Running in Winter
Replies
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I did most of my marathon training in winter..... This pic is after along run of 20 miles in -37C - thankfully no wind!
As everyone has said, once you get moving you'll warm up really fast.
If you carry water with you..... make sure you keep it under your layers or yes... it will freeze!
But the other thing to remember is that once you stop running.... hypothermia can set in very quickly. So make sure you have a cell phone with you, change for the bus or are on a route where you can get out of the weather if you happen to injure yourself!
Also.... if your driving to a park or somewhere to run... take dry clothes with you to change into afterward.
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Dry = Warm, Wet=Cold
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Trust your layers.... wicking really does work - I had on a technical turtleneck, polar fleece and windproof jacket.
The frost between the jacket and polar fleece was moisture wicked away from my body.
Oh and one more thing...... you may want to look into windproof running underwear to protect your ummmm....
boys.
Seriously.... !
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Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?0 -
I live in the frozen city that is known as 'Winterpeg'. Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. Our winters are brutal, can expect temperatures of less than -20 C (-4F) for well over three months. Not rare to reach -30C for stretches of a week at a time.
Pretty tough to run in that, especially when windy and cold. But on mild days, I love running outside. Dress in breathable wear cause I sweat way more than normal, and be careful with ice. Cover your face cause you may not feel cold, but can get frostbite with exposed skin2 -
riffraff2112 wrote: »I live in the frozen city that is known as 'Winterpeg'. Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. Our winters are brutal, can expect temperatures of less than -20 C (-4F) for well over three months. Not rare to reach -30C for stretches of a week at a time.
Pretty tough to run in that, especially when windy and cold. But on mild days, I love running outside. Dress in breathable wear cause I sweat way more than normal, and be careful with ice. Cover your face cause you may not feel cold, but can get frostbite with exposed skin
Hi riffraff2112 ..... I'm an hour north of you !
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Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?
"Embrace the Spandex". And no shorts over them unless you're planning to challenge the neighborhood kids to a game of hoops after the run. 3 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?
You want a little wiggle room for layers.... again depending on just how cold it gets .... I would stay away from "sweat pants" .0 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?
Just wear the tights. Even when they get wet they feel warmer than when you've got something flapping around your legs.2 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?
Just wear the tights. Even when they get wet they feel warmer than when you've got something flapping around your legs.
Nothing good ever came from flapping.4 -
I learned to run in the winter, and my second run ever in my life was in -20C. I have a worse time in the heat of summer. I live northwest of Chicago. A lot farther north. *waves to my fellow Canadians*
A lot of this has been repeated, but here goes.
- Get yourself some very good cleats that won't fall off. Ice is the biggest danger.
- Thermal under-gear. I got mine from Mark's Work Wearhouse.
- Windproof jacket that covers your rear. An icy blast up the back is the WORST. Well, maybe not the worst. But annoying.
- Reflective tape/wristband for visibility.
- Check the weather before you head out, and dress accordingly. You will want to unzip and strip as you go, as you heat up.
At least in the cold you can regulate your temperature with a bit of stripping. Not so for the heat. Most days won't be -20C. The only days I ran indoors was when the ICE was too hinky.
Oh, yes. I have my electric blanket laid out on the couch, plugged in, and warming up before I head out.2 -
JustRobby1 wrote: »I live in Chicago, and I must admit that I am not looking forward to the coming season. This being my first since I got into running hardcore, I was curious how some of you guys also in colder climates handle the colder months. Obviously I can run on an indoor treadmill. This sucks, but I will do it if I have to. That being said, assuming hypothermia is not an issue and I am properly clothed, and assuming driving snow is not preventing it, is there anything wrong with pounding out some miles in the cold? Is there a particular training regimen you follow over winter so you will be as good to go as possible once Spring hits? Do you change up your diet in any way?
Thanks in advance.
Last year, I used XC-shoes and 1/8" track spikes when it was icy (with frequent spike replacements). This year, I might try out the Yak-trax that were meant specifically for running and see if they stay in place better than other over-shoe products I've tried in the past. (The track spikes are annoying on dry areas of pavement).
