Question:
1.Hi I am fairly new to running and to websites so bear with me if I ask
something that has already been addressed. My question is: Those of you
in cold weather climates, do you continue to run all winter, or do you
subsitute something else, for example: treadmill running? I am just
getting into running but I do not really enjoy being outside long in the
cold. Any suggestions?
2.Hey runners! I am a relatively new runner (8 months) and live in
Minnesota, USA. I am looking for the BEST winter running gear out
there. If you have some suggestions please let me see them
Answer:1.I run through the winter, except when there is snow or ice on the ground.
That doesn't happen that often in Cincinnati, I don't want to take a chance
with slipping and injuring myself, and I'm too cheap to buy shoes for the
snow and ice. As far as the cold temperatures go (and "cold" is really a
relative term), I haven't experienced any problems. I would recommend not
dressing too heavy though, because if you start perspiring and soak the
material you have on, you'll quickly get very cold. On our really cold
mornings, I stay closer to home then normal, since I have on enough
clothing to stay warm while running, but not enough to stay warm while
walking.
A good running store can point you in the right direction for winter gear.
1..I choose to run outside when the temperature spike for the winter;
anything above 32 degrees and I seem to do fine. I also run on the
treadmills all winter and in the extreme humidity, of which we have a
lot in Boston.
In my opinion, it really depends on your preferences. I like the cold
weather and perform well, unlike the heat and humidity; which I do
poorly.
1.Yes, definitely continue running but dress appropriately! Try and get
to a good running store to purchase some "special" fabrics/running
gear. You need to get a fabric that will wick away the moisture from
your skin (when you run in cold weather you generate about 8 times your
natural body heat so you won't be cold, however if you sweat and your
clothes remain wet then you risk getting chilled and potentially getting
hypothermia). Polypropylene and Dri-lete are two fabrics I would
recommend and any good running/sports store should have them....also
make sure to wear a hat/headband since it keeps about 30% of your
bodyheat in. If it's really cold I always run on the
treadmill.....although that gets kind of boring if you're doing a lot of
mileage!
2.Layering is the key. You need some type of head covering. Depending on
the temp, that could be a fleece earband or a polypro hat. If facial
exposure is a concern, you could get a balaclava or a face mask made
of Goretex Windstopper. A longsleeve wicking (think Coolmax or
Polypro) turtleneck would be my choice for an upper body base layer.
Again, depending on the temp and wind you could layer with a fleece or
nylon vest or a Goretex jacket. For your lower body, I would go with
thermal tights. Don't forget gloves or mittens. Some gloves offer wind
protection as well. You should be slightly chilled when you first
start your run. You will warm up quickly. The key is to not overdress.
Avoid cotton like the plague. Once cotton gets wet from perspiration,
it remains wet. Add in some freezing temps and wind and you will be a
prime candidate for hypothermia. Don't forget about proper hydration
during cold weather runs. Just because you may not see perspiration
does not mean that you are not losing fluids. Many runners wear their
regular shoes throughout winter. I just picked up some Montrail
Hurricane Ridge GTX's to run through the winter and I love them. They
really provide confidence when running in the snow and on uneven
surfaces. Good luck...
2.As others have said, layering and synthetics are the best for winter.
You might check google for an earlier thread on "budget gear for winter"
or something like that. I ran down to about -18F last year with 2 layers
on top underneath a goretex windshell and light fleece pants under
Sporthill xc pants - lighter, fewer layers in warmer temps. And take
precautions to keep your sportsdrink from freezing when out for over an
hour in subzero F temps.
