Running in the Cold

melkithall

So, I stepped outside this morning to run, and wanted to go back inside and curl up under a blanket. Brrrrr. Of course I didn't, but I did shorten my run considerably. How do you manage the cold weather when running? How cold it too cold to run in? And, sometimes that only time I have to run I have to take my two youngest with me. We used to just bundle up and I'd push them in the stroller. Eventually, I won't be able to do that, when the snow is thick on the ground. I want to keep running, but this weather is throwing up so many blocks!!

trail_turtle

What are you doing differently, running in cold weather? Are you layering, and wearing synthetic/wicking fabrics? Are you wearing a hat?

When the weather goes below 40 F, I add a base layer and wear gloves. Below 35F and I add a fleece headband that also covers my ears....I'm not a fan of hats unless it's snowing!
Below 25 F and I add another layer--but I rarely layer more than two thick on my arms and legs--I just don't like the bulk. This year, I'm wearing a fleece vest, and I really like how that's working out. Keeps my core warm, but lets my arms and legs move.

Merino socks are your friend in the winter--even if your feet get wet, they'll stay warm. Heck...Merino wool *anything* is wonderful in the winter!

For me, it's all about wearing the right clothes/layering for colder days. I might walk a little longer to warm up, but I run in all weather conditions and temperatures (I even have IceBug shoes for running in icy conditions--you can find instructions on how to make your own 'ice-grip shoes' here: http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm )

Hope this is helpful!

melkithall

Thanks, it was very helpful. I'm not too worried about myself now. But, I still don't know what to do when I have to take the little ones with me. I don't have a treadmill so running inside isn't an option. But, my husband is up and out by three and therefore in bed by seven. My baby and two year old have to go everywhere with me. I can bundle the baby and he stays warm in his carseat attached to the stroller. But, the two year old I worry about because he's exposed to the weather more. I wish I could run without them, but right now it's not working that way!