Running in Winter
fitoverfortymom
Posts: 3,452 Member
When it's cold, how do you keep up with your running schedule? What do you wear?
I live in Denver, so 90% of the time it will just be cold. Another 5% of the time it will be very frigid and some snow or ice to contend with, but still probably runnable. The remaining 5% of the time, the weather is a *kitten* show and unrunnable. Based on that logic, other than dealing with cold, there are no real excuses not to run. I don't have a treadmill, but could got to the rec center for a short run or cross training during the worst of it.
With that said, I hate being cold, but I think I like running more than I dislike being cold.
What are your go-to cold weather running supplies? Tights, gloves, layers, socks...give me your best practicea for slogging through the suck.
I live in Denver, so 90% of the time it will just be cold. Another 5% of the time it will be very frigid and some snow or ice to contend with, but still probably runnable. The remaining 5% of the time, the weather is a *kitten* show and unrunnable. Based on that logic, other than dealing with cold, there are no real excuses not to run. I don't have a treadmill, but could got to the rec center for a short run or cross training during the worst of it.
With that said, I hate being cold, but I think I like running more than I dislike being cold.
What are your go-to cold weather running supplies? Tights, gloves, layers, socks...give me your best practicea for slogging through the suck.
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I am in Cheyenne, so I am very familiar with your weather. I tend to be a wuss when left to my own devices. But I have a crazy running buddy. But, I only recently have acquired actual running layers. I just would throw on warm clothes until I thought it was sufficient. Like ball cap, ear band, long sleeve tshirt, tshirt, sweat shirt etc.... I need to invest in longer socks. That is the one I'm still missing. But it doesn't have to be fancy, doesn't have to match, so long as you are warm enough.
My big thing is my ears, if I can keep my ears warm, the rest of me does better. Gloves don't come out until it's way cold, because they feel weird to me. It's really personal preference on what you need I think.
In our part of the world my big suggestion is to pick days or times of day where the wind isn't too bad. 30 degrees is one thing, 30 degrees and 30 mph winds just sucks.1 -
I have struggled with being too warm in the winter.
I have yack tracks that I will use when needed.
What stops me the most is windchill. Below 20 is my limit.0 -
I keep a list of what I wear under different conditions - wind, clouds, etc. - and how I felt wearing them. It helps. I have found that I need fewer clothes than I expected. But conditions here in PA aren't that bad. The coldest I've run was 21, feels like 1 deg. I overdressed and was hot once I warmed up. I won't run on ice or when walls of snow on the side of the road makes it unsafe to run. I have a TM for those days.1
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@spiriteagle99 What side of PA are you on? Pittsburgh for me.0
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I have a pair of cheap Danskin running tights from WalMart and a long-sleeve C9 shirt from Target I wore yesterday morning (sub 50 degrees) and it was just about right. I probably would have been fine in my capri tights and short sleeve shirt, but I did like not having to shake off the chill when I was getting started. I will probably not run unless it is over 20 (maybe 15 depending on how badass I feel).
The HM I am training for is Dec 9, so I gotta suck it up a little buttercup because Dec 9 could be anything from 60 degrees to zero degrees in Denver.2 -
I'm in the same dilemma trying to figure out what will be enough once the weather turns. Worse it that most of the stuff I bought when I first started(and then stopped) at the end of last year was for a 230lb me. Now it's all a little to big 33lbs lighter. Oh well.... time to do some more shopping I suppose.0
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The hardest part of running in the freezing cold is putting on all of those layers and heading out the door. Honestly, once you are out there, you warm up fairly quickly and will find it to be quite exhilarating if you have the right gear. And you really don't need a lot.
I would invest in a couple of pair of wool socks and a base layer pair of tights and fitted shirt made of Merino wool or any other good quality wicking fabric. Keeping the sweat away from your body is key. With a good base layer in place, you can wear any old cotton sweatpants and sweatshirt and still be warm. One of my favorite pair of base layer tights is an old pair or Marker ski tights.
