Morning runs in the COLD
rachelkharr
Posts: 14
Who else feels like winter is the worst time to exercise and lose weight? I can hit the gym 3 times a week, but just getting up in the cold mornings to go for a daily run is just difficult and I find myself just skipping it and regretting it the whole day. It's not like the summer where I would just hop out of my bed, eat a banana, throw on some shorts and a tee, and go for a 4 mile run. I can't stand the cold and wearing so many layers. Not to mention inhaling all the cold air that burns my throat.
Any winter runners have some advice to make morning runs less miserable? How do you guys cope with the cold? And manage to get out of the warm bed haha?
Thanks
Any winter runners have some advice to make morning runs less miserable? How do you guys cope with the cold? And manage to get out of the warm bed haha?
Thanks
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Replies
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I would like to hear any information on this too. I really miss my outdoor workouts during the winter, but if I could find a way to still do them I would definitely try.0
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I put on multiple layers of clothing and force myself to go. I do not think it gets as cold where I am though.0
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I have a thermal base layer which is quite light, meaning I don't have to layer up quite so much. And a microfleece, running jacket, even a Buff if it's really cold...none of them are so heavy that running is uncomfortable, though, so maybe invest in some lighter gear? Sometimes I'll also sleep in my running clothes if I'm getting up really early - means I have no excuse. If not, all the stuff will be set out the night before to make it less of a chore (although I usually think 'why am I doing this to myself?' more than once if I'm trying to shove myself into a sports bra at 6am). I also don't let myself shower that day unless I've been for a run first, so I've always got motivation to go even on the grimmest of days :laugh:0
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Wow that's actually a good idea (sleeping in workout attire). I wake up at 6am also so I'm definitely going to try that one!! I think I'm also going to invest in a micro fleece and a base layer. That should really help that way I'm not wearing excess clothing that weighs me down. Thanks for the help! 0
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I layer up but try to eat some warm oatmeal before going out. Not a huge bowl just a small portion. Just to warm the insides.
I wear Point 6 socks, thermal running leggings and wind pants if needed. Short sleeve running T shirt, long sleeve shirt with a wind jacket over top. Neck sleeve to pull up over my chin, touque or head band. Light weight gloves with mitts over top and when it is really cold hot paws in each mitt.
I run up to -30C.0 -
Depends on how you define "cold". Having wintered in Montreal, where there are "Watch out for falling icicle" signs on building walls, I don't consider anything we get on the Left Coast to be "cold" (as an example).
Where I am, I do three layers, one of them fleece, then a windproof running/cycling jacket over top that if it's extra nippy. Compresion/thermal tights under sweat pants. Thick socks. I have no problem getting through a 10km morning run like that.0 -
I LOVE IT!
MINUS 25 is my FAV!0 -
I just do it. My willpower is a lot better these days.0
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Moving to Florida. That is how I'm dealing, because yeah, I have asthma and the cold, cold air on my lungs makes me start coughing as soon as I get outside. The good news is, you do warm up quickly once you get moving. I still don't wear layers though unless it is bitterly cold because then I get too hot.
I have warn a scarf over my nose and mouth and that helps hold in the warm air and isn't quite a shock to my lungs. Good luck!0 -
I must be a masochist........ I run outside all year 'round (and it gets cold here).
The secret is is layering. For really cold weather start off wit a base layer of merino wool.It's light, comfortable, wicking and toasty warm.
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In my profile pic it was about -20C IIRC and I was wearing my merino wool base layer, a long sleeve jersey, a mid-weight half zip top and my running shell. For me the hardest thing to dial in was gloves (finding the right balance of weight and warmth). You should be a bit cool when you start the run, otherwise you're overdressed and may overheat.
Everybody has different tolerance to cold, it may take a little trial and error but winter running is great!0 -
Move to florida and get a treadmill ( for when it gets too hot) !0
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Why quit? Put on the appropriate clothing and go run. I love my out door winter runs.0
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Bumping. The main reason cold weather runs suck for me is because of my asthma :grumble:0
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I prefer the cold. Running in the hot, humid summer weather is the worst kind of hell.0
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I love winter working out- no one wants to be outside having parties!!! all the "going out" happens in philly- which I hate going to- so I don't- I'm in the gym friday nights
Winter is awesome for working out- time to bulk- wear comfie clothes and get to work! 0 -
I must be a masochist........ I run outside all year 'round (and it gets cold here).
