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I’ve learned to love winter running but there are several things that make it work.  Below are a few tips to keep you running throughout the year and enjoying the benefits of year round fitness.

Before you read the tips below take a moment to read an article I wrote a few years ago, “ The Frozen Sasquatch and Why I Love Winter Running.”
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​Tips for cold weather running
  • It’s a state of mind, decide you will do it and use the tough conditions to prepare for the demands of racing.  You have to practice being tough in tough conditions.
  • Don’t use weather as an excuse.  Ice storms, are perhaps, the only exception.
  •  Key workouts each week should be outside
  •  Use the treadmill for easy runs
  •  Getting started in the cold is the worst part
  •  The right gear makes all the difference
  •  Run slow or walk slow enough to inhale through your nose
  •  A headlamp is a must have piece of equipment because whether it’s morning or evening, most likely you’ll be running in the dark.  Have at least one piece of reflective or flashing safety gear.
  • For snow and ice, turn an old pair of running shoes in to screw shoes. These work best in packed snow and icy conditions.
  • Trail shoes are great for running in the snow.  Goretex shoes are over rated.  A nice pair of wool socks will do just fine.
 
Dressing for cold weather
  • They key to comfort is to keep your head and hands warm. 
  • Wear clothes that allow you to adjust your temperature like half zip uppers, arm sleeves, two layers of gloves and a hat with an ear band you can take off.
  •  Start out a little chilly because you’ll warm up
  •  Wear an upper body wicking base and a zip turtle neck
  •  Add a light shell on top if it’s real cold.
  •  Wear Tech fiber running pants that insulate and stay dry….. these can be loose fitting
  •  We compression shorts (bike shorts or tri shorts) under the pants
  • Wear a face mask or Buff to warm and humidify the air for comfort
  • For the feet, a good athletic wool sock will keep your feet warm and dry.
  • Wool ski socks that come your knees are great for feet and calves.
  • Use a good quality thermal or wool cap
  • Wool mittens layered over fleece gloves will keep your hands warm in the coldest weather
  • Don’t spend a lot of money on any of this stuff. Visit discount retailers like Marshalls and TJ Maxx to get good deals on cold gear.
  • It will take some trial and error to get the right gear for the right conditions. Everyone is a little different.