Still No Jacket Required

It appears that winter is over, so I’m ready to file my report on project No Jacket Required. To bring the new readers up to speed, this past winter I tested aggressive cold weather exposure on myself. From that post back in December:

On an average day, I am now spending between 1 to 2 hours outside. As temperatures gradually dropped from summer 70s to the current mid 40s, I have remained in short-sleeved shirts. If the wind is strong, Ill add a thin fleece on top, but that has only happened once so far this season.

Other than the Seattle snowstorm, I went this entire winter wearing at most a long sleeve shirt. On most days, even those that got into the low 30s, I remained in a short sleeved shirt. What did I learn?

1. The body is fully capable of acclimating to cold temperatures. The first few minutes are always the worst.
2. My hands never got used to the cold and would get numb in cold weather. Wearing gloves or putting them in my pockets was essential.
3. Movement is very important. The body does not appreciate standing still in cold weather. Even a slow walk is enough to keep warm or at the least, not be painfully cold.
4. Respect the wind. It will chill you to the bone faster than cold temperatures. Limit exposure on windy days.

Me during the snow storm wearing just a tee-shirt and a sweater.

Some people think I am a lunatic for trying this, but I really enjoy the freedom of knowing that I pushed my comfort zone almost 30 degrees. When I first moved up from San Diego, I would be uncomfortably cold in the low 60s. Now I head out of the house wearing a golf shirt with no fear of what the weather can throw at me. If it starts to rain, I have a rain jacket packed inside my back pack.

I didn’t catch a cold or flu this entire winter. My last winter in San Diego I was sick a lot.

I didn’t gain any fat this winter. That is a first. Although that is most likely from another reason, which I will save for another post.

Besides sheer will power, I had two things going for me on cold weather exposure that others might not have.

1. Male and a higher amount of muscle – higher metabolism.
2. I do Weight Training 2-3x a week. The result is Uncoupling Proteins throwing off heat.

I still think anyone can benefit from some cold weather exposure. It doesn’t need to be as extreme as what I did. Stay out in the cold longer and wear fewer layers. You’ll get used to it. You’ll be fine.