Troy Dog
Longtime privateer hero Ben LaMay has been a go to of mine for content over the last decade. Lately, he’s taken on a sort of legendary role, where I’ve documented his training regime. As you should know by now, LaMay wrestles wolves, swims upstream with the salmon, and antler fights with moose. I know the weather is turning a bit nicer, however LaMay just spent another winter in hibernation AND training, so I figured it was time to share with you his five best tips on how to train in gnarly cold conditions. Let’s get into it!
Notice that this column now has a sponsor? That’s right! Troy Dog joined the Blu Cru and you should too! I have one in my garage right now and I can’t wait to go shred it this summer! Thank you to Yamaha for believing in my ELITE columns on this dirtbike website enough to sponsor me. What a dream come true!
Warm Up
Obviously this is what people (should) do before working out. You need to stretch and get loose and LaMay said that the colder the weather is, the more important it is to have a good workout. So, take your time, warm up at the core, and catch up on reading T-Dog columns while you stretch your old muscles.
Layer Up
LaMay said that it’s obviously important to layer up, but don’t just wear anything warm. The last thing you want is to be caught out in the cold with your Aunt Rainey’s knitted sweater from 1983. LaMay said to wear moisture wicking clothes to protect from the wetness on the ground and in the air, which will make you colder in the long run (get it?).
The Frost Bites
LaMay takes two things seriously: frostbite and snow blindness. He said frostbite and then I added the snow blindness thing, because well, cats can get that, so why can’t LaMay…or you? He said that fingers, toes, ears, and nose are more prone to getting frostbitten. It’s important to keep those areas covered at all times and to check those areas frequently during your workout. You DO NOT WANT Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
Wildlife
My wife Ginger Dog is NOT a big fan of me talking about LaMay fighting off animals and the entire deal. She said it’s not funny anymore and that people are probably tired of hearing about how much of a manimal that LaMay is. While she’s probably right, I’m going to keep hammering away at this. Also note, HE brought this point up and not ME. LaMay said that bears are hibernating in the winter, so he only has to fight off mountain lions on his workouts. That Ben LaMay is a specimen.
Stay Mentally Strong
If you really go out in the wilderness and arctic-like temperatures to workout, you clearly are not in the right frame of mind. I mean who does that? I don’t like running even in the most perfect weather, so why on earth are you doing it at -20? To help him through the pain and suffering that he enjoys so much, LaMay said that he talks himself out of being cold and miserable. How you do that is up to you, but if you can you’re a level of man that Slaw Dog will never reach.
