Running Outdoors (Winter)

TopazCutie
TopazCutie Posts: 386 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Good morning :)

Has anyone had success in rnning outdoors during the winter? I see people do it but I don't want to get sick lol. Any tips? What kind of jacket should I get?

Any advice appreciated.

Replies

  • LoneWolfRunner
    LoneWolfRunner Posts: 1,160 Member
    I run outside all winter and I have learned to love it... the key is layers. Everyone is different so some have to bundle up more than others. For me, if I am a little cold the first mile or so, then I know I have the right combination of layers. I also have a couple of different hats for different temps and different gloves/mittens. I have a wind and water resistant shell I will wear if the wind is really whipping or if it is raining. And I wear merino wool socks because they keep your feet warm and are great for wicking away water without being bulky. The best thing is to just get out there and experiment. If you freeze your *kitten* off the whole time, note the temp and remember to add a layer next time. Lastly, protect your face. Cold dry wind is hell on your skin. I using an anti-chafing ointment call Sport-Slick and put a good coat on my face before heading out in single digits or bad wind-chill days.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    TopazCutie wrote: »
    Any advice appreciated.

    Layers, hat and gloves.

  • DebSM2
    DebSM2 Posts: 62 Member
    At 15 to 20 degrees, I am comfortable in fleece running pants, a long sleeved running shirt under a wind and water resistant shell (kind of similar to neoprene), light gloves, and a fleece ear warmer, if it is windy I add a hat. If it is colder, I add tights under the pants and two or three additional layers on top...and a pair of mittens over the gloves, and a gaiter to cover my face from the nose down. That served me well at about 0 degrees, and being in WI, I'll see what happens as it gets colder.

    I am more concerned about slippery than cold, but we have had a strange snowless streak so roads are dry!

    Good luck! You don't get sick by being cold! ;)
  • Asherah29
    Asherah29 Posts: 354 Member
    I would say it depends on where you live. I'm a sourthern gal, and we don't usually have snow and such on the ground, but I have to deal with a lot of soggy mush. Shoes that are GOOD running shoes and aren't going to leave my feet soaked are a must.
    I layer as well, something for the ears, a light jacket and pants, but the weather I run in during the winter is usually around 40-55 so I don't have to wear as much as those in the cooler parts of the world.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    Light layers are good. The first time I ran outside in the cold I wore this heavy fleece and struggled even to walk fast. Now I'll wear a tank, a moisture wicking t-shirt, and a lightweight moisture wicking hoodie with a hat and gloves. I find a good rule of thumb is to dress for weather that is 15-20 degrees warmer than it is outside especially if you wear a hat.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    TopazCutie wrote: »
    Good morning :)

    Has anyone had success in rnning outdoors during the winter? I see people do it but I don't want to get sick lol. Any tips? What kind of jacket should I get?

    Any advice appreciated.

    The key is wearing the proper gear. I ride and run in the winter and it's not problem with the right gear.

    Also, you don't get sick just because it's cold out...people tend to get sick more often in the winter because we all spend more time indoors where the air is recycled and we're in close quarters with other people and sneezing and whatnot on each other.
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    Get baselayer pants and shirt. Then layer from there. Right now (around -5C), I typically run in the baselayers, plus a long sleeve zip up, scarf, hat, thick socks and wind breaker.
  • ErinK09
    ErinK09 Posts: 687 Member
    I layer up. Couple pairs of sweatpants and hoodies. A hat and gloves depending on how cold it is. It just varies.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    Get the cold weather gear it will keep you comfortable. Just make sure you Layer depending on how cold it is.


  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    It's usually personal preference. Just give it a whorl and don't plan a super long course when you reach a new temp low ;)

    I try to expose myself to the elements as much as possible because I do obstacle course races and you are hardly ever prepared for what you will encounter. Drove 6hrs to OH and thought it was going to be in the 50s. My race gear was sneakers, a camelback, a tshirt and carpis. It ended up being below 30s with rain and hail. I had to purchase a long sleeve shirt on site ($40 to go roll in the mud in it). I haven't been wearing anything more than that for my trail runs lately. Even in the rain. I also get super hot when running. Always have.
  • aylajane
    aylajane Posts: 979 Member
    Layers like everyone says ... I bring an empty backpack with me while out hiking or running so that if I need to remove a layer I can do that. Also sometimes if I am not sure I will put extra gloves or a hat in there just in case. Its miserable to keep running if you have a layer too many and either have to sweat it out or carry it... the backpack helps a lot!
  • flumi_f
    flumi_f Posts: 1,888 Member
    Layers of functional fast drying clothes, hat, glove, thin tube scarf to pull up around your face, when necessary.
    I have thermal running tights and long thermal merino underwear (when it's really cold) and up to 4 layers on my upper body.

    If the air is really cold, run a bit slower and pull the scarf over your nose.

