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Question:

I suggest wearing mittens on your hands.  They are much warmer than gloves.  Definitely wear polypro long underwear on top.  I wear some

Everyone’s metabolism, exposure limits and tolerance is different. The most important thing (someone else mentioned here, I must repeat) is to make sure that if the wind is blowing you run out first into the wind so that your return run is with the wind. Regarding clothing, here’s what I wear when the temperature + windchill is less than -60F (at south pole or the north slope; at pole wind is rarely a problem. it’s usually pure temperature (in the 50’s at the beginning and end of the summer season)). On the north slope the temperature when I was there never went below -30F but the wind was worse. In either place if the wind chill was below -80 I stayed inside and played on the machines… Underwear: cotton briefs and tshirt. Expedition weight polypropylene t-neck shirt and pants. Cotton sweatshirt and pants. 2 pr socks and Nike air running shoes. Heavy goretex anorak and trousers. Down "mittens" (REI sold these in the 70’s but quit, in reality because they are too HOT for anyone unless you’re where I was) Heavy wool scarf. Heavy wool skullcap, heavy wool balaclava and 2 headbands around the face and forehead, carefully arranged to give a minimum slit of vision around the eyes (did not wear sunglasses). The anorak had an unlined hood which I sometimes pulled up and tightened the drawstring when moving upwind. I did not like to use the Nike air shoes with the exposed air chambers because plastic gets brittle and cracks, so I used the cheaper ones. Now, where will you be doing cold weather running ?? <g Bill Spindler…..        Antarctican Obviously, my opinions are mine!

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What exactly is a balaklava? I must admit that I was reading this so quickly that at first I thought you wrote baklava and when I reread it the second time and read it as balalaika, neither of which is very useful on a run. Is it like a scarf?

A balaclava is a combination stocking cap/face mask. If it is not too cold you fold it up and wear it all on top of your head so it looks like a stocking cap (yes, with a tassel). Or you can pull it down around your head. The kind I prefer have a single round hole in the front for your face; others have 2 or 3 holes. Depending on the cold and wind you can adjust it so that you are breathing through the wool of the cap or through headbands running around your head with small slits for your eyes. After a few miles the thing freezes solid across the front (and to your beard) thus keeping the heat in and the wind out. Obviously I did not wear one today in New Orleans; 95 degrees… Bill Spindler…..        Antarctican Obviously, my opinions are mine!

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S. Christoforou) (Erika Hargadine) writes:

hood) and a balaklava.  The latter will warm your breath and slow dehydration somewhat. What exactly is a balaklava? I must admit that I was reading this so quickly that at first I thought you wrote baklava and when I reread it the second time and read it as balalaika, neither of which is very useful on a run.

Hmmm … Sorry, Erika but I disagree.  Baklava is very useful on long runs but certainly not a balalaika.  But alas, I don’t now what a balaklava is either. Jim

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I will often wear a couple sweatshirts (one with a hood) and a balaklava.  The latter will warm your breath and slow dehydration somewhat.

What exactly is a balaklava? I must admit that I was reading this so quickly that at first I thought you wrote baklava and when I reread it the second time and read it as balalaika, neither of which is very useful on a run. Is it like a scarf? I ask this because the one problem that I had when I lived in colder climates was cold induced asthma. A doctor suggested using a scarf over my mouth but I found that after a while, I felt like I had been breathing in a bag. Erika Hargadine

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?   Any advice or tips on this?

        this is somewhere just above freezing, right?         if it’s *not* windy or raining, then that kind of weather         is really nice for running in – you can keep yourself warm         just by running (wihout wearing much extra clothing).  i’ve         changed from jogging bottoms to shorts, and won’t change back         next winter (fond memories of running as a youth in yorkshire         with frost on the hairs on my legs although many people         here wear leggings (lycra or whatever) when it’s cold.  the         baggy bottoms are no good wet and i find that provided my         upper body and hands are warm, my legs don’t notice the         cold.  the worst problem is cold wet feet.  next winter, when         it’s really horrible, i may try plastic bags inside the shoes.         i recently (birthday!) got a nylon (`pertex’) top (made by         `ron hill’ which is a british company) that is great for         when it is windy and/or raining.  it’s extremely light, stops         the wind completely and slows down the rain a lot (it’s not         waterproof, since that would keep all my sweat in – and it was         a lot cheaper than anything involving gore tex).  i has         big vents in the side that you can unzip for ventilation too.         all the above comes with the proviso that i haven’t been         running long – since xmas – and scottish weather may be         different from yours.         andrew —            work phone/fax: 0131 668 8356, office: 0131 668 8357     institute for astronomy, royal observatory, blackford hill, edinburgh                      http://www.roe.ac.uk/ajcwww

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?   Any advice or tips on this? 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.? Any general information on the subject would be apprieciated(sp??)

