Running in the COLD

I live in Chicago and it was 24 degrees plus the wind shield brang the temp down. I could only take 23 minutes of running and I had to go inside. When I went inside I felt like I had pressure in my head and I had a lil head ace. I was layered up had ear muffs on and double clothing. Can it be too cold to run outside????? or was is it just me?

The problem with layers is it not only keeps out the cold, but keeps in the heat. What you need is clothing that sucks the moisture away from your body where it touches your skin, and enough layers so that you stay warm. Overheating, believe it or not, is a big problem with cold weather runners. it sounds like that's what happened to you.

What I usually suggest is, if you can stay outside without a coat for 5 minutes without shivering (really five minutes) then you can run with a cotton hat, a layer for moisture absorbtion (like th ones from nike you can get at any sports store), and 1 layer that is either lined (like a lined wind breaker) or a light sweat shirt. You won't get cold if you run at a decent pace, just make sure to get inside immediately after your run and get out of the clothes.

I've had issues running outside in Boston this winter (new to running). But I find that if I wear clothing appropriate for 10 degrees warmer than the outside temp, I am ok. I also wear a light jacket/sweatshirt with pockets so I can take my gloves or hat off if I get hot.

Also remember to drink a lot of water! You don't realize how much water you are losing when it's cold out.

When I used to live in OR, I had a tough time jogging in the cold. It wasn't the layering...it was breathing. The air was so cold in my lungs, they would start to hurt. I lasted about 5 minutes before having to walk.

I am also from around Chicago and I went for a quick run in the freezing cold, and the same exact thing happened to me!! I could hardly breath and my head felt like it was going to explode!! I will wait until it's warm (40's) to try that again.