Running: the Winter Edit

The main question I get from non-runners: how do you run in the snow? How do you run in the cold? And it got me thinking, how do I run in the cold? I have grown up with a mother who ran in -30 at 5:30 am with a head lamp…so you could say I had an advantage in terms of having someone to go to for winter running advice. But many people don’t have such a person, so I’m here to shed some light on the big bad world of winter running.

Shoes: I hate to break it to you but you will have to purchase a new pair of winter runners if you don’t want to fall and break something.

A hat: you should get yourself a running hat and a headband in case it’s a bit of a warmer winter day. A hat is a must when it’s freezing. You need to cover your noggin folks

Gloves or mitts: keep those hands warm. I recommend the Lululemon ones (as I always do) but you can get great pairs at Marshalls or Winners. My mom got me these ones for Christmas  My friends. Trust me you’ll thank me for this.

A neck warmer and a buff: covering your neck is essential to keeping you warm and also when you cover your face with them it warms the air, which is especially good for those with asthma.

A base layer long sleeve and a jacket or a vest: depending on the weather I like to wear a vest and base layer long sleeve like this one for the days that are -6 Celsius however say it’s -25 Celsius I will wear my base layer long sleeve, my fleece half zip and my thinner running jacket that is a nice added layer. It really depends on where are you located because where I live it is warmer then where I am from so I don’t need as much as say my mom wears, but the key is layering. Layering and base layers are essential to running outside in the winter.

Lastly: safety and reflective wear: I don’t usually run when it’s dark but even so it’s very important that your are seen! I have a bright orange vest and bright purple pants with reflectors on them in case it gets dark while I run or is grey and overcast.

Thanks for reading this post ma friends! Happy winter running!