Hey everyone, I wanted to start jogging and running again. One problem is that it's just starting to get really cold outside where I live. I want some advice on ways to stay warm and motivated in the coming cold months when I really have to push myself to go for my daily jog. I would join a gym, but I can't at the moment because I'm jobless. So I really don't have any other options at this point.

Well, I am about to go out for 6 miles. I have never run in winter before as I am a new runner. My approach at the moment is to layer up but to keep the weight down. So I am wearing a vest, a long sleeve top over that and a hoodie. I am also wearing thermal compression tights and shorts and runners gloves. This should hopefully keep me warm. It's really hard to run with cold muscles if they do not warm up.

First off, the conventional wisdom is to dress as if it is 10-15 degrees warmer then it really is. You body will heat up that much.

Layers are great so that you can take stuff off if need be. I also wear like tights under my capris.

For me, even running in 20 degree temps, my core does pretty well. Its my hands and ears that get cold. So gloves and a warm fleece head band is essential.

Jen

Layers are key. A wicking long-sleeve tech shirt on bottom, a middle layer (I use a long-sleeve quarter zip shirt or warmer depending on conditions), and finally a wind proof outer layer on top will keep your core warm. Wear 1-2 pairs of running tights or pants as necessary, 1-2 pairs of wicking socks, a hat, gloves, and a balaclava or face mask to warm and humidify air on the most frigid days. If running in the dark, bring a light source, and don't forget to stay hydrated!

I agree with everything said about layers. I ran about three times a week last winter in Chicago, where it averaged 30-40 degrees. I find that I need just a little longer to warm up (so I take about 5-6 minutes to get to a steady pace instead of 3-4) so that my throat doesn't hurt. Pace yourself and start out running a little more slowly than you might otherwise. If you layer properly, you should be fine.

I heard somewhere that there is no such thing as bad weather for running, only inappropriate clothing.

I ran outside until it gets below 30 degrees and/or snow. I wear leggings, a sports bra with a runners fleece jacket, and a fleece head band to cover my ears and that's it. I get very warm but stay near home. I don't suggest going far without gloves.

I eventually got a gym membership.

Anyone want to keep accountable for running through the winter?

me! me!
*calming myself*

yes please. With the cooling weather i've become lazy. It'll start snowing in a couple of days but it won't be really bad till january. So I don't really have a good reason for not being active now.

For my first pledge - I will go for a 20 minute walk before work tomorrow morning.

and i will report here that i did. Hopefully shall build up from that to running several times a week.

Awesome Maddie

I hope to run again on the weekend. Currently my knees and ankles are quite inflamed! It snowed today but I walked to and from work every day this week (including up the mountain to the vet yesterday). Ran yesterday 2.5 km Walk to work tomorrow, but I don't know what the workout will be because I'm not sure of my plans for the eve. I hate uncertainty!

so even though i had a ton of things to do this morning (have people coming over tonight so last minute house cleaning) - i did my 20 minute walk. It was -6 this morning (low 20s for the north americans) but my hat and gloves and several layers were good enough. My first venture out in the cold. I want to keep going till mid-December at least.

I used this for advice - it's worth checking out

santashuffle[dot]ca/files/Cold_Weather_Running_Fact_Sheet[dot]pdf

Way to go Maddie. Walked to and from work and it was only around 0 but it felt so cold. I don't know how I'm going to handle the -20s.

Nice day out today. Ran 2.5 km. My lungs are still burning. Not sure if it's the cold or because I've barely run all year since my injury. Also walked 3 km carrying 30 lb groceries

wow AJ. I've been walking the past couple of days (strolling actually but at least i was out and about)

I'm lucky that i live in a pretty tall apartment building. So now that it's snowing, I'm thinking i can just walk up and down the stairs (over 20 floors) and not have to worry about the cold or ice.

so i wimped out today. However - 20 minute stair climbing it is tomorrow!

I've been running on the treadmill (sprint intervals) before my weight workouts. It's been a good way to recondition my body but I've not run outside in awhile. We had quite the cold snap (cold alert already and it's not even winter!) Hope to do a 5 k this weekend, not that I have time or anything, or have run that long really. Might walk to warm up and cool down for 5 total.