Another good purchase is a water resistant shell. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it helps when there is a wet snow or a cold rain as all of that water will weigh you down. I usually layer my gloves and take them on and off as needed. No need to buy anything too special there. If it is really cold, I will put a pair of hand warmers in my gloves. I know people that also put these in their shoes, but I have not tried it.
One last thing to consider is reflective gear. If you are running outside in the winter, chances are you will be running in the dark. I try to buy light colored outerwear for this reason and try to get reflective accents if possible. You also might want to invest in a headlamp, knuckle lights or at least some visibility lights that clip on you jacket or shoes.1 -
dudasd1973 wrote: »@spiriteagle99 What side of PA are you on? Pittsburgh for me.
Chambersburg - so south central PA1 -
Keep the feet and the hands warm and the run will be fine.
I love running in the winter her in Minnesota and have never let the weather stop me. I had intended on writing up a guide with tips, tricks and such before last winter and didn't get it done. Perhaps this year I'll find some time.1 -
down to -10 with -45 windchill I've been out running, only real problem was the ice that formed on the scarf I had wrapped around my head, I had to take it into the shower to thaw it out so I could take it off. otherwise, it's thermal underwear, thermal pants and wool socks on bottom. top us a Underarmour cold gear turtleneck, my Mizumo base layer and my Asics thermal layer. Sometimes I put a hooded sweatshirt over that. Hat is just a knit hat and I use Scott ski gloves with hand warmer pockets. it takes longer to get dressed, but it's worth it.0
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MNLittleFinn wrote: »down to -10 with -45 windchill I've been out running, only real problem was the ice that formed on the scarf I had wrapped around my head, I had to take it into the shower to thaw it out so I could take it off. otherwise, it's thermal underwear, thermal pants and wool socks on bottom. top us a Underarmour cold gear turtleneck, my Mizumo base layer and my Asics thermal layer. Sometimes I put a hooded sweatshirt over that. Hat is just a knit hat and I use Scott ski gloves with hand warmer pockets. it takes longer to get dressed, but it's worth it.
You deserve a medal for that, but I guess that's what you have to work with in MN. In CO, we have such varied weather through the winter, it gives us an easier excuse to be wussies about it.0 -
I've run through the last two winters in Helsinki, and I run to about -10°C (which means not missing more than around two weeks each). I wear long tights and shorts over them (I dont care about fashion at that point), usually a long sleeve running shirt, and a windstopper jacket, a buff and a wimdstopper hat. I get away wearing thin gloves and regular socks and running shoes, or innov8 arctics (which have metal studs) if its icy (but that's usually only an issue at the beginning or end of the season. Only when I run in lots of snow, I'll also wear sealskinz socks. I am quite insensitive to cold in the legs, so I'll wear a hat before I wear long tights.
When it's really cold, I avoid running too far from home, so I'll do multiple loops if necessary. I always take my phone and debit card, and even when it's only around freezing, I don't venture too far from civilization.
In winter, I try to do more of my runs during day time, that also helps getting some sunlight
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I am in Montana, and honestly i opt for the gym when it gets too cold and icy. I stop running outside when it hits the 20s, and i try to stay clear of ice for fear of fall and injury. I hear yak tracks are really great to keep you upright on the ice though! I was considering investing in a pair this winter.1
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leannamvaughan wrote: »I am in Montana, and honestly i opt for the gym when it gets too cold and icy. I stop running outside when it hits the 20s, and i try to stay clear of ice for fear of fall and injury. I hear yak tracks are really great to keep you upright on the ice though! I was considering investing in a pair this winter.
Yak tracks are great. I get really good traction on ice0 -
For me it's not so much about the cold as it is running in the dark. I'm in Connecticut, and it definitely gets cold and snowy, but I can handle that (even if I don't like it). But I don't like running in the dark before or after work! I have reflective gear and a headlamp, so cars don't concern me so much. But bears and other critters and creeps do!
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For me it's not so much about the cold as it is running in the dark. I'm in Connecticut, and it definitely gets cold and snowy, but I can handle that (even if I don't like it). But I don't like running in the dark before or after work! I have reflective gear and a headlamp, so cars don't concern me so much. But bears and other critters and creeps do!
