7-17966-1,00.html

HEAD

Start with a beanie or balaclava that's thin enough to wear under your helmet. For windy or wet days, a helmet cover works wonders. Bandless earmuffs, which can be found at ski shops, are also useful.

TORSO

I've found wool to be the perfect next-to-skin layer. It stays warm when wet--either from sweat or precipitation--and doesn't get stinky after one use. Wear garments that have long zippers so that if the weather warms up or you're climbing, you can unzip to increase ventilation and reduce sweating. Finish off with a wind barrier: A thermal vest might be all you'll need, but for rainy days, wear a heavier jacket with sealed seams. Because winter often brings low visibility, be sure you're wearing reflective material.

LEGS

Get a good pair of thermal tights long enough so you don't have strips of exposed skin. Use suspenders or get the bib style--pedaling can cause tights to slip if nothing's holding them up. (Tightening a drawstring around your waist is like choking yourself, as your abdomen should be contracting and expanding for optimal breathing.) For windy or wet conditions, get tights with a water- and windproof front panel. Reflective piping on your tights is also a good idea.

HANDS AND FEET

Full mittens are warmer than gloves. To warm hands up midride, stop at a convenience store and throw your soaked gloves into the microwave for 30 seconds--this really works.

Feet exposed to tire spray pose a greater challenge. Wool socks will stay warm when wet. Insulation booties help keep toes toasty; riders in extremely wet climates will want to top them off with rainproof shoe covers.

Good stuff here. And please, just because it is cold doesn't mean you can't get out and enjoy the weather. One final thought from personal experience, I joined the YMCA in my neighborhood in Chicago. The Y had a great sauna and steam room, and that was my treat after a long cold run. So for those times when it was just bitter cold out, hitting the steam room made for a great goal to get me through the biting wind.