I run in Ontario all year long. In the winter it gets real cold..when it is 40 degrees I start to consider shorts and a Tshirt.. honestly. For advice.. the biggest problem is the wind, if there is no wind almost any temperature is ok.. be sure to cover your private parts well.. again make sure the wind cannot get through your clothes as much as possible.. I have worn a ski mask on occasion.. I always cover my hands with multiple layers…I don’t think there is a problem with almost any temperature, but I advise staying inside if there is any adverse weather such as wind, storm etc

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: I have some general questions about running in cold weather: : : 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather? :    Any advice or tips on this? :   : 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.?         We are currently experiencing sweltering heat here in Pennsylvania, but we get hit with the cold stuff too.  Not as cold as some of the previous Canadian posters have felt (we don’t compare to the "land where ice was born") but here are some tips, from a student at probably the only ##$! Ivy League school without an indoor track…         Layering has been covered, but emphasize the inner, "wicking" layers which can really slow you down if worn improperly.  I’ve come back from many runs, layered to the teeth, but still chilly because the inner layers got soaked (and consequently got cold!). Laying out money for undergarments made of polypropylene will help here.         Also, don’t forget your neck!  Turtlenecks are fine, but when it *really* gets cold, try using a scarf, or use my favorite, the "Turtle Fur" neck warmer.  It’s a black "tube" of soft synthetic that you put over your head and onto your neck.  I think it’s better than a scarf.  I bought mine at Seven Springs ski lodge; any local ski shop should have these.         Take care,         Jus — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA   |    http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~jthuang The Law School               |    God made man, but Samuel Colt made us equal

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?   Any advice or tips on this?

A couple of points: 1       Dressing for the weather is crucial.  Proper layering (wicking layer, insulating layer, shell etc.) and making sure that things like ears and neck are covered make a big difference.  In really cold weather, if I realize that I have forgotten to bring any single part of the required wardrobe, I workout indoors instead.   2       Pick your routes carefully.  Run into the wind to start, be aware of the footing.   3       Run with a partner.  Not only does this help you get out the door, it also increases the safety factor.   This is all basically common sense. 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.?

I don’t know about Minn., but here in northern Alberta some of us lunatics do (though any colder than -40 and I might just chicken out) Any general information on the subject would be apprieciated(sp??)

Wear softer shoes – any shoes will harden but poly-urethane especially.  Leave the air shoes for warmer weather. As I said, use common sense and respect the weather. Meanwhile, enjoy the summer! Patrick —     —     Harry Goslow               |  Poltical views about how     I miss Senna –             |  will be removed because they     Go Jacques Villenueve      |  don’t apply to this group     All opinions and ideas expressed are mine and not my employers     (even though they would like to think that they are theirs).

Research Co-ordinator Northern Labour Market Information Clearinghouse NADC, Peace River

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?   Any advice or tips on this?

40 degrees?!  That’s T-shirt weather here in Wisconsin! The "secret" to running in colder weather is layering.  Also, don’t forget to wear a stocking cap and gloves.  I find that even at freezing temperatures (25-35), I’m pretty comfortable with a Helly Hansen (sp?) undershirt, a long-sleeve T-shirt, tights, shorts, a cap and gloves, and, of course shoes and socks.  You might be a little chilly at first, but you heat up fast.  Another bit of advice is to run into the wind when first starting, so you won’t have that part when you’re all sweaty. 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.?

Absolutely.  I ran all through the winter here, although I skipped days that were windy and double digits below zero.  My husband John, on the other hand — a native Wisconsinite, by the way — rarely lets the weather stand in his way.  Consequently, he was out running in howling gales this past winter even when the still air temp was negative double digits.  He says that a few layers covered by a wind-breaker work for him.   Another necessity with such cold temps is to cover your face — which makes spitting a bit of a challenge .  I usually use a neck gaiter, while John uses a bandana or a stocking cap with the top cut off.  Expect freezing condensation…it wasn’t unusual to come back and peel clots of ice from the cloth.  However, John had the sense to forego the Jingle Bells run…the wind chills were 60 below.  Still, the race drew about 150 people! Anyway, you get use to it.  The first below-20 day in the winter feels cold, but following a blast of below-zero, it seems quite toasty. regards, Julia

