Winter Running Tips

Winter Running Tips: Embrace Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter is right around the corner!   We all know what this means: Snow covered roads make it much more difficult to gather the motivation to get out the door for your run. However with the right preparation and appropriate gear, running outside during winter can be a good way to get some fresh air and break the cabin fever of winter. Here are a few tips and tricks to get out and actually enjoy those cold weather runs!

1.  Neon Colors are Your Friend: With shorter days, it may be difficult to run during the daylight hours. Just because it is dark outside does not mean you need to stay indoors. A reflective neon vest and a good headlight are essential if you plan to run at twilight or after dark.  For added safety, try to select a route that has ample berm or a sidewalk and is not too busy with traffic.

2.  Layers, Layers, Layers: While each runner’s preferences are unique, consensus on clothing choices can often be broken down into a few key tenants:

• A little chilly…at first – You should feel slightly chilled for the first ~10 minutes of your run, then reach a comfortable level.
• Running Log: Utilize your running log to record clothing choices, weather conditions/temperature and your body comfort level during the run. This is a great way to refine what works best for you!
• Keeping extremities warm is key; hat, gloves and warm socks are great investments!
• Base layers should be breathable: Tech clothes allow sweat to be removed from your skin keeping your body at comfortable temp.
• Zippers are great features on windy days; increasing or reducing ventilation depending on whether you are running with or against the wind. This is a key to maintaining proper body temperature.

3.  Temperature Guidelines for Clothing (referenced and adapted from Runner’s World):

• 30 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a jacket keep your core warm. Wear Compression Underwear with tights
• 10 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and wind pants over the tights.
• 0 to 10 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms. Two tops and a jacket. Windbrief and two pairs of tights.
• Minus 10 to 0 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of mittens/socks, 1 scarf wrapped around mouth or a balaclava.
• Minus 20 degrees: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 extra pairs of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses.

4.  Snow Runs: With the right equipment, snow running can be a blast! Many runners use Yak-Trax, however here is a little trick we have learned over the years. If you have an old pair of running shoes, another option runners have used are sheet metal screws affixed straight into a pair of running shoes.

5.  Enjoy the Run: This winter’s successes will have lasting effects on your running. So get out there and enjoy what Old Man Winter has to offer!

Written by Drew Nesbitt, DPT

About Drew

Drew Nesbitt, DPT started his running career at Hempfield High School where he was a two time PIAA state medalist, then went on to NCAA Division II East Stroudsburg University where he won multiple conference championships, and is currently still competing with the F&M Track Club notably winning the 2015 Hands on House Half Marathon.

 Inspiration for Your Winter Runs

“A guy who has run twenty Boston Marathons was once asked, ‘Don’t you feel like skipping a day when it’s raining?’ The old road warrior replied, ‘If you start skipping runs because the weather’s too lousy, pretty soon you start missing runs because the weather’s too nice!'”
– John Hanc, excerpted from 1,001 Pearls of Runners’ Wisdom

“When it’s pouring rain and you’re bowling along through the wet, there’s satisfaction in knowing you’re out there and the others aren’t.”
– Peter Snell