3 Tips for Cold Weather Running

We’re getting into that time of year when the cold starts to take over and the days get shorter. You’ll inevitably be inside more and over time these factors tend to take a mental and physical toll. One of the best things you can do to beat the winter blues is get outside and run! Trust me, running in a fresh snowfall is sure to bring joy to the kid inside you!

So here’s Coach Collier’s tips for embracing the cold.

1. Slow Down

You don’t want to slip on the ice and spend the offseason nursing an injury. Allow yourself a mentality shift from setting personal bests to maintenance mode and staying in shape.

2. the right gear

Having proper cold weather gear can be the difference between miserable and enjoyable. 

• Shoes: I like to wear trail shoes in the winter for the extra traction. Some people make “screw shoes”, literally taking short screws and screwing them into the bottoms of a pair of old shoes.
• Base Layer: It all starts here! Wear something close fitting that wicks sweat.
• Outer layer: You want to wear materials that break the wind. Look to wear something that has zippers to help vent heat (you’ll understand why soon!)
• Gloves: Go for mitten style running gloves! Having your fingers together helps keep them warmer.
• Extras: If it’s super cold, invest in a good face covering like a running balaclava and some cheap ski goggles. I know it sounds crazy, but your eyes will thank you. A good headlamp will also help you out if you don’t have the flexibility to run during business hours!

3. The Game Changer

Dress for a temperature that is 10-20 degrees warmer than it actually is.

This will help you sweat less, which is important because wet layers will cause you to get cold quickly!

The trick is to feel slightly chilled while you’re out there. You want to be one step ahead of how your body is feeling temperature wise, erring on the side of cooler. 

This is where having an outer layer with a zipper comes in. Zip it down before you start to get too warm and if you’ve gotten your layers right, you won’t need to take the jacket off.

Ultimately, trial and error will help you dial in your winter running kit. Get it right and you’ll have an enjoyable experience that can turn the most miserable running season into a fun one that propels you into the next season.