Running in the cold

[Pinkiehatch]

Hi there. I'm looking for some advise on running in the current freezing conditions. I'm on week 3 run 2 and our local temp is estimated to be minus 10 tomorrow! Am I still ok to go out?

[Big_G]

I read somewhere recently (Men's Health I think) that you burn calories faster to keep warm when you exercise in cold weather, that's got to be a bonus right? Just mind you don't slip on the icy bits

[expat68]

Lightweight layers are the way to go. I wear a running top that wicks the sweat away, with a light top and gilet over it (though I'm tempted to buy a thermal top). You can get running gloves & hats that do the same, though I just wear my normal hat and gloves then take them off when I warm up and stick them in my pocket. I find that my headphones are enough to keep my ears warm. You can also get a running scarf to cover your mouth and nose and breathe through that. I haven't bothered as it hasn't been *that* cold - although today (about 1C) my lungs did ache a little. I'd imagine a normal scarf wouldn't be comfortable because you'd end up with damp condensed breath against your face.

You're fine to run in the cold as long as you're prepared!

[FBrun]

Running in the cold is a bit like skiing but you get warmer quicker. I have been wearing a T shirt and 2 sweatshirts - on a colder day (-5C or so) I also wore a thin anorak. Just jeans on legs. Plus hat and warm gloves. After 15 min on week 2 run I am no longer cold in legs and never felt cold in trunk - only a bit in hands to start with despite skiing gloves. Feels good to not have an excuse not to run really!