With colder weather right around the corner, I thought it’d be a good idea to talk about running in the cold (mostly so that if you hate the treadmill, running outside can still be an option!). Obviously, there is a point in which it’s actually too cold to run outside, so don’t be stupid about it. I know that treadmill running kills some people, so until it gets too cold, here are some pointers to keep in mind if you’re going to run outside.
Do your dynamic stretching and warm-ups before you go outside. Take your time to do it. You want your muscles and joints to have time to loosen up and also get your blood flowing before you hit the cold. By the time you head outside, you should be warm and loose.
Get the right gear for colder runs. You’ll want to keep your hands and head/ears warm. There are thinner gloves that you can get for running if you need. And obviously, layer as needed. For colder temperatures, base layers are pretty essential in keeping you warm, especially if the wind is cutting through your clothes.
You don’t need to go overboard with layering since your body temperature will increase as you run—dress for 15–20 degrees warmer. You’ll get the hang of what you need for certain temperatures after a bit of trial and error anyway, but just remember that you don’t need to bundle up as much as you probably think you do. One thing I always do to avoid getting sick is to keep my neck warm with a scarf. Oh, also remember to have shoes with good traction if you’re going to run during the winter! You don’t want to slip while running, I’ve done it and it hurts like hell.
This one’s kind of a common sense thing, but since I do a lot of morning running I always make sure to have reflective gear on or at the very least, I’m wearing bright colors! You’ll probably enjoy the run more with the sun shining on you anyway, and running in the dark is not always the funnest thing.
Finally, try to get warm as soon as you can after you’re done running. Either get a big jacket or step indoors. If you can end your run at your front door/office/gym, that’s ideal. I’m not a fan of working out in the cold AT ALL, but the nice thing about running during the winter is that there are usually less people outside. So it’s a good time to enjoy more peaceful runs. Also, we’ve got Trifecta hoodies, beanies, and headbands if you’re in need of some cold-weather accessories, haha. Just let us know!
