Running outside in winter

[snailface]

Is this possible guys. I don’t want to give up and start over in spring.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

It is certainly possible, you just need to pick your routes and take care with your footing.

Many of us ran right through the Beast from the East with little trouble.

If you're worried then check out local gyms to at least give yourself the treadmill option or if you have space at home you can pick them up very cheaply second-hand. 👍😉

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Yes, I started in March and ran in terrible weather, a fresh 3 inch snowfall proved my determination. Just have warm layers, and expect to have to let your shoes dry out.

I'm looking forward to the Autumn and Winter runs 🤩

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

It's the best time! You just need to be sensible and wear the right gear (thin thermal layers), choose your routes, get lit up (torch, hi-viz, etc) and enjoy it.

You could consider joining a running club as it's a great incentive and it's safe.

[Jogunlikely in reply to Irishprincess]

Hear Hear on joining a club

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

I live in Canada, and it’s probably not not surprising when I say that we get fairly harsh winters. I’m returning to running and I used to run and plan to run in anything up to -10 Celsius. Cold crisp running days are lovely, so refereshing! I won’t run if there is ice or loads of snow on the roads (it’s not worth having a fall). I have tried running with clip on cleats but the things would just “ping” and go flying off. I watch out for severe windchill, if the thermometer says -8 Celsius but blowing winds give a windchill of -18 Celsius then I won’t go out.

Dressing warm enough, but not overheating is key. You can get special winter running shoes, but honestly I’ve not needed them (even on 10ks in -10 Celsius). I wear winter running pants, tank, long sleeve top with zipper and a running jacket (just a shell). I get too hot with a hat and gloves so I use the cuffins on my long sleeve top until I get warm enough and a headband ear warmer thingy.

I’ve got an indoor plan encase we get a nasty winter, but I’ve jabbered in long enough here already.... (sorry!)

So in short, yes you can run in winter, just be prepared and enjoy it.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

I'm not sure what the "tank" is, but I am listening very intently to this advice. Perhaps you could do a post so you can add a photo showing us how you prepare. I am kind of looking forward to it, but fearing it for the same reasons as the OP. Also, I haven't started looking into the winter pants yet, is there any specific tech you would recommend? I'm also thinking my anklet socks will be a no-go!? Thanks for any advice. xx

[Sqkr in reply to Hidden]

Total reply hijack, and I'd be interested to know how more extreme winter runners do it too, but I'd say don't overthink it, or you'll build it up too much! Our winters are really not too cold, all things considered. I didn't go further than about 15k but also didn't find all that much difference between running this past winter and in not-winter. I used a thinnish, vented zip up top with cuffins, and occasionally wrapped a buff round each wrist to help with raynauds but I didn't wear gloves. I upgraded to a merino buff for my head. I used winter tights which are slightly more heavy duty than normal and sometimes have a bit of a soft lining, either microfleece or textured, and if it was really bad out I wore a thermal top under my zippy one. I don't run in waterproofs at all but East Coast Scotland is generally windy, cold and icy rather than rainy. I used Yaktrax pro on my feet during the beast, and they gave me excellent grip on ice and compacted snow. Soft snow doesn't really seem to need anything additional, you can just skip through it. I wore socklets throughout because I just don't like ankle socks. I occasionally got a pink nose, but honestly, I really didn't find too much seasonal difference here at all. Except I didn't need to carry any water, so that was a bonus!

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

Cheers for this. Being from East Coast Scotland I know your idea of not too bad is questionable! Worst winter in a few years last year - we were snowed in despite living by the sea! Loving the buff idea. My worst problem are my ears, they really hurt when it's colder. I usually wear a liner under my ski helmet even though I then sweat. Buff on my head or one of those ear fleece might well be the answer. I don't mind the cold as long as I'm dressed for it. 😁

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

My ears hurt in cold and wind too so thanks for asking all the right questions for me too! Xx

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hey there Sutsha,

I’m probably going to reply in more than 1 response....

Tank = sweat wicking tech sleeveless T (I like lululemon cool racer back). I wear it is a base layer.

Socks - I do have a pair of winter running socks and they really do make a difference in sub zero temps. I like Wright’s double layer socks and I bought a ‘cold weather’ pair years ago.

Pants - I’m a bargain rail hunter type of gal. Mine came from the bargain rail. My run instructor (I’m returning to running) advised me to buy them and it was great advice, she literally got them off the bargain rail and said ‘get these, you will need them’. I'll dig them out and have a look and get back to you.

Cheek Warmers - lululemon did sell cheek warmers for a few years. It’s too early in the season for them to be stocking them yet. They are great! They are a pair of quilted shorts that you wear over your running leggings and they keep your butt and lower back warm. If you ever see something like them, they look kinda quirky, But they are actually very good. And yes, they do make your bum look big!!

Take care, goforitmama xx

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Goforitmama]

Sqkr gives good advice.

Really you dress to beat the wind. Probably best to not go spending lots of $$$ until you know what you need, you’ve probably got most of it already anyway.

The leggings I have are Peak Performance. They are like regular running leggings except they are slightly thicker and they have panels covering the quads which is more of a heavy duty shell type with a very light fleece type lining.

I found in the past that my upper body was warm during a run, especially after about 10 minutes into a run. Just the skin on my butt and quads would get chilled.

One piece of general advice I was given years ago was to dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer outside than the thermometer says. So if it says 16 Celsius, I dress as if it were 26 celcius, I know I’ll be okay with running skort and tank. Same goes in winter, if the thermometer says -8 celcius then I will dress as though it was +2 Celcius.

I think that you will enjoy winter running, and will soon realise that’s it’s not really a big deal (so long as it’s not slippery under foot).

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Thanks Goforitmama ! So helpful. Will def look for those socks. Once I knew what you meant by "tank", I had a look at a Salomon top I have still with tags on. It's actually described as a tank (duh!), it is sweat wicking, climate, uv protection and is called Smart Skin. How complicated! I bought it because it was blue!!!! So, base layer sorted. 😁

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I only just realized I called leggings ‘pants’, I hope you knew I wasn’t talking about my undies !

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Haha! I did. We've both obviously been watching too many US series!!! 😆

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Nah, I’ve been living in Canada too long.

[Sqkr]

I've never yet run on a treadmill. I love winter running!

[Joy57 Graduate10]

Oh gosh yes! The others above have said all the important stuff 😄

[Sqkr]

Proof, if proof were needed! One of many chilly/icy/snowy days this winter: strava.com/activities/14376...

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Started in feb and ran through the beast from the east! Fresh snow is great. Compacted can be precarious! I think I’ll get grips this year 👌🏽

[misswobble Graduate10]

There are loads of threads here about winter running, do have a read as most of your questions will be answered It’s a 12 months of the year sport 👍🙂

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Sport? Good Lord...

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

As in more of a sport than darts or snooker 😁. Hobby then, if you prefer

[Hidden]

I began late October and ran through the horrible winter we had, though i used a treadmill when it was icy. I prefer spring and summer running, but that's my reward for winter running! Dress in layers and have a windproof running jacket. Also aim to be visible: reflective strips and flashing LEDs, or even a head or chest torch, if you're going to be running in the dark.

[Timnewrunner]

Just tracked down this post from the C25K pages, with a handy graphic on clothing:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I referred to it myself over the winter - as I recall I didn't need quite as much as this suggested, but it was a good starting point.

[Mcdon]

I started 4th jan and got through winter with a long sleeve running top and a shell jacket when really cold I wore regatta windproof jacket with gloves and hat. Winter running better I felt x