Running in Really Cold Weather

[WVUFan]

I love running outside and do not like treadmills. Tomorrow morning it is suppose to be below zero here before windchill (near Pittsburgh). I ran this morning when it was 4, but zero just seems so much colder. Is there any temperature below which you should not be running outside? What is your own presonal limit?

 

[DisneyMomma09]

I'm with you...I hate running on the treadmill. I have been doing my long runs outside all winter-I live about 2 hours north of Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago we had below 0 temps-I just added an extra layer and headed out! It took a while longer before I started warming up, but it was not too bad. Everyone is different, though. You will have to decide which is worse, running in the extreme cold or running on the treadmill!

 

[KatieLovesMickey]

Hi!
I'm a WVU grad who lives near Pittsburgh as well!! As long as there's not a crazy wind, I'll go out in just about any temperature. Under Armour is the great equalizer!! I also love my Nike beanie with the ponytail hole, but if it's really cold I put on my bank robber balaclava...

 

[WVUFan]

You might have inspired me to run tomorrow morning! After the first mile, I wasn't cold this morning, but there were very few people running or walking. I am also a little concerned if it is too warm at the Princess Half after running in such cold weather.

 

[ban26ana]

For the record, I think you're all crazy. Once it got into the 20s, I hauled my butt inside to the treadmill!

 

[jmasgat]

I ran 20 a couple weeks ago when it was 4 with a windchill of -9. The only thing about the temperature that bothered me was that all my water froze. So if you are going for a LR, you need to think about how you will stay hydrated.

Maura

 

[joan4mickey]

TO ALL YOU COLD WEATHER RUNNERS!

 

[KristinU]

I am also a little concerned if it is too warm at the Princess Half after running in such cold weather.

Yeah, I have that same concern! I've become pretty acclimated lately and find the mid 20's to be really nice running weather (did I just say that???)

For me, presonally, I'll go out as long as the windchill is above 5 or so. I have to say, I have yet to be cold for an entire run. The first mile, maybe, but I always heat up. I do get concerned about stopping and getting chilled (in case of injury or equipment malfunction or something) and I've thought about carrying one of those really thin little space blanket packages for long runs where I'd be pretty far from home or work in case I'd need to walk.

 

[WVUFan]

I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one! I decided not to run this morning, but I will be doing 14 tomorrow when it will be a balmy 7 before windchill. I hadn't thought about water freezing- any suggestions on what to do about that?

 

[jmasgat]

I haven't hit on a good solution for the water problem yet. At one point on that run I stuck a bottle down the front of my shirt to try and thaw it out. I think it would have worked, but I ran out of time. Made me think that next time I would put a bottle of water (the commercial 20 oz kind) on a Disney water bottle strap and put it down the front of my shirt for the whole run! With the shirt I had on, it held it close enough to my body not to bounce around too much.

I also need to look into an insulated sleeve for my Camelbak tube. In the meantime, the guy at REI actually suggested mixing a little whiskey with the water to keep it from freezing! (NOT a wise idea)

Maura

 

[KristinU]

How about starting out with warm water? So far I haven't had my water freeze, but I'm only training for a half and not doing 20-milers. And I also use the Nathan Sprint bottle, which is hand held, so I'm sure my gloved hand adds some insulation as well. AND, my temps haven't been quite as extreme as you PA folks have now...so don't listen to me!

 

[johde]

I haven't run in that cold of weather, 20 is my current limit. But, what's worked for me water bottle wise is wearing my fanny pack under my vest. The combination of the body heat and the vest keeps things from freezing. The ice cubes I put in actually melted.

 

[K80K]

They had an article in Runner's World several weeks ago addressing the water freezing issue. It was actually one of those Q&A sections and the person answering the question recommended spiking your water with a little bit of sports drink. The sodium in the sports drink lowers the freezing point of the water at least buying you some time before it freezes on you.

 

[WVUFan]

In the meantime, the guy at REI actually suggested mixing a little whiskey with the water to keep it from freezing! (NOT a wise idea)

Although this idea sounds interesting, I think that I'll try the sports drink mixture. Whiskey + Running + 6 a.m. start = a not so good work day