The secret is is layering. For really cold weather start off wit a base layer of merino wool.It's light, comfortable, wicking and toasty warm.
<
In my profile pic it was about -20C IIRC and I was wearing my merino wool base layer, a long sleeve jersey, a mid-weight half zip top and my running shell. For me the hardest thing to dial in was gloves (finding the right balance of weight and warmth). You should be a bit cool when you start the run, otherwise you're overdressed and may overheat.
Everybody has different tolerance to cold, it may take a little trial and error but winter running is great!
Also in Quebec, and I also run under similar conditions. Appropriate clothing makes a world of difference!
My winter running jacket has fold over cuffs, and it actually does a good enough job of keeping my fingers warm, that I don't bother with mittens. Which is saying a lot, because my fingers are almost always cold, even in the summer.0 -
I also prefer running when it's cold, unless it's really windy. Layers work great, I'm usually just a little chilly at first but I get comfortable after a few minutes. I just know I have to get up and go or I won't, morning is the only time that really works for me. Remind me of all this in January.
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Bumping. The main reason cold weather runs suck for me is because of my asthma :grumble:
As an asthmatic myself, I have good news... it gets better as you and your lungs get stronger
on really cold, like -20C, I keep it nice and easy so I am not breathing too heavy.
edit cuz spelling :ohwell:0 -
I actually prefer outdoor exercise in the cold. I just don't tolerate heat that well and I like to take my dogs and they don't either. I love running when it's snowy and all winterwonderlandy. I may feel different as I lose my own built-in thermal layer though!0
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I prefer running in the cold.. if you get the right balance of layers, you can warm up enough during your run to be comfy, but never break a sweat! The worst part is breathing the cold air, in which I think this year I will try wrapping a scarf so that I'm breathing through it instead of the sharp cool air.0
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If it's on the calendar, it gets done. It's as simple as that.
The alarm goes off at 4:30 or 5:00, depending on the length of the run that day and I just follow the same routine no matter what time of year it is. Feed the dogs, get some coffee, check my phone, TCOB, dress and out the door.
I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what to wear for all conditions. I know I'll be cold for 10 minutes, but be fine after that.
Just do it. (sorry Nike)0 -
If it's on the calendar, it gets done. It's as simple as that.
The alarm goes off at 4:30 or 5:00, depending on the length of the run that day and I just follow the same routine no matter what time of year it is. Feed the dogs, get some coffee, check my phone, TCOB, dress and out the door.
I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what to wear for all conditions. I know I'll be cold for 10 minutes, but be fine after that.
Just do it. (sorry Nike)
Pretty much this (minus the dogs and coffee!). I'm waaaaaayyyyy better about this if I have a race training plan mapped out that tells me what run needs to happen each day; it's pretty easy to opt for more sleep under a down duvet if I don't have a goal ahead of me. When I have a training plan, if I even hesitate for a second, I just ask myself if I'll regret skipping this run on race day... that does the trick for me.
[ETA]: As Carson said, just dress for the end of the run and accept that you'll be chilly when you head out... but that's all the reason to get your butt runnin' so you can warm up more quickly!
Happy running! :flowerforyou:0 -
I know it is not ideal but I opt for the treadmill a lot in the winter (even though I hate the treadmill) mostly I do this because it is way too dark on the trails and when it is cold, there can be a lot of ice. I always seem to have the worst luck with ice and I've ate it plenty of times.
Last winter I even did a 13 mile training run on a treadmill. But then when there were nicer days and I was able to run outside, I totally killed it because I was used to being bored to death on the treadmill. So that was kind of a positive! I do like running in the cold though Just not the ice and pitch black morning. 0 -
If you feel too cold when you go out, you are not wearing enough. Just put on the clothes, the layers. You'll be fine.0
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I gave up on morning runs in the winter.I shifted that part to evenings. Either way its dark. Plus its easier to take a hot shower and climb into bed.... With your eyes all tingly and watery,,,, yawn. Goodnight.0
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