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I suggest wearing mittens on your hands.  They are much warmer than gloves.  Definitely wear polypro long underwear on top.  I wear some heavy tights on my legs and Thorlos on my feet.  I will often wear a couple sweatshirts (one with a hood) and a balaklava.  The latter will warm your breath and slow dehydration somewhat.  I have run outside when it was -10 F and survived.  The wind can be a killer watch out.   I also wear one of those special briefs with the Gor-tex panel in front.  It works to prevent frostbite in the wind.  Ouch!  Lastly, if it is icy, find a safety store that sell some slip-on spikes.  They work wonders.

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?   Any advice or tips on this? 40 degrees?!  That’s T-shirt weather here in Wisconsin! The "secret" to running in colder weather is layering.  Also, don’t forget to wear a stocking cap and gloves.

I don’t like golves in the colder weather, normally I wear a short pair of socks. It is not as though I need to use my hands for anything short of tugging on my shorts for the first 5 mins or so (all that layering takes some time to settle.) And the socks let my fingers stay warmer and more comfortable than if I wear gloves. I find that even at freezing temperatures (25-35), I’m pretty comfortable with a Helly Hansen (sp?) undershirt, a long-sleeve T-shirt, tights, shorts, a cap and gloves, and, of course shoes and socks.  You might be a little chilly at first, but you heat up fast.  Another bit of advice is to run into the wind when first starting, so you won’t have that part when you’re all sweaty.

Too little for me, I like a Cotton T-Shirt and a heavy school hooded sweater and a pair of shorts and some sweats pants, with a headband and I pull the hood on and off depending on how cold it gets. This way it does not matter which way I run into or out of the wind, I stay warm enough. Everyone has different levels of tolerance in regards to cold. When I was in high school and college in Green Bay, WI, I used to run all winter long with just a heavy sweat shirt and a pair of shorts head band and socks for my hands. But that was 13-15 years ago now. And I find I need a bit more to keep me from feeling too uncomfortable. The first few mins of running is letting everything settle, but once it does I am quite comfortable. Anyway, you get use to it.  The first below-20 day in the winter feels cold, but following a blast of below-zero, it seems quite toasty.

And remember to watch for ice on the roads. I find I have to be pretty careful about my routes in the winter as to avoid the worst of the sidewalks, living in Chicago it is taking your life into your own hands to run on the roads. After having a winter of running I now know which places to avoid becuase they refuse to shovel their walks. And running on the lake shore is right out as they do not shovel that path at all, at least not down on my end. Again when I was younger we used to wear pin spikes in the winter time and run on icy paths. I wonder if someone out there makes a pair of gortex socks, which would help keep your feet dry. Jer, — Jerome Jahnke BSD Academic Computing University of Chicago

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I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?    Any advice or tips on this? 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.? Any general information on the subject would be apprieciated(sp??) —      –      Harry Goslow               |  Poltical views about how      I miss Senna –             |  will be removed because they      Go Jacques Villenueve      |  don’t apply to this group      All opinions and ideas expressed are mine and not my employers      (even though they would like to think that they are theirs).

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For those of us roasting in the SE US, you are right:  You are planning early! I lived in Wisconsin and Illinois for 4 years plus the mountains of NC for another 2 and rarely missed a day of running.  Even when the temperatures were in the single digits I could manage a run. 1)  Warm up some indoors (actually a good idea for heat running as well). 2)  Wear layers of clothing with the layer nearest the skin a material like polypropylene or wool that dries quickly and wicks away moisture. 3)  Wear a hat of some sort and gloves (I hate having cold hands and fingers and will wear cheap gardening gloves at the start of a run even if I am just wearing a t shirt and it is cold enough to make my hands cold at the start). 4)  Run out into the wind and back with the wind. 5)  Keep hydrated;  you can dehydrate in cold weather.  You lose moisture in your breathe. 6)  Watch out for puddles and avoid them. 7)  Vaseline works wonders for exposed skin and lips.  If it is icy, slow down. I have some general questions about running in cold weather: 1. How do the folks that run outside in 40 degree (and colder) weather?    Any advice or tips on this? 2. Do people in Minnesota and the like run outside in Jan. and Feb.?

        I did.  I trained for my first marathon in WI beginning in Jan and ran the marathon in Iowa in April. Good luck.

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