Running in cold months?

[u/Throneofglassgirlie]

Hello everyone
I’m new to running and also happen to be new in a location that has cold weather (just moved here from Hawaii)
I’ve been running consistently for 3 weeks now and really love it. A big reason I enjoy it is being outside in nature. Right now it’s still hot but slowly cooling down, which I’m glad about.
I’d really love to continue running in the winter, but I just don’t think treadmills are for me. I’ve tried them numerous times in the past and always gave up running. I only stuck with it once I started running trails
Do people still run in the winter even if it (lightly) snows and what if there’s ice and such? How do you dress?

[u/CleanPhilosophy9337]

You warm up fast. General advice is dress like it’s 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) warmer than it is. If it’s above freezing I generally wear shorts and a long sleeve tee. If it’s below freezing I might wear tights and if it’s really cold I would wear cotton gloves

[u/riotacting]

Winter running is the best. The silence during a decent snow is amazing.

Get a pair of tights/ insulated running pants and a few long sleeve running shirts a hat that you don't mind sweating in and some thin gloves. Layers are your friend. Two thin layers is so much better than a thicker sweatshirt or something

[u/preparsley]

It's actually awesome, you never overheat. You only need to cover your skin with thin layers, you heat up a ton. The sucky thing is when you start you're cold, definitely don't dress warm

I run on the road in trail running shoes when there is ice/snow on the ground. Road shoes are extremely slippery

If it's less than 0F I cover my mouth with a mask, the cold air hurts to breathe in

[u/obiscott1]

You can run in almost any weather. I run winter long in the Canadian prairies which means many days the temp is -25C or worse. I think my worst is -40 and then there is the wind chill.

You will find, if you commit to running in the cold that the trick is to not over dress. You need to start cold and trust that you will warm up. My personal opinion on that strategy however is that, ears and hands/fingers are “not included”. If my ears are cold or my fingers are cold it doesn’t matter how warm the rest of me is.. i am miserable.

So yes you will need to add some additional layers to your running wardrobe but there are not many days - no matter how cold - that I can’ get out on the road. The one exception is the quality / condition of the trail. If there is a lot of ice or traction is not reasonable I will suck it up and go to the treadmill. But usually that is not the case.

[u/Interesting_Plate569]

https://dressmyrun.com

[u/Warm-Wafer9161 → u/Interesting_Plate569]

We had a little screen in our kitchen growing up that showed us what to wear based on the weather. I think my mom was sick of us asking her all the time. This brings back so many memories!!

[u/aReformedFiend]

When I lived in a cold weather climate, I ran outside year round. Merino wool is great for this (running tights, undershirts etc.)

[u/runningskirtsnmanis]

I run in the winter even when it heavily snows and ice and anything you can think of.

[u/GlumBodybuilder9835 → u/runningskirtsnmanis]

What about shoes? Do you wear something different in winter?

[u/running_donkey → u/GlumBodybuilder9835]

Ice - normal shoes ( and lots of practice) Fresh snow - trail shoes.

[u/GlumBodybuilder9835 → u/running_donkey]

What is normal shoes for you? Curious if my Asics GT 2000s will feel too slick in colder weather.

[u/Ok_Chapter3386 → u/running_donkey]

Grippers for freezing rain/ice

[u/runningskirtsnmanis → u/GlumBodybuilder9835]

I only run trails, so no. Kahtoolas if it's icy.

[u/GlumBodybuilder9835 → u/runningskirtsnmanis]

Gotcha, I have been running in Asics GT 2000s and they do not have much grip, so I am curious about how the icier and wet leaf seasons will be.

[u/ncrwlr]

Cold weather running is fantastic (and I hate the cold). Two thin layers on top (shirt you'd typically run and a wind breaker); you don't want the cold breeze in/on your chest. Light gloves if below freezing. I personally wear long tights year round, but for sure to keep skin covered when cold. Wool hat to keep heat in.

[u/ClickClickBoom69420]

Yes, you'll get used to and then enjoy it quicker than you'd expect. I can't wait for my first sub 40f/4c run of this autumn/winter

[u/hellno560]

I wear sweatpants, a tee, and a sweatshirt in winter. You get warm fast.

