Bjørn made it abundantly clear to me, when I first asked for advice on me starting to run, to never allow for excuses. But to just get up, get dressed and get a’runnin’. And it occurred to me, that once you accept that as your new reality, it’s no longer a problem if it’s raining or snowing or windy or whatever other kind of weather patterns nature throws at you. At least it hasn’t been so far…
Now I’m of course a measly a beginner, but even if I was seasoned, would I be able to run in –25C? This guy lives in Canada, and he does!… Now watch him strip explain his clothes in front of the camera.
This originated from booya, in a discussion in the Binary Bonsai Zero2Hero Locker Room, on running in cold conditions.
I got my windbreaker and windproof running tights the day in the start of November when it was frost (seems like such a long time ago). Although nowhere near as serious as the canuck, it still keeps me warm in most circumstances. The windbreaker is not completely waterproof though, when I was out running Saturday I got soaked to the skin, and my shoes were still damp yesterday.
The most important lesson I got from the video is the reinforcement of the idea of layers. Inner layer keeps you dry, mid layer keeps you warm, outer layer keeps the wind and rain out.
thanks for the advice guys. i’m relocating to boston from seattle in feb. and will be starting to run again after a long hiatus. this advice will come in very handy.
m.
Everything he says is great advice. Thanks for the link. I live in Minnesota and I ride my bicycle everywhere. 52 weeks a year. Cold is definitely no excuse for being outside and active. I always arrive at my destinations somewhat overheated. Which isn’t necessarily good but at least I’m warm.
Continued luck with your regimen.
Hey,
I’m the
stripperrunner in the video. Thanks for the shout.I’m pretty fearless when it comes to running in the cold since you can always add a layer but, on the other side, I’m a bit of a wuss in the heat. I run in it, but it’s TOUGH because it’s not like you can shed a layer of skin.
Take care,
Mark
Hi guys. I’m 17 years old and am a senior in high school. My parents wont let me run anymore because its winter. i ran in the winter all the time last year and was fine. but this year they are being retarded. They say its life threatining to run in the cold. its only like 15 degress. its not like its in the – degress. Tell me, what is too cold to run. and will i be fine to run in 10 – 15 degree weather given i wear 3 layers. thanks
~kent
kent. I am a huge running enthusiast and love the “no-fear” attitude about harsh running conditions; however it is important to heed warning signs. Extreme cold is nothing to be foolish about. Hypothermia, frost-bite and especially unchecked bronchial discomfort are all circumstances that must be considered before stepping outside. Especially watch for the last one, while you may be able to regulate what you wear in order to keep your core temperature up. The temperature of the air you take in can have a detrimental effect on your lungs. And remember the harder you run/the harder you breath which can bring about problems that will have a far greater impact on your training than skipping an outside run on days when the temperature is in the single digits and below zero. With that said, many runners will swear by some of the following when running in below freezing temperatures.
1. Top off your tank; stay hydrated and don’t be afraid to break out the gatorade when you’re finished. The body still expends critical water resources even when you don’t feel like your sweating much.
2. Layer clothes appropriately; most runners dress as though it is twenty degrees warmer than it really is (factor in wind-chill); once the body is warm you don’t want to over-heat.
3. Frost-bite is deceptive and most of the damage is done without pain; you won’t know the extent of it until the body warms back up and the pain sets in. Hat, gloves, thermal face-wear and vaseline should be used when ever running in below freezing temperatures.
4. Don’t be afraid to turn around; If your body has not warmed up after ten or so minutes of running… go back! You have not layered appropriately and risk hypothermia.
5. Try and cross train; Running constantly in freezing and below temperatures causes the most stress on the lungs and can damage the moist lung tissues. If you feel congestion or a cough developing it’s time for an inside workout.
I hope this helps; I know staying inside is tough when it’s time to workout but being careful will keep you running with fewer break-downs.
Go-Pre
Hey Adam,
where did you get your info on the stress super cold air can cause on the lungs? I am trying to convince a few stubborn parents that our kids shouldn’t be running in sub-zero temps or even below 20 if they don’t have the proper equipment to protect themselves. I am having trouble finding articles on the damage the dry cold air can cause to the bronchial system and I know it’s out there. Plus, they run first, don’t wear enough layers, and none of them wear hats(teenage boys) so when they come in to do their weight training they are cold, and exhausted from trying to maintain decent body temps. The general attidtude out there seems to be this will “toughen them up”- the respiratory therapist in me says otherwise.
Any good articles you can share with me?
thanks,
Janet