Winter Running: Unorthodox Advice

Excellent. Best real-world winter running advice I’ve read. Holding gloves in your hand does work surprisingly well as “partial layering,” I’ve found that as well.

What hydration bag is the wearing on pic 2?

It’s a The North Face hydration pack. Prototype, I believe. Not sure if it’s yet to market.

Thanks! And thanks for the article

Awesome advice…great point on starting out cold for sure, and we are big fans of the Buff too!

Great post. Going through the same hard cold conditions on runs in Switzerland in preparation for Huairasinchi – and do pretty much the same as you have described above! : ))) cept I go inside after the run and usually cool down by opening all the windows and doing some core and strength exercises.

I usually run in Seattle where none of this matters, but I am in Utah visiting family and its COLD here. Just had to buy me some gloves (I usually run with my hands balled up in my sleeves). Trying to finish my 1000 miles before the year is out.

I’ll try out the buff today as well. One additional point : Don’t run early in the AM when its dark cause its just colder :)

With your suggestions it’s never too cold for a run here in the US, no matter where you live! However, I’m not so sure about the dude running in your photo from the Antarctic Ice Marathon…

The idea of carrying a second hat is one I use a lot. Putting a cold sweaty hat back on after having it stored in my pocket is not fun, a thin scull cap that is dry feels so good ! I carry a small water bottle too, even in winter.

Good advice here. I run in the winter here in northern NY all the time where wind chills frequently drop well below zero. I layer with a tech shirt, followed by a Smartwool Microweight long sleeve, topped off with a Nike FitStorm jacket. Mittens are great and warm, and I wear them when winter cycling; you probably don’t nee them when running, however. They’re too warm. Use very thin glove liners followed by a pair of thinnish gloves; chances are you’ll take the gloves off unless the wind is howling. Mittens usually get way too hot within the first mile and are bulky. BTW, I use mittens all the time when hiking, shoveling snow, walking, etc. They are the warmest! Also, balaclavas are nice, but I prefer a 2-piece…neck warmer and hat; more versatile.

Human Powered Commuting:
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Thanks for the info. In addition, I’ve applied patches of duct tape to the front of an older pair of underwear for that frostbite issue. It’s worked like a charm for over 20 years.

Gaiters and spiked shoes – like inov-8 Oroc – make winter running fast, safe and warm

Solid advice Stephen. From past cross country years I’ve switched out a pair of socks (usually thin) for gloves or mittens. May look a bit strange but it works as a very light, breathable and ball-able mitten. Everyone has got them and usually in different thicknesses. It also helps to physically note what clothing combo works at what temp, it eliminates extra thought which can become resistance to winter running.

Nick, I like your point about noting what clothing combo works at what temp, as it eliminates extra thought which can become resistance to winter running. Great point. It pays to have a winter running “uniform” ready to go at all times. For me this just means adding or subtracting a layer from the top (and sometimes bottom) depending on the temp of the day.

Great advise. Here’s a awesome tip for keeping your toes warm I learned last year running in Fargo, ND. Tape a strip of “Duct Tape” over the tops of your shoes between your laces and tip of your shoe. This small layer of wind protection on your toes will keep them warm. Then when you jump on the treadmill, just rip off the tape and your shoes are ready for warm weather running.

Thanks for the info, I pretty much do all you said but there was some extra tips I can incorporate