Running in the cold?

I'm a fairly new runner and had gotten some good advice on here a few weeks ago when it first got cold.

Like LBH says, definitely look at getting layers. As people will tell you, you normally need to dress for 20* warmer. I've found a good base layer and another layer or two really works well. And definitely something to cover your head!

We live up in the Twin Cities, MN where we need to deal with the cold from Nov through April. Definitely do not let the cold stop you from getting out would be my first suggestion. We had 53 days below zero last year and it is amazing how warm the 20's can feel.

If you live where the snow is, try to run in town where the sidewalks have been cleared and get you away from the cars. If you are out in the country a bit, wait a few days until the roads get cleared and the pavement is showing.

And last item as we head into the dark hours of winter, a high vis vest with a headlight is a must.

Enjoy!

I've read to layer as if it was 10 degree's warmer than what it actually is. I am in Canada and it's been snowing and just below freezing here and I have been running outside. I find as long as my hands and ears are covered and I wear moisture wicking material on my first layer, then sweater and a shell jacket. I invested in a pretty expensive pair of running pants because I hate the feel of lose pants but wanted to be warm. So far they have been well worth it for me....still cheaper than a gym membership and I love the feel of running outside.

Your comfort level makes a big difference on your experience and if you're dedicated to running outside then pick up a piece of clothing here and there and find what feels right for you. It will be worth it

Layer up, but not too much, because you don't want to get too sweaty and freeze. Always, ALWAYS moisture wicking fabrics, NO COTTON! I can't stress that enough. My typical running attire consists of the following:

UA boot socks or Merino Wool hiking socks
Compression shorts
Running tights of various thicknesses (from very light to very, very heavy)
A pair of shorts over the tights, for modesty's sake
Compression base layer
Long sleeved top of varying thicknesses
Light gloves
Light stocking hat
Face mask if it's really cold (Below 20ºF)

IMO, if it's below 10ºF, it's not worth it to go out.

Be careful as it gets colder out, it's not safe to be out when

Definitely layering but be smart about it. I think the easiest mistake to make wrap up to when you are cold and not consider how warm you'll get once 20 minutes into a run.

Rocky looks the part with his long joggers and hoody, but if I went out like that within 10 minutes I'd be sweating like I was in a sauna. I tend to wear long running bottoms (tights, not baggies) and a long sleeve top or two depending on how cold, I'll wear my shorts as well to keep me warm on the bottom half and I tend to go for gilet's up top (I have a few fleece gilets to keep the heat in). I like my core warm but find my extremities get way too warm if I go overboard. Same goes for the rain, I prefer a waterproof gilet over ones with arms as I can't run with my arms constantly sticking to the inside of a full rain jacket.

For my head a beanie is usually enough. I find my head gets warm in all weathers, but its my ears that get cold so just something to wrap over those really. My favourite beanies are wool, with a fleece headband to keep the ears warm.

Finally some (lightweight) running gloves, if it was really cold I'd consider a 2nd pair over the top of those rather than a single pair of thick gloves, but its never come to that yet.

I am always cold...I wear multiple layers just in the office.

I ran a half on Saturday, and at the gun it was 14F out. I had on two pairs of tights, two long sleeved tech shirts, a lighter tech jacket, and then a heavier Under Armour jacket. Also, ear warmer and light gloves. I was comfortable the whole time.

It's going to take some trial and error to see what you like. Last winter was my first winter running, and there were some runs that I was absolutely freezing on, and then others that I overdressed and was sweating bullets.

A lot of the Starter brand stuff they sell at WalMart is pretty decent. I've been slowly buying and building my stock of UA and Nike gear for cold weather, but TBH, the Starter stuff is good enough to get you started.

Layers that can let the sweat out. I was jogging back in January when it was single digits. have fun.

tissues!