You will need a balaclava in addition to the hat, gloves, and baselayer. Also don't forget an LED vest (I'd recommend over a merely reflective one, because it will be more visible to the cyclists running stoplights if nothing else).
Finding a group to run with helps with the motivation.
be forewarned - you will be slower and out of breath. The cold air is hard to process and the wind sucks it away from you when trying to breath in. I think I finally resorted to 2:1 run/walk intervals and kept to shorter runs. I was starting to get concerned about my endurance until we got a freak warm weekend in February and running suddenly felt ridiculously easy (I PR'd 10 miles by a huge margin that day).0 -
sparklyglitterbomb wrote: »For those who have mentioned yak tracks of microspikes, do those affect your stride much? I've never used either, so am curious how they feel as you run.
Microspikes (unless they also make a more 'nano-' version as well) are way too big/long for city use. They are pretty decent for trail running in the winter though - but they do have to be adjusted occasionally since they shift. I prefer XC spikes (usually ~3/8") for trail running in the winter (as well as summer) - they stay put and usually give me enough traction.0 -
bikecheryl wrote: »But the other thing to remember is that once you stop running.... hypothermia can set in very quickly. So make sure you have a cell phone with you, change for the bus or are on a route where you can get out of the weather if you happen to injure yourself!
Also.... if your driving to a park or somewhere to run... take dry clothes with you to change into afterward.
]
Yes, this.
*Make sure your route does have places you can stop into (or at the very least take an extra layer tied around your waist) in case of injury/cramp/fatigue/etc - once you stop running (whether you stay put or continue to walk rather than run), you will get cold FAST.
*If you have to drive home (or are going to eat/etc) after running, do make sure to have a change of clothes available in your car for immediately after you finish running. (you will get cold fast, and stay that way if you wait too long).2 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Another question: tights, pants ("warm-ups"), or sweatpants ("joggers")?
I wear tights for cycling, and I've already used them for running this year (with a headlamp, no less). I felt slightly goofy wearing the tights for running. I tried wearing shorts over them, but it looks even goofier. Any advice?
I may not be able to help you much there...I usually layer an athletic skirt over them.0 -
Thanks all for the helpful and practical advice. It is much appreciated1
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Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben230 -
There is no one dimension for neck warmers. The simpliest is thin fleece made into a tube. Dimensions adjusted for your neck and preferences.0
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ashley52601 wrote: »Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben23
The big advantage of a Buff is that it's seamless. I've got loads of them and use them a lot for running. They're good as sweatbands, hats, neck tubes, wristbands...
Also, under my helmet for cycling.1 -
ashley52601 wrote: »Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben23
I usually wear one of those over my neck and noise too in lieu of a stiffer balaclava + scarf. If memory serves, I think they are $6-10ish on Amazon. And stocked in some local outdoor gear shops. Yes..a lightweight stretchy material. mine is 17"x (2x 9").0 -
12-in-1 Headwear - Versatile Outdoors & Daily Headwear - Wear as a Bandana, Headband, Neck Gaiter, Balaclava, Helmet Liner, Mask. Moisture Wicking Microfiber for Fishing, Hiking. Lab Tested UPF 30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YFHG0EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mlO6zb4RDJEXKashley52601 wrote: »Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben23
I usually wear one of those over my neck and noise too in lieu of a stiffer balaclava + scarf. If memory serves, I think they are $6-10ish on Amazon. And stocked in some local outdoor gear shops. Yes..a lightweight stretchy material. mine is 17"x (2x 9").1 -
ashley52601 wrote: »Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben23
I usually wear one of those over my neck and noise too in lieu of a stiffer balaclava + scarf. If memory serves, I think they are $6-10ish on Amazon. And stocked in some local outdoor gear shops. Yes..a lightweight stretchy material. mine is 17"x (2x 9").
Thanks!0 -
kenyonhaff wrote: »There is no one dimension for neck warmers. The simpliest is thin fleece made into a tube. Dimensions adjusted for your neck and preferences.
