Tips for Winter Weather Running

I started running as a high schooler in Cleveland, Ohio and so never really knew running without the cold. Now in ever-changing Colorful Colorado, I use the cold weather running experiences of my youth to keep me warm on our winter days. I don't dread it, I truly look forward to it. Here are some tips to help you do the same!

The not-so-obvious:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You can still get dehydrated on those cold running days, so be sure to drink up before and after your run (and during if it is long enough).

Sunscreen up. Skin damage happens year round, so put on some SPF (15 minimum) before heading out.

Know Before You Go:

Weather: This might seem simple, but check the weather before you head out. It might only be 25 degrees outside, but 25 degrees with lots of sunshine and 25 degrees with cloud cover and falling snow require different approaches.

Your Route: It’s not a bad idea to head to a familiar area or learn what you can about where you’re going. Is it pretty exposed and getting hit with that sunshine (and thus more likely to see melted snow)? Is it tree covered and shady (colder?) Is it well maintained by the city, so plowed and cleared? Or is it along ignored backroads?

Sunset time: Don’t forget in winter months that the sun sets earlier. Nothing like heading out on a late afternoon forgetting that the sun is going to start setting in half an hour! Not only will it get dark, but the warmth of that sun will vanish, too!

Wear the Right Gear:

Layer! I’m a good Colorado woman, which means I dress in layers always—our weather changes a lot. The starts of runs can be especially cold and it is easy to put on something warmer than necessary. That’s OK if you can strip it off and tie it around your waist (or if you trust the area where you are running and toss it to the side to be recovered later). 

I usually trust my gut with my bottoms and stick with one layer there, but up top I might double up if I’m not sure whether or not I will warm up during the run. TIP: Dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer than it is. Remember, our bodies heat up when we run so that first bite of cold air when we step outside isn’t an indication of what’s to come.

Hat and Gloves: Once it hits freezing temperatures, I usually add these layers in. I think a light hat or heavy headband does the trick. It helps if one of my other layers has pockets if I change my mind.

Korkers (or some other snow/ice cleat contraption): I just received an awesome pair of these as a Fit Gift over the holidays and it has been a life saver (review to come later). Where as I previously had to shorten my stride, get out of the zone and freak out just a little every time I came to a patch of ice, I can now just KEEP RUNNING! This helpful invention keeps my winter runs safer and opens up the possibilities

Finally…stay positive! If you are focused on how cold it is you will feel cold. If you focus on how excited you are to frolic in the snow you are bound to have a lot more fun and just feel warmer. Attitude plays a big role on these cold runs.  And treat yourself to a hot shower and a hot chocolate when you get home :)