75% of all my running and like 95% of my winter running is in the dark. I live in black bear and wolf country. a 600 lumen light really lights things up...0 -
Rather than spending money on Yak Traks or Microspikes, try making a pair of screw shoes. Just a few dollars in screws, about 10 minutes of time, and you've got a pair of winter running shoes with awesome traction.
http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm0 -
Rather than spending money on Yak Traks or Microspikes, try making a pair of screw shoes. Just a few dollars in screws, about 10 minutes of time, and you've got a pair of winter running shoes with awesome traction.
http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
This reminds me, I really need to look at making a pair of screw shows. I just haven't really felt like I need them yet.... Winter trail running this year might change that feeling..... I just don't want to put holes in my lovely trail shoes...LOL0 -
MNLittleFinn wrote: »Rather than spending money on Yak Traks or Microspikes, try making a pair of screw shoes. Just a few dollars in screws, about 10 minutes of time, and you've got a pair of winter running shoes with awesome traction.
http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
This reminds me, I really need to look at making a pair of screw shows. I just haven't really felt like I need them yet.... Winter trail running this year might change that feeling..... I just don't want to put holes in my lovely trail shoes...LOL
I haven't made screw shoes in years; straight trail shoes have been good enough for running roads in snow. A friend who does a lot of trails says adding screws to an old pair of trail shoes improves them for snowy trails; I don't know first hand. Then again, the same friend tries to convince me to go snowshoe racing and ice climbing.
The best success I had with screw shoes was after an ice storm. The screws really helped on the downhill. If I had to run in the same conditions now, I think I'd just put quarter inch spikes into my Kilkennys and call that good. Probably blunt the spikes on a 5 mile run, but replacement spikes are cheap.0 -
MNLittleFinn wrote: »Rather than spending money on Yak Traks or Microspikes, try making a pair of screw shoes. Just a few dollars in screws, about 10 minutes of time, and you've got a pair of winter running shoes with awesome traction.
http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
This reminds me, I really need to look at making a pair of screw shows. I just haven't really felt like I need them yet.... Winter trail running this year might change that feeling..... I just don't want to put holes in my lovely trail shoes...LOL
I haven't made screw shoes in years; straight trail shoes have been good enough for running roads in snow. A friend who does a lot of trails says adding screws to an old pair of trail shoes improves them for snowy trails; I don't know first hand. Then again, the same friend tries to convince me to go snowshoe racing and ice climbing.
The best success I had with screw shoes was after an ice storm. The screws really helped on the downhill. If I had to run in the same conditions now, I think I'd just put quarter inch spikes into my Kilkennys and call that good. Probably blunt the spikes on a 5 mile run, but replacement spikes are cheap.
yeah, I really haven't felt the need for them yet, even on icy conditions, my trail shoes work just fine. I just have to use fancier footwork. I also have a pair of running snowshoes with crampon style spikes in them.... if it gets REALLY bad I'll pull those out.0 -
MNLittleFinn wrote: »This reminds me, I really need to look at making a pair of screw shows. I just haven't really felt like I need them yet.... Winter trail running this year might change that feeling..... I just don't want to put holes in my lovely trail shoes...LOL
@MNLittleFinn they're just shoes. I use a pair with about 50 to 100 miles left in them. In the spring I take the screws out and continue using them. The holes will close up and you won't know the difference.
If your trail shoes work just fine in icy conditions, when do you use your Yaktrax?
@MobyCarp I agree for just snow, no spikes or screws are needed. I don't even both with trail shoes when I'm running snowy pavement. I use screw shoes about 2 or 3 times per winter, and that's only on trails, when we get into a thaw/freeze cycle and the trails are a skating rink. Trail shoes will not give you any traction in those conditions.
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Speedwork on road, when it's icy.... I should have stipulated that icy trail hasn't been a problem.MNLittleFinn wrote: »This reminds me, I really need to look at making a pair of screw shows. I just haven't really felt like I need them yet.... Winter trail running this year might change that feeling..... I just don't want to put holes in my lovely trail shoes...LOL
@MNLittleFinn they're just shoes. I use a pair with about 50 to 100 miles left in them. In the spring I take the screws out and continue using them. The holes will close up and you won't know the difference.