Thanks, I realize length would be dependant on neck or head size, was more interested in the depth since it can be folded, etc.0 -
I've run in winter in Chicago for many years. I no longer live there, but I still visit often.
I've never had any serious problem. Sure, you need to wear gloves, a hat, a wind breaker, sometimes a sweat shirt, and running tights. But once you are moving you will be fine. I've never worn any special socks or snow-type shoes and haven't ever wished I had.0 -
I wear running wind pants - a double nylon - because they have good pockets. My tights don't. If it was really really cold, I might wear long underwear underneath, but so far, running as low as 15 degrees, it wasn't necessary. I really like my fleece earband for days when it's not cold enough for a wool hat. I also have gloves of various thickness. A very light pair is my usual, but on colder days I like fleece. Usually I end up taking them off after a few miles, but if the windchill is bad, they stay on.1
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New England winter - warmer than midwest winter, but snowier and windier.
Below freezing:
Tights. Mid weight Ascics for me
Long sleeve tech shirt
Hat. In high school in Michigan, it was just a knit hat. Now it's a knit with fleece liner, or fleece hat for athletics - got a decent Nike one.
Gloves. Again, used to be the knit stretch gloves. Now tech gloves. Got some from Target, and some that came with that Nike hat.
Jacket. I use a very light Brooks spring/fall jacket. It's wind and water resistant. Definitely not proof!
Socks are the same as I wear in the summer0 -
Lots of great advice here. Only thing new I can add is that until you realize how layering will/won’t work for you, I recommend finding a place where you can safely drop off clothing during your run.
Last year was my first time experiencing winter running and I found that I overdressed a bit often and underdressed occasionally. Until I figured out my happy medium, I would run at a local park that was a .6 mile loop to my car. That way, I could drop off clothes as I started to overheat or grab a jacket if it suddenly felt colder than I expected.
Good luck! It is indeed peaceful running so enjoy the journey!2 -
riffraff2112 wrote: »I live in the frozen city that is known as 'Winterpeg'. Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. Our winters are brutal, can expect temperatures of less than -20 C (-4F) for well over three months. Not rare to reach -30C for stretches of a week at a time.
Pretty tough to run in that, especially when windy and cold. But on mild days, I love running outside. Dress in breathable wear cause I sweat way more than normal, and be careful with ice. Cover your face cause you may not feel cold, but can get frostbite with exposed skin
Lived there as a kid (On Corydon close to Assiniboine Park) I still remember those winters. One of my friends from Albert still complain about how much colder it feels here in Ottawa as (in his words) it's a damp cold.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »ashley52601 wrote: »Chicago here, too!
My absolutely favorite running item has been a freebie from the Shamrock Shuffle a couple of years ago -- it's the fabric band on the top right. This thing can be an earband, a hat, a neckwarmer, or (my fave) a lightweight face mask. It's a lifesaver!
Chicago does a pretty good job keeping the downtown lakefront path clear of ice so I've not had a problem, but I use my judgement, too. If the waves are out of control, just use the treadmill.
Would you mind sharing the dimensions of the neckwarmer thingee? It sounds perfect for what I need and would be so simple to make. I imagine it's a pretty lightweight material with good drape and stretch. Would you say that's correct? @rebben23
The big advantage of a Buff is that it's seamless. I've got loads of them and use them a lot for running. They're good as sweatbands, hats, neck tubes, wristbands...
Also, under my helmet for cycling.
Yep. And they're small and light and versatile. In the winter I'll bring one in my pocket in case conditions are worse than I thought. If it's windy I can fold it a few times and use it as a headband to cover my ears, or as a scarf/neck gaiter to keep cold drafts out.0 -
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The above pic was helpful for me.
It takes some trial and error. Best items are a buff or other light item I could pull up for the beginning part of the run when I am cold and not used to breathing in the air. It's also helpful to pull up to my cheeks when the wind is in my face.
Wool socks!
As others stated, visibility is super important any time of year. In the winter, I sometimes have to switch to running at night vs early am due to the thin sheen / ice in the road. Falling is no fun.
If you have the opportunity, get out for a run during a snowfall. Most beautiful and peaceful time.2
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