It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday Five 2.0. If you’be been checking out my Instagram, you know that I’m happy as a clam with the cold(er) running temps around Chicago. I’ve gotten A LOT of questions on running in the colder temps. I LOVE to run when it’s cooler out. It’s basically about having the right gear and making some small tweaks to your routine.
Cold(er) Weather Running Tips
1. Check the temps and dress accordingly. It’s easy to forget year to year, but when running, you need to dress for temps that are 15 – 20 degrees warmer than the actual temp. What does this mean? If the thermometer reads 40 degrees, you should dress like it’s 60. You warm up a lot once you get moving. I run warm, so for me, 40 – 50 degrees means capris and a long sleeved shirt. 50 degrees is shorts and a long sleeved shirt. One caveat here in Chicago is the wind. If it’s very windy, I usually dress a bit warmer.
2. Start running after the sun comes up. Sun makes the run warmer and just nicer! If you can wait and start a bit later or run at lunch time, that helps in the cooler weather.
3. Wear layers. If you start before the sun or when it’s chilly, wear layers so that you can remove the outer layer if you warm up. Remember to wear a thin base layer in a material like merino wool or something sweat wicking so you don’t feel cold and wet! If it’s very windy or cold, consider a wind-proof layer on the outside.
4. Get light gloves and an ear band or light beanie. Body heat escapes through your head, hands and feet. When it’s cold, I like to wear light gloves and take them off when I heat up. It’s a really simple way to regulate your temperature!
5. Wear bright colors or clothes with reflective materials. It’s darker in the morning and late afternoon in the fall and winter. Make sure you can be seen with bright colors, reflectors or a head lamp.
Bonus tip! Don’t forget to hydrate. You may not feel as thirsty but you still need to drink water in cooler temps. Also, the fountains may be turned off. Consider bringing a handheld water bottle. I’m going to give away a 20 oz handheld water bottle that you can use while the fountains are off.
Want to enter to win? The winner is Lacey B.
- Please leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite cold weather running or winter fitness tip.
- Extra entry: Follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and leave a separate comment telling me where you follow.
The giveaway closes on October 26. I will select a winner using comment number with random.org by October 27. The winner must be a US resident, 18 years of age or older and the offer is void where prohibited.
Have a great weekend! I hope the weather where you are is however you like it most!
Please note: Giveaway item is not sponsored.