Running in Cold Weather

CaptainGordo
CaptainGordo Posts: 4,437 Member
It's that time of year.

Tips? Questions? Links to info?
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Replies

  • sherrirb
    sherrirb Posts: 1,714 Member
    On another C25K website forum that I belong to, this link was a well used and highly suggested site to help you figure out how you should be dressing for runs based on the weather and your body.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0-0-0-0,00.html

    I'm in Wisconsin. If I continue to run outside, I may consider buying some of these for when the snow starts coming down: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Surefoot-Everyday-Ice-Aid/16637220?findingMethod=rr
  • sgoldman328
    sgoldman328 Posts: 379 Member
    That's great, thanks for sharing!
  • whiskey9890
    whiskey9890 Posts: 652 Member
    gloves. when it starts to get cold a pair of running gloves are a godsend,
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    I knit myself a neat ninja ski mask for my Thanksgiving Day 10k & it turned out to be warm enough that I didn't need it. But I've got it if I feel like getting out there when it DOES get really cold, & I knit matching mittens too (profile pic :bigsmile: ).

    Layers are the key, on the day of my race I wore sports bra, long-sleeved technical shirt, & a wicking long-sleeved running hoodie that had hand warmers. Compression workout pants, regular socks & my running shoes. Temp was probably around 40 degrees F, so it wasn't super cold.

    If it had been below 30 I would have worn my Under Armour mock as the bottom layer & worn my ski mask around my neck in case I needed it, plus mittens.

    20 deg or less I would have worn an extra layer on both the bottom & the top.
  • fitplease
    fitplease Posts: 647 Member
    What kind of socks do you recommend? I have a feeling those cotton socks are not a great idea in chilly temps.
  • beautifulbeast11
    beautifulbeast11 Posts: 202 Member
    Clothes aren't an issue for me... I layer and have a lot of under armor. My question is shoes.... I don't want to fall in slick, snowy conditions.
  • debstanley4
    debstanley4 Posts: 208 Member
    bump
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    My feet tend to get hot when I run & I haven't run in cold enough weather to need special socks. I just wear regular sport socks, though I do kind of like the ones that have a little compression around the middle of the foot & a thicker sole for extra cushion.

    @Cmarieleep, look up Yak Trax, they're available at Sports Authority or online. They're these contraptions you strap over your shoes that provide traction, & are ideal for ice & snow. It's the equivalent of putting chains on your tires.
  • Primalgal
    Primalgal Posts: 532 Member
    My feet never get cold either. I just wear the same old short socks I wore all summer. The coldest I've run in so far is 19F. I have cuddleduds silky long underwear top(turtleneck) & bottom, a Mizuno thermal top and Mizuno thermal tights plus an Under Armour hooded sweatshirt that is Coldgear Storm....it repels moisture instead of sucking it up like a normal cotton sweatshirt would. I wear a Polartec turtlefur gaiter around my neck, a polartec hat with ear flaps & of course, gloves. I am perfectly warm(actually a little too warm) even when its in the teens. Tomorrow it will be in the 30's, so I'll wear all the above except the long underwear! Will probably ditch the turtlefur gaiter too.

    The biggies for me are keeping my ears and hands warm. I'm only out for 30-45 minutes, so I suppose it would be different for long distances?

    Good luck!
  • Lacey99
    Lacey99 Posts: 9 Member
    Face cover and gloves:)
    I love running in the cold! The cold air numbs my lungs and makes everything effortless!
  • chattywalnut
    chattywalnut Posts: 14 Member
    I'm in Wisconsin too and I highly suggest getting some yaktrax pro for your shoes. Granted they make them a little heavier but definitely help to not slip on the snow and ice. I just got some this weekend and I think they work great!

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  • cantobean
    cantobean Posts: 287 Member
    Underarmour. Gloves. Hat. Layers on top.

    Also, I've found I need to apply moisturizer to my face after a really cold and windy run, or my skin will chap.
  • BRFMcKay
    BRFMcKay Posts: 80 Member
    I definitely need to invest in a face cover. My face gets so darn cold, I can barely get myself outside!
    Any suggestions? Can I go to a sporting goods store (it blanked out the one store's name I put here!) and get one there?
  • cmoorefully
    cmoorefully Posts: 1 Member
    I have just started recently too. I was wondering if a face mask, at least over my nose, will help with my nose running like crazy. I'm finding it terribly annoying.
  • coatsie79
    coatsie79 Posts: 187 Member
    Lots of vaseline/lip balm on my lips to stop them getting chapped.

    Runny nose....I just used my sleeve or gloves...haha Everything gets chucked in the washing machine after a run anyway so what the hell.
  • fitplease
    fitplease Posts: 647 Member
    Runny nose....I just used my sleeve or gloves...haha Everything gets chucked in the washing machine after a run anyway so what the hell.

    I've been known to use my gloves. I have extra pairs, so it's easy to toss one pair in the wash.
  • erisfreenici
    erisfreenici Posts: 277 Member
    For the person who asked about socks, I have a pair of SmartWool socks that are nice and toasty warm.
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    I just bought some YakTrax the other day...LOVE. THEM. Can't wait to get more snow. Seriously.
  • Dorianlg
    Dorianlg Posts: 71 Member
    Admittedly, I bike in the winter more than jogging, but I love the Patagonia balaclava. It breathes, it's light, it comes in two sizes, and you can very easily adjust it to cover your mouth and nose or not, depending on how cold it is. Smartwool running socks are great. They're not the cheapest but they are worth every penny. Chemical warming packs also actually work, to put in your shoes or the packs you put in your pockets but could carry in your hands, if you're determined to go running when it's 0.
  • mom2tek
    mom2tek Posts: 75 Member
    My biggest thing is running in the dark. I get home from work and it's dark out and I don't like to go out then. I can layer for cold and not a problem. I want to try this program but the lack of light is an issue for me. Any suggestions? What is everyone else doing?