10 Expert Tips For Cold Weather Running [GUEST POST]

21 Comments / Running / By

Allison from Al the Gal RunsGreetings, I’m Allison and I blog at Al the Gal Runs. I am a runner of all distances, but my heart belongs to the marathon. I have found myself, determination, health, sanity and love of life though running. 

As part of the Elf for Health Challenge, Carly and I are sharing our running expertise with everyone by guest posting on each other’s blogs so be sure to head over to my blog and check out her post!

Being a Wisconsin gal, I know that running outside in the cold sucks and I try to avoid the treadmill at all costs. I learned a lot about cold weather running last year when I was training for the Green Bay Marathon so I thought I’d share my tips with you today.

10 Tips For Running In the Cold

Layer Up – Typically one or two thin layers along with a light jacket will keep you warm. Be sure to cover all skin, leaving only part of your face exposed. As long as you keep moving, you shouldn’t get cold once you’re warmed up.

Cover Your Paws – Cover your paws with thin running gloves. You’ll most likely need gloves that are thinner than you think. Hands will warm up quickly after a few minutes of running so no need to bust out your wool mittens.

Protect Your Neck – Last winter I added a neck gaiter to my cold weather running wardrobe and it became my favorite piece. Not only do they keep your neck warm but your face and ears as well.

Don’t Forget Your Skin – Remember to apply sunblock to your face. It’s probably the last thing you think you’ll need when running in cold temps but you’re still susceptible to getting sunburned. Last winter my face got burned when it was just a few degrees out.

Grab Shades – I find it necessary in the winter to wear sunglasses while running especially when there’s snow on the ground because sun reflects off of it and can be blinding.

Be Seen – If you’re a morning or an evening runner, chances are you’ll be running in the dark so make sure you can be seen by traffic. Headlamps, reflective vests, knuckle lights, flashing lights; pick at least two of those items to be seen on your run.

Get Traction – Running in snow and ice is difficult therefore adding traction to the bottom of your shoes can help. Products such as Yaktrax can provide traction or simply putting screws in the bottom of old running shoes helps as well.

Fuel Properly – If it’s below 30 degrees, carrying liquids and food on long runs can be troublesome. Water and Gatorade freeze and food such as gels can get rock hard. Try heating up water before heading out or bring money to purchase liquids while out running. I have found that carrying jelly beans are best for eating on winter runs because they are small and thaw quickly once in your mouth.

Slow Down – Whether it’s snow, ice or a sub zero windchill, running in the cold will slow you down. Be careful when on ice and walk if you have to. Slowing down may be frustrating but it’s better than having to nurse an injury.

Pay Attention – Look down frequently at the surface you’re running on and watch out for black ice. Leaving your music at home will also allow you to pay closer attention to conditions and your surroundings.

 

Are you a treadmill or outside runner in cold temps?

What are your cold weather running tips?

 

Follow Al the Gal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/althegalruns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/althegalruns

Instagram: http://instagram.com/althegalruns

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/althegalruns

 

More from my site

21 thoughts on “10 Expert Tips For Cold Weather Running [GUEST POST]”

    1. Carly Pizzani

      I just ran in a snowy Brooklyn park and am in awe of you Wisconsin ladies!! Thanks for reading – Allison wrote an awesome post! 🙂

    1. Carly Pizzani

      Kim, I did two treadmill runs last week and thought of you! As you know, I don’t mind the cold weather so much and had a great run in icy conditions today (although I probably could have followed a couple more of Allison’s tips!)

    1. Carly Pizzani

      I prefer running outside, too, but I do love having the seasons here in the Northeast! Trying to decide which season we prefer to run in gives us runners one more thing to discuss longwindedly. 😉

    2. Allison

      Thanks Paula! It’s been easier to run outside this week in WI because it’s now in the 20s – woo hoo! Send some of that warmer weather north.

  4. Ashley

    I just started getting back into running. I am training for a 1/2 marathon in March. Just bought cold weather compression clothing from Dick’s Sporting Goods and I love it! During the winter I like to stay inside on the treadmill especially with the ice and snow but when it melts I will be hitting the pavement. I also use a runners pack when I run. You cannot hold much in it but the key essentials are put in there.
    Ashley recently posted…Lessons we LearnMy Profile

    1. Carly Pizzani

      Ashley, I have the Level Flip Belt that I run with that I LOVE. It holds a bunch of stuff (phone, keys, fuel, iPod) and nothing moves. Check it out!! 🙂

    1. Carly Pizzani

      Have a good run tomorrow, whether you’re outside or treadmill! And be careful if it’s still icy (I think it’s supposed to be a little warmer though, fingers crossed!).

        1. Carly Pizzani

          Thanks for reading, Kristin! 🙂 I don’t know about where you live, but I’ve found the running paths in the park here in Brooklyn are kept pretty well clear of ice and snow in the winter. Maybe test out a route by walking it first? And definitely try the YakTrax that Allison recommended!

    1. Carly Pizzani

      I totally agree, Stefanie. I like those beanies with the hole for a ponytail, or the fleece headband thing that covers your ears as well.

  8. Pingback: 10 tips om man springer på vintern | Annas fräscha spartips

  9. Pingback: Running Tips - When to Choose the Treadmill - Fine Fit Day

Comments are closed.