Running in Cold Weather (Friday Five)

TGIF!!  Initially, I was not going to join in on this topic.  As a southern gal I thought I would have nothing useful to say.  I'm so very impressed by those of you who really live in cold climates and continue to run outdoors.  But, I got to thinking...cold is relative.  No, we typically don't get anything colder than mid 20s, but that is cold compared to our horrible summer weather.  We get the occasional ice storms (hello - last year) and the very rare snowfall.  So I decided I'd throw in my 2 cents (or 5 cents as the case may be).


WEAR GLOVES.  Obviously, they keep your hands warm but I'm going down a different road here.  The cheap knit ones are ideal for wiping snot.  Yep, I said snot and I own it!  You can also easily throw them in the wash.  If you are like me, once it gets below about 45 the nose just turns on like a faucet.  Be forewarned.  If you see me at a race, don't stick your hand out for a high five or fist bump.  And, don't ask me to bring you a cookie afterwards!  {Just sayin'.}

COVER YOUR EARS.  I don't necessarily have to cover my entire head.  You might need to, but I was truly cursed blessed with 6 heads of hair.  As long as I have a thick wide headband over my ears, I'm quite toasty.  I would definitely cover my entire head is if it was snowing or sleeting.  And, unless I had already signed up for a race, I'd probably be on the treadmill that day anyway.

WEAR COMPRESSION.  On very cold days, put on a base compression layer.  It is amazing how the "squeeze" factor keeps you so much warmer.  The top should be of the turtle variety so that your neck is protected as well.  Add compression sleeves or socks under your compression pants if you need extra warmth and maximum squeeze.

USE HAND WARMERS.  If it is incredibly cold, and especially during long runs, hand warmers work wonders.  However, if you have Raynaud's like me they won't do one darn thing for your fingers...hence the name HAND warmers.  Will someone please invent FINGER warmers?  I am known to pull just my fingers out of my gloves (keeping the gloves on) so I can fold them over the hand warmers.  And no, mittens don't work in a half marathon when you need your fingers to open a GU or operate your shuffle, etc.

WEAR A FLEECE VEST.  When it's frigid, I wear a fleece vest over my compression top.  I really don't like the feeling of being too constricted.  A vest will keep you toasty while leaving your arms to swing freely.  L.L. Bean is my favorite brand.  They normally have good pockets too for all of your other necessary junk.

Please, I'd like to hear your tips for staying warm!

Thanks to Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up For What?!, & Mar on the Run! for hosting the Friday Five. 

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