We recently posted on Facebook:
“We know some of you are dealing with wintry weather, cold temperatures, and snow, so let’s chat about how you cope with it. What are your best tips for winter running?”
And of course the Tribe responded with A+ answers. Here are the best takeaways to keep you outside, warm, and piling on the miles:
“I love my merino wool base layers! And “layers” is the key word! here’s [above] what I wore for a run in -24C a couple days ago, the face mask and ski goggles are a must for me below about -15C or in wind.” —Monica
“To keep cold wind and slushy water out of your running shoes, duct tape over the vented areas of the toe box.” —Kim
“Hot Hands inside my mitts. Have at least one BRF with you, so you can reinforce the ‘you are so badass!’ message.” —Anne
“When the roads aren’t crazy icy I will get outside with plenty of light, technical layers on me. Maybe a fleece on top. And a fuzzy neck gaiter [above] pulled up to my nose is a must!” —Lisa
“Today I put a wool sock over my iPhone, which will shut down in cold temps. It worked! Also layers! I love knee high socks (by under armor), today I also added compression shorts under my pants. I always use a vest (bc the pockets zip, and as I remove hat/gloves I shove them in the zip pockets).” —Kristy
“Layers, Aquaphor on exposed skin, a face mask, and YakTrax. I will do anything to avoid the dreadmill!” —Amy
“The balaclava WITH the hat, double socks, smartwool base layers. Top layer wind proof.” —Jackie
“Due North ice cleats. Ran about 6 miles on ice and packed snow yesterday—no slipping at all.” —Cate
“My best tip—live in California!” —Allison
Any more tips to add? Share them below!
Trail running shoes for snowy/icy roads. Lots of layers. It is amazing how warm you can get running in cold temps.
Hand warmers! Took me years to figure out they were so readily available and what an amazing thing they are! I also always use a face mask gaiter.
Go Allison!!!! Except that does come back to bite us when we are in the heavy mileage portion of our training and it is 110+ outside!
Carry Kleenex! (I’ve never mastered snot rockets.) Warm your muscles up indoors before heading out with some squats, lunges, etc. And never forget that just heading out the door is the hardest part!
My brother gave me sport “Stabilicers” as a Christmas gift and they have been a godsend ever since. I had a couple of bad falls on the ice earlier this winter and was ready to swear off outdoor winter running. The Stabilicers fit over my runners and I can run with total confidence over the snow and ice. Thanks for the great gift, bro!
Screw your shoes! :) Sheet metal screws in the soles of your shoes give great traction and can be removed in the spring with no damage to the shoes. This is the first year I’ve tried it and I love it!
Don’t catch snowflakes in your tongue until all the birds have flown south for the winter. If you live in the south, don’t trust snowflakes.
Don’t catch snowflakes on your tongue until all the birds have flown south for the winter. If you live in the south, don’t trust snowflakes.