Clothing options to keep you warm to battle the elements even in the coldest weather.
Every winter, runners face a tough choice: Battle the elements or jump on the treadmill.
Let me start with a confession: I am not a fan of treadmills. But about 28 million Americans use a treadmill at least once per week, so they have a good base of users. If you live in a rural area and can’t run in the dark before or after work, or if the footing is very slick, a treadmill can be a godsend.
But what I hope to do here is to convince you to bundle up and get outside as much as possible. The fresh air and scenery are good for your body and soul. You’ll hopefully get some free encouragement from other hardy runners and/or dog-walkers along the way. And there is a satisfaction that comes from beating the elements.
The first thing to consider is using layers to stay warm and not overdressing. A good rule of thumb is, dress as you would if it were 15 to 20 degrees warmer, as you’ll obviously heat up when you get started. It should feel a little chilly at the start.
Perhaps the most important thing to get right is your base layer. This is what you wear closest to your body. Wool can be a costly option but is an awesome choice. It won’t hold in your smell, meaning you can wear it multiple times before washing it. And it will last a long time. If you can’t do wool, just avoid cotton at all costs.
Next, be sure to cover your hands, feet and ears as these areas don’t get much blood to them while you run. This is another area where spending a bit more will be a great investment. Go to a local running store, try some things on and ask some questions. Layers work here too, including a pair of gloves under some mittens on really cold days.
And of course a good gaiter or face mask, and some sunglasses or even ski goggles, will keep your face warm and your eyes from watering up and freezing.
For complete details on what to wear based on the weather, check out a guide like this one.
One final piece of advice: Start your run into the wind. If you’re using an out-and-back route, this will keep you from battling a cold wind on the return while you are sweaty. Another option if it’s really windy is to run a few shorter loops to avoid a long jaunt into a really cold gale.
By following these few easy tenets, I believe you’ll start a love affair with outdoor running, even when the temperatures drop into the single digits.