Tulsa Athletes Cope With Freezing Temperatures As New Year Begins

2022 is off to a cold start, but that isn't slowing down some athletes who are training on River Parks trails.

Cyclist Margaux McEntire says she’s wearing, “a short-sleeved base layer, and then a long-sleeved base layer, then a thermal Jersey."

Bundling up is key for her and Lori McCarty, who isn't letting a little cold weather keep them from training.

"I have two gloves on," said Lori.

They're going for a 40-mile ride to get ready for spring competitions like Tulsa Tough. They say fighting the cold is a challenge but their spirits are high.

"Today is a good day to ride I feel like. Once you get your layering system down, then as long as the sun is shining it's really not bad," Margaux said. 

There were a lot of folks out on Riverside Monday either exercising or training for a big race. One runner says she actually enjoys the cold.

"I actually work at a donut shop in Sapulpa so we're up at 2:45 and I was layered up. It was cold," said Sarah Jones.

After that early and frigid start, Jones went out on the trails in the sunshine to prepare for a huge race in weather.

"I'm doing a 50k January 22nd and so I'm up here doing my long run, getting my training in," she said.

She says she likes running in the cold because it's easier to regulate her temperature.

"Like when it's so hot, there's only so much you can do to cool down, but layering up, yeah just wearing lots of layers and then you kind of shed them as you go," Jones said.

With light winds and bright sun, these athletes don't seem too phased, but they know in Oklahoma the weather is always subject to change.

"We always keep a very close eye on the weather," said Margaux.