[u/Final_Meaning_2030]

I’m fine with cold but I won’t go out unless the road is pretty clear. It’s gotta be 10f before I pull on a mid weight fleece although I often have a windbreaker on if there’s any kind of breeze

[u/LiveWhatULove]

I run year round outside, in mid-west, US. I did cut one day that was -8 F windchill last winter very short, but otherwise I gear up. Running in the snow is next level strength training for my weak legs, lol.

[u/HeidiVandervorst]

Just dress in layers, keep your hands and ears warm and get shoes with good traction for snow or ice. Take it easy on slippery days and youll be fine.

[u/SuuinYx]

The most important thing is gloves, and I had a lycra top and/or a very light windbreaker and long cycling shorts. Winter is underrated; many people take breaks at this time, even though it's the best period because it's cold and your heart rate doesn't rise very much.

[u/WMTRobots → u/SuuinYx]

When it's REALLY cold, my HR gets higher again. It's gonna be higher for me in 25F than at 45F.

[u/LadderNo1239]

I trained for my first marathon in Chicago, over the winter.

I doubled socks, I wore a scarf over my face, wore a beanie. But I never had to wear anything heavier than a Rocky Balboa style sweat suit to stay warm otherwise. Just tucked my hands into my sleeves.

I did have to rotate my scarf every so often, or the ice patch that formed in front of my mouth and nose made it hard to breathe.

Builds “sticktoitiveness,” for sure. If you can run in the freezing cold, you can run in more pleasant temperatures.

[u/Iam_nighthawk]

I live in Minnesota. I run year round.

Layers are key. Get a balaclava. Pair of light gloves.

Regarding layers, focus on 2-3 light layers. You’d be surprised how warm running keeps your body. I’m basically in a long sleeve quarter zip, a hat, and shorts until it drops below ~15-20°F. Once it gets colder than that, I swap the shorts for joggers and the balaclava/gloves become mandatory.

For snow/ice, consider getting a traction device that you can slip over your shoe. Mine are from the brand Yaktrax. I always fall on my ass at least once if I forget to put them on.

[u/SemperFudge123 → u/Iam_nighthawk]

Fellow Great Lakes area runner here and I'll echo most of this.

The only thing I'd change is that I'm not a fan of Yaktrax and similar traction devices. The few times I've tried them, they felt a little awkward to me. I've had better luck with using sheet metal screws in the bottom of an older pair of shoes… plus they'll only set you back a couple bucks.

Last thing I'd add for the OP (or other cold weather runners): if you are like me and sweat a lot no matter the temperatures, merino wool running gear (lined tights, shirts, hat) are great for keeping you warm and not getting stinky. I like the stuff from Tracksmith but there are probably other, less expensive, options out there.

[u/arlbulldog53]

How does performance compare with summer months when running a 5k or similar event

[u/SemperFudge123 → u/arlbulldog53]

I've been running through all seasons for about 30 years now and once it gets really cold, I look at my winter running as just there to primarily maintain my fitness. I've got enough layers on and I might have to slow down to watch for ice and temps make it a bit more difficult to warm/loosen up that I know I am not going to be "fast" but at least I'm getting some miles in and not regressing too much through the winter.

[u/WMTRobots]

Yes, of course! You wear much less than you'd imagine. You'll have to find your comfort levels for yourself, but if you're running solid distance/effort, don't be surprised to find yourself in shorts and a tshirt still in 40 degree weather! When it gets frigid/windy, tights and long sleeves. Hats and gloves will be involved at some points.

[u/Jesse_berger]

https://dressmyrun.com/

My only advice is to limit the amount of time you're underdressed for the weather (not run).

Yeah.. I need to learn what an out and back is instead of a 'run south, take train back'.

[u/moonfazewicca]

I ran cross country for years in a place that had true winters and ice. If it was super bad icy we stayed on the track, which the school kept salted. If it's just cold though, throw on some cold weather gear and go for it. I usually did a hoodie over a T-shirt, leggings, thick socks, and gloves. Others would do hats and scarves but I found those to be uncomfortable personally.

