Preparing for Cold Weather Running: Tips and Tricks

Hello everyone, Kevin Brittain here. Welcome back to another post on my journey and experiences running every day. In today’s entry, I want to share with you an essential topic that every runner, especially those in climates with varying seasons, must be well-versed in: preparing for cold weather running.

Gratitude First

First and foremost, it's important to start any run with a sense of gratitude. Too many people focus on the negatives of heading out for a chilled run, but remember, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to run. Injuries or other constraints keep many from enjoying the sport we love, so going into your run with a grateful mindset will always help, even on those bad condition days.

Understanding the Temperature Drop

Recently, the temperature has significantly dropped here, going down from pleasant, mid-teens Celsius to a brisk four or five degrees. Just a couple of days ago, we enjoyed running in delightful 12-13 degrees weather, which felt great coming off the mid-twenties temperatures I experienced while holidaying in Spain. But now, with winter on our doorstep, it's time to adjust our running gear accordingly.

Dressing Appropriately

When preparing for a cold weather run, the key is understanding how to dress. Generally, when running, your body heat makes it feel about ten degrees warmer than the actual temperature. So if it's four degrees outside, it'll feel like running in 14-degree weather once you get moving.

Here’s how I typically gear up:

- I still wear shorts unless it gets even colder,

- I layer with a long-sleeve skin,

- I always cover my hands with gloves when it's six degrees or less,

- I make sure to use a neck sleeve in temperatures below six degrees to prevent cold air from going down my neck,

- Over my skin, I wear a breathable and sweat-wicking sports t-shirt to stay warm but avoid overheating.

Checking the Feel-Like Temperature

It's crucial to check the "feels-like" temperature as well. Wind chill can make a big difference. For example, if the temperature is ten degrees but there's a 40-mile-per-hour wind, it can feel much colder. Always pay attention to these details to avoid underdressing.

Winds and Running Routes

Finally, be strategic about your running routes. Running into a headwind makes you colder faster, so try to plan your route with side winds or avoid direct confrontations with the wind where possible. Side winds impact less surface area than headwinds, making them slightly more bearable.

Embracing the Seasons

One thing to appreciate as a runner is the changing seasons. We’re lucky to experience these transitions, from the vibrant colours of autumn leaves to the stark beauty of a winter’s frost. Unlike places that have constant weather year-round, we get to embrace the pros and cons of each season.

Key Takeaways

So, to wrap up, here are the main points for preparing for cold-weather or winter running:

1. Be Grateful: Appreciate the ability to run, regardless of the conditions.

2. Dress Appropriately: Wear the correct clothing for the temperature, factoring in the feel-like temperature and the wind.

3. Plan Your Route Wisely: Avoid heavy headwinds and embrace side winds more.

4. Enjoy the Season's Beauty: Find joy in each season's unique beauty and embrace the changes.

Thank you for joining me today. If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to ask. And don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on my running journey. Happy running!

— Kevin Brittain