I must admit it. I love running in the cold. I know I know, most people I talk to say they hate it…that it causes their lungs to burn and their hands and ears to freeze. But…..being in the mid….eh, hem…time of my life….ya know….I don’t get cold much anymore like I used to and I hate do not like running in the heat at all!
The reason I’ve found is that most people avoid excercising in the cold is that, well….they get cold…and why do they get cold? Because they’re are usually not wearing the proper clothing to stay warm.
[Tweet “Be prepared for the cold weather with these Running in Cold Weather tips.”]
The key is layering.
Layer with a Dri Fit-type wicking material close to the body with a wind shear material as the outer cover….this applies to upper and lower body clothing. Wear gloves to keep your fingers warm and wicking socks also on your feet. Just remember cotton is the worst. Even as cold as it may be, you’re body will still produce moisture and sweat and once that cotton gets wet, it just sits there on the skin against that moisture. But the problem is that the water (sweat) has no where to go so now that cold, wet cotton sits there next to your skin as well causing you to get frigidly cold! A warm hat to or toboggan to keep that warm body heat from escaping through your head and you’re set to go!
Another great trick is to have a hot bath donned for you before you go so it’ll be just the right temperature for you to slip into when you get home and secondly have a pot of water boiled on the stove for a nice cup of hot tea to warm your innards. 😉
Do you prefer the warm or cold weather for your run? What’s your secret to staying warm?
I’m a Goldilocks – can’t take too hot, can’t take too cold. I like the tip about having water ready for hot tea. I’ll have to try that!
Thanks for the advice on what to wear to run in the cold. I am going look for a Dry-Fi top.
I *LOVE* cold weather running! It usually takes me about a week or two for my lungs and throat to get used to the cold air, but I still love it. I hate running in anything over 65*.
I currently live in Alabama and my run Sunday was in 75 degree, humid weather! I’m SO jealous of all you folks who get some lovely chilly weather!
Hi Laura! I know! I hate the heat….I heard someone just say today that they can always add clothes to get warm, but you just can’t get more naked! Bwaaaaa! I totally agree. I also agree that a temperature in the 50-60’s is perfect. 🙂
Hi Samantha, thank you for the tips! It’s summer here in Canberra, but I am planning my purchases for Winter and while it rarely goes subzero here (during the day) but does get cold and I have been worried about how to cope with that (newbie runner here). So… sweat wicking tops underneath? How about Merino or wearing any other type of thermal? What about running in the dark?
Thanks so much for reading! I’m glad it was helpful to you! Merino wool is also a great wicking fabric that pulls and absorbs moisture away from the body. I’m not sure about the thermal…..will depend on the actual material. Silk thermals may be a good choice, but may actually get too hot. I read somewhere (can’t remember where) that it’s best to dress like it’s 10 degrees warmer than it actually is.
I’ve just recently starting running after dark, but found it very enjoyable. Always make sure you’re wearing something reflective and a small headlamp is also a good option so you can see where you’re going. 😉
Thanks for the tips! I enjoy running in the warm, rather than cold weather. Since I’m training for the Ronck and Roll 1/2 marathon March 17, I NEED to run in the cold. I’ve tried running on the treadmill at the gym, but I get sooooo hot. I’ll try your tips and keep you posted!
You should try it! It does take going a few times for your lungs to acclimate to the cold air, but it does get better! Good luck with your Half, too!
It’s 32 degrees outside and I am ready to run. I agree with you – I would take cold over heat any day. Far easier to layer up than it is to try to cool down on a hot summer’s day. I enjoy running in the winter – it is so much less crowded!
Hi Babs and thanks for stopping by! I love your current post I Can’t Do What With My Uniform….it was a very good read. 🙂