Winter running

[sundaypapers]

I've had a great running summer. I got through the C2K a few months back - and am still running 3 or 4 5Ks in a week. But I'm feeling the onset of autumn/winter on the horizon. The clocks will change - the days will shorten - it will get wetter and colder. My early morning runs will have to shift to later in the (working) day. How do others cope with the shift of the seasons?

[Devon_straggler Graduate10]

No suggestions as I only completed c25k in the spring, but this is on my mind too. I'm not looking forward to shorter days, combined with a return to the office full time so that a lunchtime run isn't possible. I guess I will be running after work with a headtorch during the week...

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10]

What sort of place do you usually run? Are you a road runner or a trail runner? If you are a road runner, are there streets around you that have streetlights which you can run along?

I have always run before work. I started C25K last February and initially, would run around lit streets but this last autumn/winter, I invested in a decent chest torch (high lumens I think it is so the light is very bright) and just carried on running around my usual forest trails. Others run with a head torch, but I personally couldn't get along with one of those.I know it's not for everyone, running in places like that in the dark, but I've honestly never felt 'threatened', you just have to be sensible. I don't run in the same place, at the same time, on the same days each week so no-one can spot a 'pattern', and I always tell someone where I will be and what time I expect to be back. I think there are also apps you can get that allow someone to track you, or that can send distress alerts if you get into trouble, like falling, but I've never felt the need.

[John_W Graduate10]

I put more layers on and tend to stick to daylight. In the week, lunchtimes work well for me, whether at work (we have shower facilities), or WFH. At weekends, I go pre-breakfast once it's light .

[Lookslikejames Graduate10]

I run whenever I can/want to usually. Get a chest torch and go out in the mornings or evenings. Or if you can, do lunchtime runs. One of the best things about running is doing it through the seasons and the various different challenges they present. Enjoy!

[Ian5K Graduate10]

I love it. To begin with I can run anytime of the day, not worry about the midday heat! Runs are more relaxed and enjoyable. Though allow more warm up time.

Come Winter, I’ll put on more layers but it never gets beyond my favourite fleece type running hoodie over a t-shirt. When the ears feel frost bitten, I’ll don a beanie hat. If the legs feel chilled, I have running tights (for blokes).

I’m lucky I can run in daylight but I would wear something bright and reflective in the darker hours. The thing to watch out for is ice on roads and pavements, and wet grass. Maybe concentrate on trails more.

It may be different in urban environments, though. 🙂

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

I always prefer morning runs , so in the winter months they just become a little later Although last winter was a little easier as I couldn't work during lockdown.

So not sure how to balance it with work this time , we will see !

As for the temperatures, that didn't really bother me , just swapped shorts for running tights , and a thin jacket over the t shirt or long sleeved running top.

Oh, and gloves !

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Oh yes, gloves are a must! I forgot to mention those.

[GailXrunning in reply to Ian5K]

Yes, gloves🧤🧤 have proven for me to be the best way to ring the seasonal shift (I graduated c25k in November, so autumn/winter was already part of my routine)… and a simple way to regulate temperature. They are one of my favourite bits of kit, and a bit of me is looking forward to winter just so that they can be worn! I found I could go more minimal in top layers if I had gloves. Almost always, they have to come off once I’m into my run, but they’re so easy to stash or carry.

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

I think gloves are the only thing I change in terms of clothing for winter. I wear capris all year round, with a t-shirt, or possibly a sleeveless vest if it's very warm, but I do add gloves when it's cold. I warm up very quickly when I exercise, so get far too hot too quickly if I wear much more than this.

[GailXrunning in reply to Forest_Run_Beginner]

So true, although I confess I’m not quite as hardy as you! 😉 I also rather like the fleece ear-cover item - originally acquired for hiking - which I wear like an Alice band to keep my hair under some semblance of control. But the point stands; it is just a few extremities that need a bit of attention, mainly for warmup and later part of cooldown.

As a newbie, last autumn, I recall admiring some super trendy winter leggings with matching slim-fit hoodie top, all with fleece lining and reflective strips that, from the promo, would make me look like a strobe when running in the dark. Amazing. I mean, I was about to grad from c25k, and I was now a runner. I needed to strobe. I’m so, so glad I didn’t spend on them (they were out of my size). Apart from a few days, I doubt I could have worn them without superheating after 100m of the warmup walk. However, my OH seems to be reptilian. He has to pile on the layers for most of the year. I’m astonished at how much he wears… and that he can still run. (Two pairs of gloves at once!) He says he prefers it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to GailXrunning]

"I needed to strobe". Oh my days, that made me burst out laughing 😆 🤣

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

I agree, I think there were a handful of days where I felt a bit chilly, but like you say, normally just in the initial part of the warm up walk, latter part of the warm down walk, and through the stretches, but nothing that an old hoody thrown on when back at the car couldn't solve!

[Hidden]

I started C25K in mid November last year, so have been through a winter already. But I start working very early. I get up at 5:50 and can't get up even earlier to have a run. But the advantage of starting to work early, is that I am home around 16h and it is still light enough to chip in a run.

As for the weather, when it's really cold I wear a pair of Decathlon winter tights which have a very thin layer of fleece and which are perfect in cold weather. A long sleeved running shirt with a thin layer of fleece inside and if needed a body warmer over it. Oh and gloves and a cap on my head.

