I'm completely new to this running lark - I recently turned 50 and want to get fit and have been considering C25K for a while now so I'm planning to embark on the program from 1st Jan tomorrow. New year, new me and all that!
The problem is, I'm feeling positive and motivated while I'm cosy and warm indoors thinking about it but I don't actually know if I'll feel at all inclined to go out running when it's icy cold with driving rain outside! Does anyone have any tips on how to overcome this - or should I just choose a different way to get fit?!
21 Replies
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I went out in wind and rain this morning, though admittedly it was mild. Ive been out in sub zero temps. After a few minutes running, on every occasion I am hot. Running generates heat. Each run starts with a brisk five minute warmup walk, so you are generating body heat from the start. Ive seldom felt cold for more than a minute or so, and Im a generally cold body. The secret in cold weather is layers. My freezing weather gear is thermal top with a sports top or hoody over (the latter I got from Primark and its warm), then running leggings or tights or thermal leggings, running socks and shoes, topped off with thin windproof running jacket, beanie and running gloves (thin but reflective and windproof). Other people wear a scarf or a buff, which is an intriguing piece of kit that doubles as hat, scarf, head band and a host of other uses. The idea is that you can peel off layers as you warm up. Even in the coldest weather, I seldom finish a run with hat and gloves still on.
If you look through the posts here, you will see people heading out in torrential rain, snow and all other weathers. Honestly, running makes you warm.
And welcome BTW 😊
Edit: you can improvise gear till you get serious and know you are in for the long haul (it’s addictive, so you probably will be 😊)
Hi! I’m 53 and started the programme in September and graduated early this month! It’s honestly been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! I have run in all winter weathers and I really enjoy it! Don’t overthink it too much as once you get out there you soon warm up! Wear a few layers of clothing that you can remove if too warm and perhaps wear a hat and gloves. I rarely wear a coat , just a light body warmer!
Good luck! I hope you give it a go. 😀
You may just surprise yourself. There is something really invigorating about running in the weather...It makes me feel powerful, tough and like a warrior*. It's hard to imagine until you feel it but it is out there waiting for you I promise.
*I am in reality a middle aged mother of three, who works mostly at a desk, runs very slowly, and who couldn't fight her way out of a paper bag
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😂Thanks Helen, great attitude and one I shall endeavour to adopt!
Thank you for the encouragement and the advice about what to wear which has reassured me that I'm not going to be cold for long! Can't wait to get started now, rain or shine... 😀
Layers...just like an onion, only not all the same and not as smelly...
Welcome... good shoes... good socks... top, leggings or tights.. ( I have thermal ones if it is freeeeeezing).. gloves, hat and BUFF... plus a lightweight breathable waterproof/windproof jacket..
If you warm up, you take the layers off.. gloves in pockets, jackets tied around your waist.. and if you get very warm, take your top off, then pop the jacket back on
Welcome to the forum family... get your gear, get it on and get out there
Welcome to the best programme ever, its brilliant and works!
Follow all the advice on here, slow and steady running, rest days etc. There are lots of experts here to help when needed.
In my limited experience you do soon get warm so layers are the way to go . I work on the basis of running is like turning up the temperature like 10 degrees ❄️☀️
I thought I would surely die when I did my first run outdoors in winter with a run group. I was actually too hot within minutes and cursed my choice of fleece and bobble hat 😁
C25k is fab. It takes you from couch to 5k and then who knows 😃🏃♀️
I hate the cold HellyK. The first time I went out in the cold I was dreading it. It didn’t take long for me to feel warm. I haven’t worried about being cold whilst running again. I wear running leggings, a hat, and gloves, and a long sleeved vest (with a tshirt over it) to keep me warm but not too warm! The other day I ran in the cold and rain and it was amazing!
You’ll find out what works for you! Just try a few different combinations. Get yourself out there and see x
Happy new year to you and what a great start to the year! I’ll let you into a secret... I haven’t run for a week because of the weather, but my pet hate is rain. I wear glasses, and can’t stand rain on them. I hate wearing a cap, so when it’s raining I usually find excuses lol
The cold is a different story though. I know from experience that anything above about 6 Centigrade I can go out in shorts and tshirt and I will be fine because of the heat my body generates. You might feel chilly for the first minute or two of your warm-up walk, but after that I reckon you’ll be fine.
Don't worry - you be sweating like a P-I-G once you get going! Although pigs don't sweat apparently. I hate the cold, but once you get going, believe me, you won't feel it! Unless you are in Canada. Then you might. Just a bit.
Welcome HellyK to a fantastic program and friendly supportive forum.
I can't really explain why, but I have discovered that running in wet &/ or cold weather is very exhilarating, ( except for ice). I really like running in the rain! You won't be cold once you get going because even a very slow jog keeps you warm. For running in the rain, ( or cold), I have a lightweight breathable jacket. I find that if my body and arms stay dry (and therefore warm) I don't mind if the rest of me is wet - after all, once you are wet, you are wet!
Good luck, you are at the start of a very exciting program. Let us know how you get on so we can cheer you on. 😀
Hi Hidden ....don’t consider it, don’t analyse it, just do it, go out there, layer up if you want but you’ll soon be peeling those layers off....please give it a go, it’s not sub-zero at the moment so you’ll be fine, if it’s driving rain maybe wait till the day after or when it’s passed but light rain is fab to run in...honestly, don’t even think about, just go....& don’t forget to post x
I tend to run/walk/jog inside my house for 10 mins first. It makes my body warmed up and active and ready to venture out into the cold and frosty morning!
I just ran out is what my phone tells me with wind chill feels like -3C ...
i have thermals leggings i have running tights on top
i had a tshirt, a long sleeve techinical fabrirc shirl a thin track suit front zip hoddie and a very large hoodie clossed front but with a pouch type sweatshirt.
The hat and the gloves come off during the run..and can stuff them in the front pouch.
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