6 Tips to Perfect Your Winter Running

Running in the Winter can be fun

I may complain about the cold, but running outside in the winter is enjoyable. I love the feeling of my body warming up when all around me is snow and ice and cold. I love getting fresh air and whatever sunlight I can soak up during shorter winter days. And, I’m not going to lie, it makes me feel like a badass runner to face the cold. Here are the tips I swear by for making winter running as comfortable as possible.

1. Warm Up where you’re still warm: When I head out in the summer for a run, I always make it a priority to do dynamic stretches as my warm up. In the winter? That would be a shock to the system and take away from the benefits of warming up. Warm up while you’re still indoors, so when you do brave the cold temperature, you’re ready to run immediately.
2. Sunglasses and Sunscreen aren’t just for the Summer: It’s easy to forget when it’s cold out, but you’re facing rays from the sky as well as reflected off snow. It’s important to protect your skin and eyes in winter as well. Wear sunglasses!
3. Hydration is Key: We don’t realize we’re sweating and losing water in winter, because it’s cold and we don’t feel thirst as quickly as we might when it’s hot and humid out. It doesn’t mean we’re not losing water through sweat and breath, though, so think about carrying your own hydration if you’re going out for a longer run in the winter months.
4. Wear the Right Materials: When we sweat in the winter, we don’t want that sweat to stay wet next to our body — if you stop for a little while for any reason, that sweat can lead to very quickly making you cold, which can get dangerous quickly in sub-zero temperatures. Sweat-wicking fabrics and appropriate layering are super important when it’s freezing outside.
5. Mind the gap: The smallest part of you exposed to the cold can become very uncomfortable quickly on your run. Make sure your socks cover your ankles, wear gloves, and wear a neck warmer as well as something to cover your ears either a winter headband or a hat is ideal.
6. Know your Winter Running Limits: The treadmill can be your best friend in the winter if conditions are either way too cold for you, or if it’s dangerous out for example, if it’s icy and you don’t have spikes for your shoes.

If this blog offered you any value, please recommend it and share it with others!

Also please connect with me on my website, Facebook page, and Instagram if you want to stay in touch or give me any feedback!