Is It Too Cold To Run Outside?

Cold weather. A runner's nemesis. Some runners decide to run outside year round regardless of the temperature. Then there are other runners who have a 'cut-off' point, where when the temperature outside hits a certain mark, they stay inside and run on a treadmill. 

Running outside when it's cold outside can be done - if done correctly. There are a lot of different tops, bottoms, socks, and shoes that can make running in the cold possible. Most people start by making sure they have enough layers on. This doesn't mean throwing on a bunch of clothes and heading out the door. 

Proper layering means having several thin layers of clothing. This doesn't just apply for tops. This applies for tops, bottoms, and socks too. The material of the layers is important too. Try to have top and bottom layers that wick moisture away; stay away from cotton. Cotton doesn't insulate that well and it absorbs the moisture making it heavy. For socks, wool is a good material to look for. Same thing with cotton applies to socks; not a good idea if you can help it. The final piece of layering is to have a top and bottom on with a protective shell. This would be some kind of waterproof windbreaker or shell that helps shield you from the wind and elements. Look for protective shells made of Gore-Tex or nylon material. Those materials do a great job of blocking the wind and keeping moisture out.

In addition to layers, you need to cover as much skin as possible. This means making sure you have a hat and gloves. If the weather is really cold, some runners wear a balaclava running mask. The balaclava looks like a ski mask that is made of material that wicks moisture away.

Depending on the conditions of where you want to run, there may be snow or ice on the ground. You could wear your regular running shoes and still have a good run. If think you need something that will help grip the ground better, there are a few possibilities. Some people will insert small screws into their shoes (kinda like sprinter's spikes) to help give them more traction. There are also things you can buy that slip over your running shoes that have spikes on them. Another option is to buy trail running shoes and wear those when there is snow and ice outside.

When there is cold weather outside, runners are faced with the question 'do I want to run outside in the cold, or stay inside and run on a treadmill?' Knowing how to dress appropriately and what materials to look for with clothing can help make running outside in the cold possible.