It’s Baaaccck! The Polar Vortex that left most of us feeling like human popsicles is back – and adding insult to injury it’s making an early appearance! With temps quickly dropping as much as 40 degrees in a day in some areas, Courtney, Mar and Cynthia’s link-up topic of “Cold Weather Running Tips” couldn’t be more appropriate!
Layer, layer, layer! — Surviving and thriving in cold weather running is all about layering. I think at minimum you’ll want to consider three layers: a base layer, an insulating layer and an outer layer. Depending on the weather and your tolerance for the cold, you may want to use more than one insulating layer. And, layering isn’t just for your upper body. Start with a good pair of running tights, and if you find that one layer isn’t enough, add wind-proof track pants over your tights for extra protection.
Wicking still matters — Just as with running in the summer heat, this is no time for cotton! Make sure your base layer is made of a wicking material to keep sweat away from your body and to help keep your skin warm and dry.
Protect you extremities — Did you know that you can lose as much as 40% of your body heat through your head? Wearing a fleece or wool hat can go a long way to keeping you warm during your runs. You can also lose a fair amount of body heat through your hands so you’ll want to keep them covered with moisture-wicking gloves or mittens.
Change quickly post-run — Chills can quickly set in as your body’s core temperature drops post-run. Quickly change out of your running clothes and jump into a hot shower or, my favorite, a warm Epsom salt bath.
Be willing to hit the ‘mill — Some days it may just be too cold to run outdoors, so be willing to head for a treadmill or do some form of cross-training.
How do you manage cold weather running?
I don’t like running in the cold. So it is usually treadmill dor me in the winter. If I do attempt to make it out, definitely an epsom salt bath when I return.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Items you’ll want for cold weather running…..
I swear knowing that bath is waiting at the end makes it a lot more tolerable.
I always forget to bring an extra set of dry clothes to the gym, so I am freezing when I walk home. #4 is a great reminder!
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Cold Running Weather Tips
At a minimum I try to bring a heavier sweatshirt or fleece to throw on over my workout clothes for the trip home from the gym – it helps.
I love running in the colder weather! Can’t wait to try out some of my new winter gear 🙂
AmyC recently posted…Fit Friday: Holiday Sweat Challenge + #FFTriumph
What’s your favorite? I’m on the hunt for new tights.
Great advice Michelle! I need to buy some more insulating layers and I’m already thinking I need more gloves or mittens! We got our first snow in Philly last night…the madness begins!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Friday Five: How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
Thanks Janelle. Gloves are a biggie for me – can’t run without them!
It was so hard to get out there yesterday. 21 degrees seemed SO cold but I know I run in far colder. I should’ve worn gloves though. SOooooo windy! I need to get used to this.
Marcia recently posted…Tips for Handling Holiday Drama
I know what you mean – I like to ease into the cold weather, but right now I feel like I’m being thrown right into the deep end!
I agree Layers, layers, layers, I shed as I go and end up with stuff tied around my waist.
However, at least I am always comfortable that way.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Weekend Vacation and Weight Watchers
Yep I’m the same way – all kinds of things tied around my waist but like you said, I’m always comfortable.
Great advice! I hate cold weather running, so you are more likely to find me on a treadmill watching a movie 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Thinking out loud
Thanks Sue! It’s taken me a couple of winters but I’ve finally learned to embrace the cold.
I am not a hat person but I do love some good ear warmers and great gloves. Brr it was cold on my run yesterday! Stay warm 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Happy Birthday To Me & Skirt Sports Announcement
I will admit sometimes I get too hot in a hat and will switch to a fleece headband.
I need to find my gloves! Running without them this week has been a little miserable but I didn’t realize how much heat I could be losing through my hands!
My hands get cold so easily I start wearing gloves the minute the temps drop below 40!
I knew you’d have good advice! I usually can get by with 2 layers.
Coco recently posted…A Year Of Living It UP
Thanks – you know me in my quest to avoid the mill I’ve learned to get use to these cold temps 🙂
I use the treadmill as a last resort, but I’m very thankful I have one!
MCM Mama recently posted…5 Beers that will keep you warm this winter
I would love to have the treadmill option at home, then I’d have no need for my gym membership.