[GailXrunning]

I completed c25k in November 2020, so I was already running in autumnal conditions as I transitioned to consolidation. I continued. I bought some supplementary kit (jacket, long sleeve top and gloves). I didn’t expect to, but I adored winter running. Obviously, sometimes conditions were too severe to run, or some tracks were too muddy, but on the whole i found I could continue my practice. I tend to run before breakfast and I tried to catch the sunrise. (I found it easier to get up early in winter than I have in summer, bizarrely.) Where I am running, it always felt safe, with many other runners already in the parks. However, that optimal timing (for me) was very much aided by WFH, as no doubt was the boost to the early morning running population. I’ll be interested to see how or if that changes this coming season.

[Speedy60 Graduate10]

I love running in the winter more than the summer. Extra thin layers, gloves and headgear are essential. Last winter I bought a pair of cycling shorts to go under my leggings on really cold days. I have a shower proof jacket, mainly to keep out the wind. There's no point in waterproof: anything that keeps out the water, will also keep your sweat in.

The hardest bit is looking out the window before you go. Remember to dress for the second km, not the first. Once you're out there, it's liberating. Enjoy!

[nowster Graduate10]

The trick for winter running is layers.

You probably won't need to put anything extra on until the temperature dips below 12°C. I'll usually be in a tee shirt and shorts until that point.

Then comes the long sleeved top. Maybe long socks if it gets a little cooler. Gloves and beanie hat if it's a bit chillier.

By about 5°C I'm in two layers of top, but only just starting to think about running leggings (plain black, men's variety).

At or below freezing, I'm in a running jacket and running trousers.

Cold and wet? Your feet are going to get wet whatever you do, so synthetic/wool mix socks for warmth. The first time you put your feet into a puddle your feet will be cold, but the water will warm up and form its own barrier against further cold.

The usual guidance is to dress for a temperature about 10 degrees C above what the thermometer says.

In winter I tend to move my runs to lunchtimes, or mornings after the sun is up. I have done evening runs with a head torch and they have their own charm.

[Jell6 Graduate10]

I bought winter leggings for the first time last year, they're great for below zero runs, then it's a case of top layers according to the temperature. Last year I maxed out on 7 upper layers, in fairness it was -7°C. I wear a ponytail fleece hat and that's it. I love winter running, toasty but not sweating like a pig and I can run later.

I occasionally wear gloves. And always wear reflective straps, and lights if it's an early morning winter run.

[sundaypapers]

Yes these are all good thoughts. I live (and run!) by the sea - and I'm not sure I can see myself running in the dark. It'll probably be lunchtimes for me ... but that means structuring my day a little differently. But that's fine - I'm a home worker, even in non-pandemic times. I expect I'll be governed a lot by the weather... but yes, layers sound like the way to go. I have some (manly... grrrr) leggings. But I think I'll need more of everything. A trip to Decathalon beckons.

[sundaypapers]

"Remember to dress for the second km, not the first" is an astoundingly good bit of advice. Thank you.

[Speedy60 Graduate10 in reply to sundaypapers]

Thanks, it's something you learn the first time you have to carry your jacket, jumper and gloves home. 😊

[damienair Administrator]

I only wear 1 or 2 extra layers. I still wear shorts all through the winter 🥶. On very cold days I add a hat. I find it easier to run during colder weather than warmer weather. My usual 5K run is well lit with street lights. It’s nothing to fear.

[Reggit Graduate10]

I wondered this last year, started the journey in May ‘20. Now I’ve been running for a year and a half (never thought I’d ever say that!) I prefer winter, although the lack of light is problematic on country roads. I prefer early mornings, but do struggle to get up when it’s fully dark.

I use a luminous yellow long sleeve top in low/no light conditions with a head torch but usually hold it in my hand or on trouser waist band. May get a second one this year to show a light behind 🤔.

And when it’s cold I’ll move to running trousers instead of shorts.

Since last year I’ve been exploring other routes locally and have worked out a 5k loop that’s fully lit (I think). Time will tell.

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Reggit]

Lidl often have head torches as one of their specials in the early Autumn. That's where I got my good one. The front light runs off three AAA cells and is pretty powerful, and can be ratcheted down for a more useful angle. When the original batteries run out I'll put some rechargeable ones in. It also can show a red light to the back, but I've never needed to use that it yet. That bit uses a lithium coin cell (2032).

[AdrenalDaisy]

Instead of running before work start work earlier and finish earlier and go for your run after work if allowed. Or just run at lunchtime - finish work later if a longer break needed.

Last year I just quit over the winter though cause I fell on the ice twice. Then got back on it when the weather improved.

I do have a treadmill (which I don’t usually bother with) so this winter I may well use that instead when it’s icy.

[Poppup]

😂I'm really strange - but autumn is my favourite season, I love it & look forward to running in the crisp freshness. Just be sensible,if it's dark ensure you can be seen, wear something bright or as folk have suggested get a wee light & be careful & enjoy

[Lifluf Graduate10]

Tips are to really warm up well to avoid injury. Layers are best and always hat and gloves. I normally end up with light t-shirt once I'm going but always keep my gloves on. Cap with peak to keep the drizzle out of your eyes.Choosing the best time to run will have to depend on your other commitments and the surfaces you run on. There may be times when it's best to miss a run - ice and snow are too risky for injury.

Good luck. Where there's a will there's a way....

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

As a woman running alone, in the darkest, coldest times of the year I switch to the treadmill.

[MrBassmanjazz]

I'm dreading this too. The thought of a Treadmill doesn't thrill