Running in the cold

[TomatoRun]

How do people layer up for running in the cold weather? I’m starting out really cold and uncomfortable as I know I will get warmer as I run (currently on 25 mins, week 7, run1) but as it is set to get even colder this week when I’m due to run I’m not sure. And as I wear my watch on my arm so I can see my time, how do I negotiate that without stopping. I know I’m probably overthinking things but just thought that I’d ask…

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Several layers of light clothing they say is better than wearing one thick layer when running in cold weather, well done on almost completing C25K with running 25 minutes of run 1 of week 7, the weather forecast is for the cold weather to continue with snow in many places by Friday, so wrap up well in several light layers and be careful of any icy patches where you run, not long now until you graduate.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

You’re not overthinking at all-it’s tricky and I often still get it wrong. Someone told me to dress for mile 2-anticipate that you’ll warm up. That can mean a cold start. Layers are your friend. I’d tend to go for a long sleeved base layer, a t shirt on top and a thin jacket that keeps the worst of the wind off. Long leggings and my warmest socks. Hat and gloves too. My jacket has zipped pockets so hat and gloves can go in there if I warm up a lot and the jacket gets tied around my waist. I tend to wear my watch normally, but you could put it over the top of your outermost layer if you want to see it more easily. Some people like a buff.

One thing to be aware of when it’s cold it it’s really easy to go off too fast as you’re trying to get warm. Warming up indoors with dynamic stretches before leaving the house can be a good idea.

Think about the terrain. Ice is an absolute no for me. It’s sensible to consider postponing your run or going on a treadmill instead if the weather is too bad.

Good luck with whatever you end up doing! 🏃‍♀️

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hope this helps. As for your watch - wear it OVER (outside) any layers you have on.

Winter layering guide

[OldManRunning Graduate in reply to John_W]

Like that 😁

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to John_W]

If you wear your watch over your clothes how will it detect heart rate etc? Just push your cuffs up and look at it, your wrist won't get cold.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Yesletsgo]

Chest strap 😎

[Hidden]

I think it depends on how hard you run also. Personally I wear a slightly thicker running shirt with long sleeves merino wool is great. I do a little mini hit workout inside first to get “hot” and then just go out. I don’t do layers cause I don’t want them to carry. So if I wear a vest it’s a little one and I can unzip when too hot. But usually I have regretted even wearing the extra layer. I think the best advice is to more than warm up as much as possible first then go and the cold won’t bother you. I also try and push the pace otherwise I’d get cold. But this just is what works for me - you could be different entirely😝

[BlackCountryLee Graduate]

I think it depends on the individual. I’ve run all through winter in shorts and a base layer under a lightweight long sleeved running top and it’s been fine. Put a wooly hat on once but ended up carrying it. I find once I get a couple of minutes in I’m more than warm enough, but we are all different. Experiment with different combinations you will soon get to understand what you need personally for a comfortable run.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to BlackCountryLee]

Today’s run is virtually the only one where I’ve come back with my hat still on and that’s only because it was actually snowing while I ran. Every time I regret taking it but still do!! 😂

[BlackCountryLee Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Now you’ve made me feel bad MissUnderstanding with your tales of snow running 🤣🤣. Pushed my planned W7 R2 out from this morning until tomorrow. Got up at 5am and got into the gear but checked the pavements and they were too slippy here to risk it. I was going to take the hat again too 🤣

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to BlackCountryLee]

😂😂😂 Not my intention at all! I’d gone out for a walk and had my run kit on just in case. The snow was fresh and wet rather than icy, and the route went down a lane where cars had cleared some tracks. If the road had been slippery at all, I definitely wouldn’t have run. Did exactly the same as you did today before Christmas when it was really icy here. It was while my wrists were still a bit sore from a non-ice based fall so putting on my run gear was no mean feat. Literally took two steps on my driveway, feet went from under me and I crashed into my car. At least I didn’t land on my backside. Went straight back into the warm! Sometimes the best run really is no run!! That run will be ready for you when the weather plays nicely!

[BlackCountryLee Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

The slippery slidey drive to the office this morning has confirmed my decision not to run was a solid one 🤣

[OldManRunning Graduate]

I actually went out in shorts yesterday and left my long sleeve top off too but then added jacket, hat and gloves 😂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

I’m quite often in a t shirt and gloves because my fingers get chilly. It’s a look…

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

If it's really cold, around zero, I wear a long sleeved thermal top rather than my thin running shirt. Mittens are really comfortable if you can find any. Layers are key. Wear merino socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable, they'll wick the water away if you step in puddles.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I think it depends where you run as well. I often run up the river (Cam) and find the further I get from town and houses etc, the more open and chilly it gets. I'm not talking marathon distances, just a few KMS....I don't run well when I get cold, I'd rather be too warm than not warm enough. I guess it's a question of getting used to what works for you.

[Leotigris Graduate]

Also worth thinking about the end of the run. If you have a long walk home it might be worth having another layer to put on so you don't get too cold

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

This is such a good point. I often end my runs at the local shop, cool down while buying coffee and have a freezing five minutes walking home. I often wish I had another layer.

[Crolla]

In this cold spell, I've been wearing a sports bra, vest, t-shirt and jacket on top, then leggings and long (ish) socks. On Monday, I would have won no points for style as I was so uncoordinated colour-wise and tucked the bottom of my (too short) leggings into the socks. I wear fingerless gloves so I can still operate my phone at the start. I usually end up removing the gloves and tucking them into my waistband about half way through, and sometimes remove the jacket which I tie around my waist. I prefer layers and removing them to starting out too cold. Should probably say that although I wear a watch, I rely on my phone and the runkeeper app to tell me times and distance