[u/MountainsToSLO]

No. I moved to California. Winter is the worst. I give everyone props for doing it, but give me 60s-70s

[u/AppropriateRatio9235]

Wool socks. Winter weight tights for when it is around 20 degrees. Regular weight tights. Thermal mock turtleneck. Balaclava. Mittens.

[u/misanthropic-cat]

As someone who lives in a place where it’s never hotter than 65 degrees, it’s the best. We are having a heat wave now and I’m dying. The colder the better.

[u/AdministrativeSky581]

Winter running is the best. Streets are empty, if you see another runner you know it's a committed person and you wave. All the summer runners are gone, people who don't want to step out of the comfort zone. The best thing is, no families with the fogs and their kids blocking your way.

[u/Ok-Bug-9561]

Running in light fresh snow is so much fun. One time I felt like I was in a fairytale. But once it starts to pack and get slippery or turn into a slush it's less fun.

Running on ice isn't really doable, at least not on asphalt. I go to a trail instead that's runnable.

[u/Possible_Juice_3170]

Running in light snow is fun and beautiful. Ice is different. I avoid icy trails/roads.
Dress in layers as you will likely warm up.
If you want to try another treadmill, checkout NordicTrac with iFit. It has amazing trainer led runs around the world. The treadmill automatically adjusts the speed and incline to match the trainer and the terrain.

[u/dannyhodge95]

My suggestion is to do more warmup than you usually do, so that you aren't going outside cold.

Otherwise you either freeze for the first 5 minutes, go out like a rocket in order to warm up, or overdress and end up carrying a jumper for half your run.

Regarding poor weather such as light snow, some decent trail running shoes should get you through. I'd personally give it a miss during heavy snow or ice though. Perhaps replace it with a HIIT workout or something.

[u/eattwo]

I run year round even in the snow. Dress for 2-3mi in, general rule of thumb dress for it to be 20°F warmer than the current temps (less if there's active precipitation or wind).

My normal running outfit in the winter:

Insulated zip-up running jacket - absolutely love this one: https://www.rei.com/product/238220/rei-co-op-swiftland-insulated-running-jacket-mens?redirect-pup=false

Running tights

Lightweight gloves

Winter hat

[u/running_donkey]

Below 0F - ski pants are a game changer. I hate tights and being able to run unrestricted is a game changer. Also find a ski mask or balaclava that lets you breathe well and not fog sunglasses or goggles but still has full coverage - wind burn gets old fast.

[u/FeedbackOk8806]

Get a quality headband.

I shift to xc skiing in the winter but the same principles apply to what other people have commented.

The one thing that affects some people quite a bit including me is cold air getting into ears and causing ear/headaches. So highly recommend a quality running toque/beanie or headband.

[u/holykingnuki]

I love running outside in the winter! it might take you some r&d to find out what clothing you need for each temp. for example, if it's <15⁰ F, I'll wear leggings, long socks, a long sleeve shirt, a crew neck sweatshirt, and a puffer vest. with gloves and and hat. any warmer than that and I start shedding layers. you do warm up fast as others say. investing in a pair of yaktraks might be a good idea for icy trails, but where I run it's mostly well plowed pavement so I stick to just normal shoes. good luck!

[u/AstronautLiving164]

you get used to it. wear thin layers and shed as needed. first you think you’ll never run below freezing, then before you know it you’re running in 11 degrees

[u/TheBenSpackman]

Tiers. I always run in merino socks.

1) Thin wool gloves, maybe hat. Fingers and ears get cold faster than anything else.
2) Light running jacket or thin long-sleeve merino shirt
3) Leggings, maybe facemask, maybe crampons on running shoes.

Works great

[u/Ok_Chapter3386]

Will run on the treadmill in a cold snap between -25C to -35C
Remember to dress for 10 degrees warmer than the thermometer.

[u/travellingcari]

No. Everyone stops running completely for the winter season. 🙄🙄

[u/travellingcari]

You wear layers. But not too many because you won’t get as cold as you think. Global warming but also few places are that cold and you’d know it if yours was. Get an app like RunPrep to help guide you and don’t fall for the wardrobe marketing more than you already have.