We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Jogging in cold weather
charmarbobar
Posts: 251 Member
I'm kinda new to jogging (as in just started a few times a week in September), but I already notice an improvement in how far/long I can jog. But I have a problem....winter is coming (Eastern Canada winter, plus I jog after the sun goes down), and as the air gets cold it hurts my lungs when I take deep breaths. Is this gonna get better as my fitness improves or do I have to think of something indoors to do?
Also, would appreciate some tips for how to dress to jog in the winter....obviously my big winter coat isn't gonna work!
Also, would appreciate some tips for how to dress to jog in the winter....obviously my big winter coat isn't gonna work!
0
Replies
-
Layers!0
-
Hi,
Re the cold weather asthma, google it, see if there is anything you can do. I too have this problem, hurts to breathe in cold weather, and even feel very constricted afterward. It goes away in a couple hours. I need to look this up myself0 -
Hi,
Re the cold weather asthma, google it, see if there is anything you can do. I too have this problem, hurts to breathe in cold weather, and even feel very constricted afterward. It goes away in a couple hours. I need to look this up myself
Hmm...didn't even know it had a name :laugh:
Thanks!0 -
Like he said above layers.
I am also eastern Canada and run outside all winter. I broke down last year and bought a pair of winter running tights (I was always hated how I looked in tights but necessity overcame that). They definitely make a big difference. I wear a wicking layer ( can get these pretty cheap at walmart) then a warmer layer or two depending on how cold (i used to wear regular sweaters or hoodies, but have slowly started building up a collection of winter running gear) and just a regular light running jacket, the same one I wear all year, to keep the wind out and keep me dry. Any wind breaker type will do but I do like the running jackets because they have all the reflective stuff on it. And, of course, a hat and gloves or mittens. The cheap little stretchy gloves are always good because I find one my body warms up my hands get too hot.
As for the lung thing, not sure. Maybe try warming up with a walk before?0 -
You probably adapt a little to the cold air the more you run, kinda like the dry throat feeling you get when you are still a beginner. but at a certain temp you'll be feeling it no matter what.
wear lots of layers, and a wind breaker on top. you want to start your run just a little chilly. if it get super cold you'll need to get a face mask of some sort to help filter the cold out.
I live in Ottawa, so I feel your pain. Some chilly runs make me feel like I've been smoking. I've read that the pain is not a permanent damage and your throat is fine after you warm up.0 -
Oh, I forgot to add - you should be cool starting out. If you are warm enough with your clothes before you start running, you will be too warm once your body gets warmed up running.0
-
Here's a link someone posted a while ago for figuring out what to wear:
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html?ambient_temp=20&temp_units=0&wind=0&conditions=0&preference=0&x=&y=0 -
Definitely wear layers. Hats and gloves are also a definite. And if you are running in the dark, definitely wear a reflective vest, head lamp and LEDs... this improves your visibility so much!!! Safety is so important!0
-
Thanks everyone for the replies! Guess I've gotta hope that the breathing gets better, but at least I can get out there and find out!0
-
I find that wearing a fleece buff over my mouth helps. Usually, by the end of my run, I'm stripped down considerably, but the first few minutes are brutal.0
-
I find that wearing a fleece buff over my mouth helps. Usually, by the end of my run, I'm stripped down considerably, but the first few minutes are brutal.
What do you do with the layers once you remove them? Carry them with you? I hate carrying things even walking lol
Oh, and about having things covering my mouth...very hard cause I wear glasses and scarves and the such tend to make them fog up big time!0 -
I start out wearing running tights, a compression shirt, a long-sleeved wicking shirt, my jacket, hat, gloves and buff. Yes, I'm cold.What do you do with the layers once you remove them? Carry them with you? I hate carrying things even walking lol
The hat, buff and gloves are tucked into my pockets pretty early into the run. I hate having things flap around me while I'm running so I don't like the whole tying my jacket around my waste thing. Instead, I've got a running jacket with a lot of vents - I especially love the zippered ones that go from my forearm to my waste.0 -
As someone already suggested, wear a face mask or a scarf around your face for better protection.0
-
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )0 -
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
Thanks for the detailed response! It really does help!
And yeah... Eastern Canada is pretty big...I'm actually close to Montreal (just off the island), so yeah, much like Ottawa!0 -
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
I've also signed up for my 3 rd February Half marathon.0 -
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
Thanks for the detailed response! It really does help!
And yeah... Eastern Canada is pretty big...I'm actually close to Montreal (just off the island), so yeah, much like Ottawa!
Lol - I am all the way east.0 -
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
I've also signed up for my 3 rd February Half marathon.
Wow...inspiring! I've yet to complete more than 2.5K :laugh: But I'm getting there...I promise myself!0 -
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
I've also signed up for my 3 rd February Half marathon.
Wow...inspiring! I've yet to complete more than 2.5K :laugh: But I'm getting there...I promise myself!
Getting to complete 5k is the hardest, I swear. Once you can run that, increasing distance isn't as hard.0 -
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
Thanks for the detailed response! It really does help!
And yeah... Eastern Canada is pretty big...I'm actually close to Montreal (just off the island), so yeah, much like Ottawa!
South Shore? I lived in St Lambert for a couple of years when I was a kid.....0 -
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
Thanks for the detailed response! It really does help!
And yeah... Eastern Canada is pretty big...I'm actually close to Montreal (just off the island), so yeah, much like Ottawa!
You're pretty close to me then. And yeah, I'll have to learn all these running in the cold techniques, too!0 -
Easter Canada is a pretty big place but if you're like Ottawa where we routinely get the -35°C stuff in winter think layers and, if there's one close by, check out the merino wool base layers at Mountain Equipment Co-op. It's light & wicking and toasty warm (I only use it on the really cold days)
You'll also need a running shell & pants (I broke down and bought tights a few years ago - that way I can scare all the neighbourhood kids..) a wicking base layer, medium weight long sleeve top (for the not so cold days) and polar fleece top. If you can find (or have) a toque with a fleece liner that's a bonus and warm light gloves (a lot of ski gear crosses over nicely too).
A pair of Yak Traxx for slippery days and a pair of merino wool socks will keep your feet warm (wool stays warm when wet) and you're ready to head out.
Dress so you're a little chilly to start your run - you'll warm up (surprise - you'll even perspire at -35° hence the need for wicking layers) and have fun.
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
Thanks for the detailed response! It really does help!
And yeah... Eastern Canada is pretty big...I'm actually close to Montreal (just off the island), so yeah, much like Ottawa!
South Shore? I lived in St Lambert for a couple of years when I was a kid.....
Nope...West, on Ile Perrot 0 -
Wear a scarf or something ove ryour face, it shoudl help warm up the air before you breathe in.0
-
Wear a scarf or something ove ryour face, it shoudl help warm up the air before you breathe in.
I wish I could do this, but like I said, I wear glasses and breathing into a scarf or anything in cold weather makes them fog up/ice over...not too safe for jogging lol0 -
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
I've also signed up for my 3 rd February Half marathon.
Which race is that? (I'm glad to see I'm not the only lunatic around here!)0 -
I really enjoy running in winter, the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain. (I've signed up for another half marathon next January, Canadian eh :laugh: :laugh: )
I've also signed up for my 3 rd February Half marathon.
Which race is that? (I'm glad to see I'm not the only lunatic around here!)
It's a small race in Nova Scotia, the Long John Jaunt. Last year was the first one. The year before I did the Hypothermic Half.0 -
Great info!0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.4K Introduce Yourself
- 44K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.7K Fitness and Exercise
- 393 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.3K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 934 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions