Running in cold weather

[Funbugfan]

Hi there fellow runners. I’m entered in a 5k fun run tomorrow and it’s going to be cold. I don’t have a lot of experience running in cold weather so I’m interested to know what are your ‘must haves’ for running in cold weather. I’d appreciate any tips or advice? As I write this it’s early morning and hailing, weather for tomorrow forecast to be clear but cold 2 degrees (I’m in the Southern Hemisphere so not enjoying summer as I expect most people on this forum would be).

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This FAQ Post about running in cold weather may give you some help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Layers are the way to go.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Keep your extremities warm! Scarf or buff, hat, gloves (an old Russian lady I know tells me mittens are better, I've tried them and they're pretty good).Instead of a running shirt I'd wear a lightweight thermal top, with a running jumper over it and a light windproof jacket.

You can buy running trousers for cold weather. These should say what temperature they're suitable for.

My socks are merino and were fine running on snow (but it was sub zero so the snow was dry, not slushy).

My coldest run was -10C. I couldn't feel my thighs by the end but the rest of me was toasty dressed as described. I'm missing those wintry runs through the forest!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Funbugfan , for me it's keeping my hands and ears warm, in that order!

For 5km at 2° and assuming no windchill I'd be OK with winter-weight long-sleeved top and leggings, probably with gloves and hat.

I suspect most people would add more layers. Bear in mind that I'm a post-menopausal woman who hates getting over-heated and would much rather run in 2°C than 31°C, as I inadvertently did the other day.

[Funbugfan Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Yes me too Cmoi and I fully agree on both counts!

[Frenc Graduate]

Gloves! 😊

[SnafuDad Graduate]

In cold weather a good dynamic warn up is essential.

[Liono Graduate]

I'm definitely in the hat and gloves club! I hate being cold but found I was absolutely fine in mid winter here with a vest, a long sleeved running top and light jacket - as long as my ears and fingers were covered. I would imagine it will be the waiting around at the start that's the trickiest bit. Good luck!

[nowster Graduate]

Definitely hat and gloves. Next is having multiple layers on the torso and arms. I usually go for a "warm" compression type top as a base layer and a thicker looser top over that. A buff for the neck area. If it's really cold or windy I might think of wearing three layers.

Trail weight synthetic socks (they keep warm even when damp) and not too thick leggings. Your legs will get warm even if the rest of you doesn't.

For even colder temperatures, add layers and switch from leggings to running trousers.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Layers..layers...layers...Buff neck warmer and a hat...and gloves!...Enjoy!