    I stop running at around -5°C.... Like right now....But I will go snow shoe hiking tomorrow B)
  • TopazCutie
    TopazCutie Posts: 386 Member
    Wow thanks for your responses everyone - looks like layering is key here.
  • JGonzo82
    JGonzo82 Posts: 167 Member
    one thing I really like is arm warmers cause you can remove them as you're moving (without having to pull anything over your head etc) and just stuff them in your pockets and keep going....
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Being outside in the winter doesn't make you sick. Get some decent clothes, layer up, and have at it.
  • menosquinze
    menosquinze Posts: 19
    edited December 2014
    I have asthma so it is difficult for me to breathe when it is very cold out, so I always bring a buff to wear around my neck and mouth so I can breathe the air through it, it keeps the air a little moister and I've found it is much easier on my lungs. Also, when running in deep snow I tend to stick to slow streets that I can run on the plowed road without worrying about cars. Bright colors always help for that too! :) As far as getting sick, the exercise will end up helping your immune system if you are exercising frequently. And I eat a lot of vitamin c - whether or not it actually helps is up for debate, but I'll take the placebo effect gladly!
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
    As everyone said, layering is key. I did my 4.5-mile (7K) run today in 25-27℉ weather with the following setup:
    • Base layer of lightweight Merino wool long-sleeved crew-neck top, wind briefs, and SportHill SP3 thermal tights
    • Wool socks (Smartwool Ph.D. lightweight socks) and running shoes
    • Drifit synthetic long-sleeved crew-neck shirt over the wool
    • Marmot Precip shell (I don't normally use this for running but I'm traveling and didn't bring my other jackets)
    • lightweight thermal headband with ear flaps
    • lightweight full-finger cycling gloves
    • wool cap over the headband

    I took off the wool cap after I had warmed up, about 4 minutes into the run, and the gloves came off after about 15 minutes. I was running fast; for a slower run I probably would have left the gloves on, and possibly the cap.

    There's a useful sticky on the C25K subReddit with more tips on cold-weather running.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I run all winter long (hence the abominable snowman profile pic)

    As the previous posts have said think in terms of layers, if it's really cold where you are consider investing in merino wool socks & base layer.

    Here are a number of articles on cold weather running in Runners World:

    runnersworld.com/training/cold-weather-runninghttp://

    There is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.
  • Old_Man_McGucket
    Old_Man_McGucket Posts: 310 Member
    Agree with above and would add that winter gear can get pricey. I've gotten some of my best stuff at http://www.rangersurplus.com/ for relatively cheap. If you're on a budget check your local Army/Navy Store.
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    edited December 2014
    I do it. I've run with the temps as low as 22 and have never gotten sick from it. I think cold and windy is hard, but if its just cold, I'll go out and run. I used to layer my bottoms, but now just run in fleece lounge pants wiht knee high wool blend compression running socks. For the top, a compression top and a fleece lined running hoodie. Flip-top fleece-lined mittens, and a fleece headband. If really cold, I'll put on a fleece lined scarf-hoodie thing, though I rarely need it as I tend to overheat with it on.
  • hermann341
    hermann341 Posts: 443 Member
    edited December 2014
    TopazCutie wrote: »
    Wow thanks for your responses everyone - looks like layering is key here.

    Winter runners are like onions. They have layers. Or they stink and make you cry. I forget which.
  • tanowicki
    tanowicki Posts: 60 Member
    Like above, layers are key. I have two types of tights - one for when it's cold but not freezing and the other, thicker one for when it's freezing. The thicker pair isn't as tight but is wind proof on the front. I don't like entirely wind proof because the heat builds a little too much but I need my front protected.

    I have a great Nike jacket that's lightweight and wind/water resistant. The best part is that they have the thumb holes and a mitten flap built in. I can start with my hands all bundled in the sleeves and then as I warm up, I can extend my fingers and thumb but still have my hands covered. I tend to switch it around during a run. I don't think I could run with a pair of gloves/mittens now since I would be constantly fussing with them.
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
    I like this link too:

    http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

  • mykaylis
    mykaylis Posts: 320 Member
    where do you live? what you wear may depend on where you live - i for example am in canada in climate zone 3 (this is a reference of temperature for whether or not plants will survive here). i need LOTS of layers if i go outside. trouble is if i work up a sweat it's hard to take them all off because of their bulk, they don't necessarily fit well in a backpack. i would say make the layers thinner and more adjustable, for example a running sweater with zippers in armpits to allow more ventilation. if you're in a different climate zone compared to me, you probably have fewer problems!
  • cindytw
    cindytw Posts: 1,027 Member
    It really depends on the temperature! I can run in 50 degrees in capris and a tshirt, 40 degrees capris and a long sleeve, 30 degrees long fleece pants and a tshirt with a thin moisture wicking jacket. Under 30, I have fleece leggings and top, windbreaker pants. moisture wicking jacket AND a windbreaker jacket. I use light running gloves and a headband for my ears as I find anything else too hot.
  • fruitysky
    fruitysky Posts: 30 Member
    Like everyone else has said, layers are key. I've run in temps as low as negative 20 and I've never gotten sick. Make sure you don't layer up too much though, usually I find if I'm cold starting out or through the first mile or two, I'll be perfect for the rest of my run.
    Never forget to wear something over your ears, as well as a pair of gloves, also, a scarf or turtle neck might benefit you as I always have my chin freeze when I run without.
  • MoiAussi93
    MoiAussi93 Posts: 1,948 Member
    You don't get sick from the cold. You get sick from viruses. So don't worry about that.

    I run even when it is well below freezing. As others have said it is all about layers. In the high 40's, I just wear a long sleeve t-shirt. Low 40s-low 30's...I put a sweatshirt over the t-shirt. Low 30's-zero, I put a fleece jacket on top of all that.

    Also when it is very cold I use a headband to cover my ears and will wear a scarf over my face because sucking in large amounts of frigid air can be uncomfortable. My running gloves are very warm, and I will wear good moisture wicking socks to keep my feet comfortable. In truly frigid weather I might wear an old pair of tights under my running pants. You may be cold at first, but once you run for a few minutes you will feel much warmer.
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