RUNNING IN THE COLD

FAVOLOSOMII

So I recently started the C25K program. It is NOW getting cold. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

How does everyone else make it in the cold? Thick layers or removable jacket? Do share please.

dkvote

I too am interested in knowing the answers to this, as I like to bike and I don't know how to do it in the cold either! Anxious to see what the answers are!



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KimertRuns13_1

40 degree temps I just run in my capri tights and a light weight long sleeve top (UA or Nike dry fit). I don't start wearing longer tights or layers until it dips into the 30s and then I will do a tee with a l/s running jacket over or arm sleeves and ear warmers/gloves.

It really just depends on how long I am running, what time and temp it is when I start and how warm it will be when I am done.

katejolee

its always bloody cold here !! very light layers as the further you run the warmer you will get.....i started with vest top and coat and now run with just vest and wind cheater........good luck x

Legalchica

warm up and stretch inside. use layers but you will have to just get out there to figure out how much you need based on the temp. I was in alaska for 6 years and we would run outside till it got down to 20 below. just be sure to do your cool down inside also. strip some layers and walk around inside. that way the sweat doesnt freeze you.

jacksonpt

Layers are preferred because you can add/remove based on temp.

bottoms:
I have a pair of light weight tights, a pair of mid weight tights, a pair of thermal underwear and a pair of heavy wind-proof tights. I mix and match based on conditions.

tops:
light weight short sleeve, light weight long sleeve, mid weight long sleeve, heavy long sleeve, light weight fleece, heavy weight fleece, water/wind proof shell. Again, mix and match based on conditions.

Socks are important, so don't forget about those. Same with keeping your head warm and dry.

Good stuff will be expensive... but if you're serious about bad weather exercise/training it'll be worth paying for.



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Pidders89

I am on day 2 week 1 of the C25k challenge too. Day 1 was monday and it was cold and raining. I put jogging bottoms on my sports bra, tshirt and a hooded top on.

I think layering is best as it traps all the warmth in

xxxx

Alysgrma

Bump

jswoods

For fat loss, it is important to keep the areas of the body you would like to shrink warm, to promote blood flow and body fat metabolsim, For me that is the love handle area, so I wear a solar belt during the winter. Running tights and a light jacket with gloves most days, but I'm from the deep south so its not really that cold, and I am generally sweating after the first mile.

geco22

You can exercise in the cold weather, though I wouldn't suggest it when temperatures start getting close to or below zero. Essentially, if it hurts to breathe in the cold when you're just walking to your car, you probably shouldn't be out exercising in that weather. As far as clothing wear multiple light layers that can be removed if you start to get too warm. I would suggest running tights, and an under armour type shirt to keep you warm, but that also wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you dry.

KBrenOH

warm up and stretch inside. use layers but you will have to just get out there to figure out how much you need based on the temp. I was in alaska for 6 years and we would run outside till it got down to 20 below. just be sure to do your cool down inside also. strip some layers and walk around inside. that way the sweat doesnt freeze you.

The cooldown advise is a fantastic idea, and I never thought about that so thank you!

staceyseeger

Several light layers that you can shed as you warm up & Dri-Fit (or the like) next to your skin to keep you dry.

2knoxs

I ran for four years in the Marines wether I wanted to or not, no matter the weather: rain, snow, hot, cold. Your gear realy does help. I too have started c25k to get back in to running shape, while I am on my weight lose journey. This morning...it is colder and more wind. Depending on the degree of cold you deal with were you live will depend on your gear. Instead of shorts and a tshirt I put on pants and a long sleeve shirt. this morning. Im in Houston so extreme cold isnt anything I will have to deal with but 60 degrees FEELS a lot colder than 110. KWIM? The ideal senerio is to layer your clothing but then you need a place to put it when you take it off...that may or may not work where your running...it wont work for me. So just cover up and deal with it. IF its really cold were you are gloves and a beany are in order. But if you really want to do the program, you will figure out what works for you and suck up the cold. Good Luck to ya.

janey2607

Went out for a run last night and had to put a thin cotton jacket over my vest, i think layers is the key as you can always remove them. Watch out for exposed seams though and hoods, the seams may rub and you dont want hoods flapping about (in my experience anyhow)

I did struggle with my breathing though as my nose kept running (sorry TMI) but im not sure what I can do for that?