If your trail shoes work just fine in icy conditions, when do you use your Yaktrax?
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Montana here: hat, gloves (a must for me), leggings, socks, long sleeve, vest, and I haven’t needed them yet but other runners I know use the Yak Trax, hopefully I get some for Christmas lol!0
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Indiana (I spend time in both the mild central and snowy northern parts of the state): When there is just a bit of snow, I just wear my trail shoes on the road. I have a pair of slip on spikes for more treacherous conditions. Merino wool (or wool-synthetic blend) base layers are awesome. I just got a nice wind proof pair of Smartwool synthetic-wool blend tights that were amazing in 20 degree weather this morning. Polar Buff around my neck is a nice addition when it is super cold. I also just got an Arc’teryx wicking fleece that was a tad warm for 20 degrees with a layer underneath.0
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Yesterday it was 14F with bright sun and not too much wind. UA ColdGear turtleneck+USfleece+OrangeMud 1/3 zip was pretty much too much for me for the top. Got hot. Nile pants and wool socks were all I needed for bottoms to keep legs and feet war,0
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Yesterday on my run I realized that, in most cases, I would prefer to run in temperatures below 20F than to run when it's in the mid 20s to low 30s. Generally, when it is that cold, while the air may be more frigid, even when it is snowing the air tends to be drier and I find it more tolerable than when it's wet. At the beginning of the season I was having trouble dragging myself out to run when the temps were hovering around the freezing point. Usually it was because it was raining or had recently rained and that cold, wet air just chills me right to the core. The cold, dry air that is common in mid-winter might slap me in the face, but once I get used to it I find it rather exhilarating. For some reason it doesn't have the same effect as the bone chilling cold, wet air.2
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Wind makes a HUGE difference in the winter. 0°F can be quite pleasant or miserable during a run depending on the wind, and the wind also complicates your choice of clothing.
Let's say it's 0°F with no wind. With no wind, Wind chill = Air Temp = 0°F . But guess what, your running is effectively causing wind. Let's say that you're running a 10 minute mile, or 6 miles per hour. That 6mph now makes it feel like -12°F. The key point though, is that the effective wind chill is going to be the same no matter which direction you run, so once you figure out your layers for that temp, your set.
What if the wind is blowing 10mph? 0°F and 10mph wind results in a wind chill of -16°F
If I'm running with the wind then the effective wind speed is 10mph - 6 mph = 4 mph, which is a wind chill of -9°F. Not only that, but that wind is at my back and it's easy to fully cover up your back.
Ok, we've reached the end of our route and need to run back INTO the wind. What does that do to wind chill? 10mph + 6mph = 16mph, which gives us an effective wind chill of -20°F! Not only that but the wind is now blowing in our face, which is hard (but not impossible) to completely cover. We have zippers on the front which are a source of heat loss. We have our hands in front of our bodies so they get affected by the wind more. We also get that wind hitting the front of our shoes which is where the mesh is, and the mesh is designed to provide ventilation.
Running 10 minute miles varies the effect of the wind by 11F° and put the harshest wind right in our faces.
Heat regulation, therefore, is key in the winter. Zippers can be opened when running with the wind and closed when running against the wind. I'll even taken an outer wind layer off when going with the wind and put it back on when I need to.
Bring a heavier hat to wear against the wind. The golf mitts I talked about on the challenge thread are fantastic for regulating hand temperature. Buffs can be easily taken on and off (and rotated when the front freezes up in front of your mouth).
One final point is that when you can't easily regulate temperature and you dress for running against the wind, you may be generating a lot of sweat going with the wind. Now on the turn around you could be in a world of hurt with sweaty gloves or a sweaty hat. Because of that I'll carry extra gloves and a hat if it's going to windy. More than a few times I've been very glad to be able to switch into a dry hat while winter running.
Here's the wind chill calculator I used:
https://www.weather.gov/epz/wxcalc_windchill0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eC5toC0vms
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