With our recent cold snap I’m needing to post this sooner than I thought!
I already showed you what I wear when it’s colder, ie: 20’s.
Here’s what I run in when it’s COLDEST ie: in the teens or below.
Not even I get out for long in sub zero temps.
Outer layer: Jacket, trail shoes for traction and wind resistance, glasses, gloves, hat and headband for a little more warmth/ear protection. And finally a balaclava I can pull up over my nose and mouth as I need it. There you have it!
Another issue for consideration: Your fuel. In temps like these it freezes pretty fast. That’s why I wear my fuel belt under my jacket in really cold conditions or I circle back home and reload.
More tips for winter running:
Choose a route that minimizes time spent on busy roads–they’re even more dangerous with snow plows and cars that may lose control.
Many times wind chill is the worst part of a winter run. Plan your route to keep the wind at your back or run in areas with some protection.
And remember if it’s realllly cold, you may want to get part of your run done outside, then come in and finish up on the treadmill.
Be smart out there and keep your extremities covered.
Thanks for the info 🙂
Keeping your bottles under your jacket is a good tip, i was also told that if you put a bit of honey in your fluid/fuel, it'll help prevent it from freezing. I had frozen water bottles last year, not fun. great tips!
WOW! This is my first time to run in the cold and I'm learning as I go I guess. Although, it doesn't get that cold here EVER.
great dressing post!!! like the layers. your outer layer is intense!!! but it's necessary. i also have a hat/face coverer thingy and i love it. feel like a ninja but i love it.
You are a rockstar for going out in conditions like that! I was complaining last night, and ended up at th gym, that it was 42 out and too cold to run in it! Thanks for the tips, though! Good luck!
Tonight will be a -10C or so run. Boo…
If it is realllly cold, Body Glide on your face is a good tip as well. Sounds weird but that stuff is aloe vera based so it won't clog your pores and helps give protection. Putting a small amount of Gatorade in your water helps slow the freezing process as well.
Oh man I hate winter.
Thanks, Marcia. All good ideas and since we've had bitterly cold temps lately, also very timely.
A couple years ago I developed Raynauds Syndrome. My finger tips turn white and become quite painful in the cold. I started putting hand warmers in my mittens on any run with below freezing temps. I also put one in the pouch with my shot blox so they are nice and warm and chewy when I need them.
Great tips everyone!
Geri I'll have to do that with the Shot Blox–frozen ones are a PIA to deal with!
Thanks for the tips. Brrr. I really hate frozen water. I also use the hand warming packets that you can get cheap at Walgreens. Let's hope it is a short winter.
wow! you run in some cold temps. i definitely couldn't do it! 20's… maybe, below that – treadmill (or laziness) for me 😉
great tips though – hopefully i will never need all those layers!
somehow i missed your blog recently :-/ thanks for the comments on mine! i have you in my reader now to follow along!
I am such a wimp. I do NOT like cold weather. Luckily, I live in the SF Bay Area in California so even low 30's would be a stretch for us.
Thanks! I'm going to need all the advice I can get next year coz I'll be moving to Milwaukee! I'll definitely keep these in mind.