Good luck with it, its well worth facing the cold for x

FAVOLOSOMII

warm up and stretch inside. use layers but you will have to just get out there to figure out how much you need based on the temp. I was in alaska for 6 years and we would run outside till it got down to 20 below. just be sure to do your cool down inside also. strip some layers and walk around inside. that way the sweat doesnt freeze you.

Thanks! I'm in TN and it doesn't get below zero here and I may be a big baby, but you and everyone else's advice really helped me. Thank you again!

MinnesotaManimal

all sound like good tips..... I plan on studding an older pair of running shoes with sheet metal screws for running on the ice that will coat our gravel roads here in minnesota before you can blink.......

what kind of socks work good for keeping feet dry and warm?

piccolarj

Try running at the warmest part of the day if you can which is usually between 2-4 o'clock. You will be suprised once you get going how your body temp will raise and you may even want to shed a layer if you put on too much. I wouldn't recommend it once temps get below freezing then you may need to join a gym for a short time and hit the tredmill.

piccolarj

all sound like good tips..... I plan on studding an older pair of running shoes with sheet metal screws for running on the ice that will coat our gravel roads here in minnesota before you can blink.......

what kind of socks work good for keeping feet dry and warm?

I ususally use Smartwool wool socsk when cycling and running in the cold.

lawkat

Make sure you are wearing clothes that wick away your sweat. Cotton will just hang on to the sweat and when you start to cool down, it could get really cold for you.

jacksonpt

what kind of socks work good for keeping feet dry and warm?

Depends... the thicker the sock the more sweat/moisture they will hold. This is great for keeping your feet warm, but your feet will get cold FAST once you stop sweating.

I have some mid-weight Stoic socks that I love if I know I'm going to have a good steady sweat going for the entire workout. Otherwise I go with the thinnest socks I can find (usually either Zoics or Swiftwicks) and just deal with the cold for the first little while.


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grassette

What you really need to watch out for, whether running or biking is ice. Fall on that, and you break bones, and there goes the exercise for months until you heal. And you can't ski on ice either, because you lose control.

So if there is ice, you have to move indoors, and put away the bike.

With regards to dressing, you need a wind-proof shell on top, layers beneath, and good underwear that either wick the moisture away, or don't get cold even though they get wet. Wool and silk have those properties, and the right synthetics are good wickers. If you are stopping along the way, you need to bring a parka and hat in sub-zero/below freezing temperatures, so you don't cool down too much.

EmpressOfJudgment

Wool underwear?! No thanks.

Good information in this thread. I figure I've only got a few weeks left to run outside here in Chicago. I'm too much of a wimp to run in the cold. I'll be hitting the gym soon. I want to be one of those people who runs outside all year round, but I just can't stand being cold. Anyone have a magic pill for getting over that?

jacksonpt

Wool underwear?! No thanks.

Have you ever worn a good, athletic wool piece of clothing? Ibex makes some great stuff that you'd never know was wool.

scapez

Bump for later

erikazj

I did struggle with my breathing though as my nose kept running (sorry TMI) but im not sure what I can do for that?

Wipe it on your sleeve, or learn how to do a snot rocket

EmpressOfJudgment

Wool underwear?! No thanks.

Have you ever worn a good, athletic wool piece of clothing? Ibex makes some great stuff that you'd never know was wool.

I have not. I wish one day a package would show up at my door with all the running gear I need.

polar135

Great Thread all. Thanks for sharing.

LorinaLynn

Once I get going, I'm comfortable in shorts or capris and a t-shirt as long as it's above 40. During my last race, it was 45 degrees and raining, and it felt way better than running in 80 degrees and sunshine!

grassette

Wool underwear?! No thanks.

Have you ever worn a good, athletic wool piece of clothing? Ibex makes some great stuff that you'd never know was wool.

Any wool underwear has to be thin. Marks and Spencer (a British company) have great thin underwear under the St Michael`s brand. I bought them when they opened in Canada, but they didn`t find it profitable and closed. But if you are lucky enough to have one near you, or if you are on a trip to the UK, snap them up!

Costco also periodically sells very thin merino wool sweaters that are just perfect against the skin. No itch.

Wool keeps 50% of its heat capacity when wet, and is a wonderful replacement for cotton in practically all outdoor activity.