Cold Weather Running

Burrrr... Adjusting to running in the cold weather takes some extra motivation and some extra layers! Don't let the seasonal funk get you down. It might seem like a difficult thing to get used to, but after you try it you might sing a different tune. Free yourself from the monotony of the treadmill and tackle the great outdoors.

Dress appropriately and let the body take care of the rest. Layers, layers, layers. It is necessary to wear layers of material that can break the wind. The wind can be painfully brutal without proper protection. If you can break the wind, in normal winter conditions, you'll find that your body will warm up quick. It's better to overdue the layers and be too warm than to be cold and miserable.

Lower Body
Underwear, pants, and more pants. Start out with a pair of synthetic blend underwear. Over that I would suggest a pair of synthetic tights or thin running pants. These two articles will be what really beats the wind. Add an additional layer with any pair of athletic pants or cotton sweatpants depending on how cold it is.

Upper Body
The first layer should be a synthetic shirt. The second layer, depending on how cold it is, could be a cotton t-shirt. Over the shirts, wear a running jacket, fleece, or a combination of the 2 if it is very cold.

Extremities
Wear gloves and some form of hat (or device that covers your ears). If it is very cold/windy you may want to invest in some sort of face mask, though I usually will run on the treadmill when it gets to that point. I wear cheap black dollar store gloves and whatever random winter hat is laying around. Adjust to what is most comfortable for you.

Beware of icy and slippery conditions. I've found that it is refreshing to go out for a run in a light fresh snow fall, before it gets to deep. Usually, in the city, I have to wait a couple days after a storm for the sidewalks and roads to be cleared, so I can safely head out for a run again. This will vary by your location.

Next up: The Polar Bear Club