Questions:Too cold and headphones

[kimara]

How cold is too cold to run? The 20° wasn't a problem today, but when that wind hit my face--ouch!

Also, I do the Galloway method by using music that speeds up and slows down every minute. It keeps my pace decent so I don't slow down too much on the walk part of my interval. I like my current headphones...until I put something on my ears like a headband thing or a hat to keep warm. Then my current headphones hurt my ears a little. What are headphones that are comfortable even when being squished into your ear a bit?

Thanks for all previous advice and information. You are all keeping me going when I can't find the motivation on my own.

 

[FireDancer]

The coldest I've run in was -3. It is rarely too cold for me to go out running, for me it is about the footing and sight lines. If the ground has a lot of black ice on it or the snow is piled up so high at intersections that I can't see around (and cars can't see me) them I reluctantly head for the treadmill.

I do tend to warm up quickly when I run and head out in shorts until it gets below about 34. I do have a variety of winter running gear of different thicknesses along with wicking hats and gloves so I can usually get warm enough. The key is to go out cold and let yourself warm up. I know if I walk out of the house and am not a little cold by mile one I'll be overheating, even on a cold winter day in February.

I never run with headphones nor do the Galloway method so I can't help you with that.

 

[FFigawi]

How cold is too cold to run? The 20° wasn't a problem today, but when that wind hit my face--ouch!

Personally, I think 10 or below is too cold for me to run. Not because of the cold itself, but at that point, there's usually ice and snow to worry about slipping on. Yak Trax do work on ice and snow, but as much as I hate treadmills, that's about when I head inside. Or grab the x-country skis or snowshoes.

 

[rubato]

How cold is too cold to run? The 20° wasn't a problem today, but when that wind hit my face--ouch!

Also, I do the Galloway method by using music that speeds up and slows down every minute. It keeps my pace decent so I don't slow down too much on the walk part of my interval. I like my current headphones...until I put something on my ears like a headband thing or a hat to keep warm. Then my current headphones hurt my ears a little. What are headphones that are comfortable even when being squished into your ear a bit?

Thanks for all previous advice and information. You are all keeping me going when I can't find the motivation on my own.

I think it's never too cold to run outside, but have to agree about the wind. It's bad enough in the summer when it's blowing hard straight at you, but in the winter it is biting! Brrrr.

I just use my Ipod earbuds. They fit inside the ear, so no matter what I put over my ears, they aren't squished. I couldn't run without my motivational music. I think WAYYYYYY too much if I can't be distracted by music!

 

[bounceliketigger]

Of course this is a very individual thing, but I prefer headphones that go over your whole ear (with foam, for example) for 3 reasons:

1- safety. Most earbuds cancel out noise around you. I just don't think that's a good idea when running outside.

2- your ear canals are connected to your sinus cavity. I find that I can feel an airflow restriction when my ears are plugged up w/ buds.

3- the ones that cover your whole ear keep the ears toasty warm in cold & wind.

As for temperature, I vote for just running when it feels ok to do it. I've run into the teens some days and felt great. Other times 30s felt too cold, wind notwithstanding. Of course I'd rather freeze than be on a treadmill anyday.

 

[kimara]

I agree on the not liking the treadmill. My family couldn't understand why I was out in the cold today, rather than driving to a gym with a treadmill. Thanks for supporting me by being crazy too!
The temp will be below 0 (with the wind chill) for the next 2 days...so i might be treading, but i will keep getting out there when I feel safe.

Thanks also for the headphone advice. I will try a few different options--either 1 earbud in, so i can still hear around me, or the bigger foam covered kind. I do like the idea of extra ear warmth

Thank you all! I love that I haven't been able to find and excuse to give up training for the half in January. You keep taking care of me so I can keep going--it's like magic!

 

[stampingoddess]

I too have been out when it is butt cold, well below freezing temps. Like others have said, so long as the sidewalks and roads are relatively clear and no snow or ice I'll go outside for my long walks. For the shorter weekday workouts I'm lucky enough to live 2 blocks from the local rec center which has an indoor track. I don't like the dread-mill either.