Jogging outside...

I have been training for my first 5k for a while now, but haven't jogged outside since September. It is on February 23. I live in Minnesota, so it is cold, and I was wondering what I should wear for the weather?

Replies

  • Codefox
    Codefox Posts: 308 Member
    If its below freezing - mid 30s on race day, I'd wear long sleeve running shirt, maybe full length compression gear, and gloves. Above the 30s I just wear my shirt and shorts I normally wear.
  • mgmlap
    mgmlap Posts: 1,377 Member
    I live in Colorado. I did a race on New Years day and it was I think 5 degrees..I wore base layer top and pants..and a light jacket..and was fine.

    You need to look at the weather..and dress like its going to be 30 degrees warmer cause you will warm up once you are out there..Also gloves and tissues if your nose starts running...
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
    I've read that you should dress as if it's 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. I live near Chicago and have been doing this and running outside all winter. I once bundled up too much and was miserable and hot, at 15 degrees.
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    I live in NE Wisconsin and in the same weather situation. If it's below 30s I wear pants, wicking long sleeved shirt, wicking jacket, ear wrap, and gloves. Typically I end up taking off the ear wrap and gloves and unzipping my jacket about 1/2 way through my run though. I am glad for the warmth to begin with though!
  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    long compression pants and a long sleeve tech top. I wore a long sleeve compression top once for a winter 5K and was way too hot. Can also do short sleeve with a light jacket that you can remove and carry easily if you prefer to shed layers.

    Don't forget gloves, a tissue to wipe your nose (I didn't bring this on my Thanksgiving 5K and really wish I had!) and something that covers your ears but probably not your whole head because it will be too hot. I wore a fleece headband and it was perfect.
  • imhungry2012
    imhungry2012 Posts: 240 Member
    You may want to squeeze in a couple of outdoor jogs in between now and then, too (using the clothing suggestions above) so you know what to expect on race day.
  • The key is you want to be chilly (not cold) for the first mile.

    A hat / gloves are easy to remove and stuff in a pocket as you warm up.

    I run in a short sleeve shirt down to about 20, shorts down to about 30.

    Sun and wind make a major difference in how a temperature feels so pay attention to this more than just the thermometer
  • TAMayorga
    TAMayorga Posts: 341 Member
    You guys are all so funny! I live in Texas and have to wear sweats to exercise outside when it's in the 50's! Ha Ha. I know, I'm a wimp.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Between 30-40 degrees (I'm a baby) I'll wear running capris and a long sleeve shirt. . .maybe a light jacket. For a 5k. . .you'll be done in aroudn 30 min and you'll warm up in the first 10 min of running. Just accept that you'll be cold before the race gets going. I ran a 15k in Nov and it was pretty chilly. I wore my hubby's Carhart until about 5 min before start time. Then I tossed it to him on the sidelines!! I also like to wear gloves. Soft gloves. Because my nose gets runny and my gloves will invariably become my snot rags!!! kinda gross, but true story!!
  • eyeshuh
    eyeshuh Posts: 333
    If you stay inside you could also try doing plyometrics! Jump training is great for your cardiovascular system and can help with your run breathing and endurance!
  • monjacq1964
    monjacq1964 Posts: 291 Member
    i wear "silks" underneath my running gear, a light jacket, a thin hat, and gloves that i can take off and put in my pockets when my hands get hot. I just wear my regular runners. Some people i run with wear "yak traks" on their shoes, for the ice, but i seem to do ok without. I live in Canada, so running outside in the winter is pretty much a given.
  • 714rah714
    714rah714 Posts: 759 Member
    Gloves and don't forget to cover your ears.
  • sozisfitnow
    sozisfitnow Posts: 209 Member
    I wear jog pants t shirt thin hoody and water proof wind proof jacket woolly hat given up on gloves as hands warm up so quick! It was sunny this morning but a lake and puddles were ice here in south east UK! I was out for 75 mins and had to tie my jacket round my waist on way home but I needed it for running along the beach!
  • acampbe2umd
    acampbe2umd Posts: 145 Member
    I also live in MN and during my winter runs, I like to wear jogging tights, a tank wicking layer, long sleeved wicking layer, light jacket with light gloves and a headband for my ears. I will typically take some layers off at some point depending on length of my run. I think that even if the temps are around 30, typically the winds can do me in, so I always go with tights at temps below 45 or so.
  • Scar1964
    Scar1964 Posts: 92 Member
    I'm glad I live in South Texas. Not often requires mors than shorts/shirt and shoes.