In this post, I’m sharing my best winter running tips.
The weather is hovering around 0 degrees Celsius today, and the snow is falling, yet I tied on my running shoes and went for a run anyway. I have seen many fellow running bloggers grumbling about running in the cold weather, but I have to admit that I don’t share their sentiments. I prefer this weather. The trick is to dress properly in layers. I was well prepared with some winter leggings and a running jacket.
I want you to enjoy running in the winter as well. Here are a few tips I learned (the hard way) about running in the cold and snowy weather:
Table of Contents
Winter Running Tip 1: Dress Accordingly
The most critical step in running in winter is dressing properly. I’ve learned over time what works and what doesn’t. Check out my guide on what to wear for running according to the temperature that goes over proper layering for running. But also, not overlook your choice of socks.
While I typically opt for ankle socks with my running shoes, I’ve gleaned a valuable lesson during cold and snowy weather—this may not be the wisest choice. The revelation came as I noticed a chilling 1/2-inch band of exposed skin around my ankles. In future runs, I’ll be sure to layer my leggings over my socks to ensure complete coverage.
Moreover, when confronted with slushy snow, a clever hack involves donning plastic grocery bags over your feet before slipping them into your running shoes. This ingenious maneuver acts as a waterproof barrier, shielding your feet from the dampness and maintaining a comfortable and dry running experience.
Winter Running Tip 2: Stay Visible
Given the shorter daylight hours during the winter season, it’s highly likely that you find yourself running either at the break of dawn or during the twilight hours. Ensuring your safety becomes paramount in these low-light conditions, and one effective way to achieve this is by optimizing your visibility to drivers. Equip yourself with the necessary reflective gear, such as a brightly coloured vest or a luminescent headlamp, to guarantee that you stand out in the subdued lighting, allowing drivers to spot you with ease and ensuring a secure running experience.
Winter Running Tip 3: You don’t need to cover up your GPS watch
Here’s a handy tip I learned from my identical twin sister (who also runs: If you wear a GPS watch for tracking your runs, you can use the thumb holes of your sweater or jacket (if you have them) to put around your watch face so you can see your metrics, without having to expose your sleeve.
Winter Running Tip 4: Take Your Time To Warm Up
Irrespective of the weather, priming your muscles for a run is a non-negotiable practice, but it attains heightened significance during the winter months. Due to the colder temperatures, your body may require additional time to achieve optimal warmth. Adopt a mindful approach by initiating your run with a leisurely pace, dedicating the initial 2 kilometres or so to a gentle warm-up. Resist the urge to hasten the process, allowing your muscles to acclimate gradually to the colder conditions, ensuring a more comfortable and injury-resistant running experience.
Winter Running Tip 5: Slow Down on the Snow
While it might seem like a straightforward piece of advice, the analogy to the initial drive in the season’s first snow holds true for winter running as well. Just as a fresh layer of snow unveils the hidden challenges of slippery surfaces, a runner too is swiftly reminded of the potential hazards. When braving winter runs, it’s prudent to shift the focus away from pace and prioritize safety. Embrace a deliberate slowing down of your stride to mitigate the risk of injuries on the potentially treacherous snow-covered terrain. Fortunately, my recent winter run encountered mostly clear paths, with the snow melting swiftly upon contact with the ground, although a few pockets of snow-covered spots required extra caution.
Conclusion
So, just to recap, here are the important tips to have a successful winter run:
- Dress appropriately
- Stay visible
- You don’t have to cover up you GPS watch
- Take your time to warm up
- Slow down in the snow.
My goal for running in the winter is to stay injury-free and maintain my running schedule. For those of you who run in the winter, do you have any wisdom? Please share tips or tricks to make it a more enjoyable and safe experience in the comments below.
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No I haven’t heard of any, but like snow tires in Canada, they should have snow soles for running shoes! That’s a great idea! This might be a million dollar idea! Hummm, how do I start marketing this?
+Ray I’ve been lucky when running in winter so far. I try and be careful. As for snow, I love it, as long as I’m not driving in it.
How did I not notice your this blog?! Well, here I am now albeit a little late. LOL! I am not a fan of running, I will admit that much but we have been doing very long walks recently. 3 hours walk yesterday and 2 hours the day before. It’s just lovely to get the stroller out and enjoy the town on foot. 🙂
Reflection of Sanity
Thanks Shireen for stopping by this blog! This is actually my first blog, I started my other one because I felt that I wanted to blog about things other then running. A three hour walk is great exercise (and probably better for your knees and feet. With winter here, a stroller walk would be out of the question because no every one clears their sidewalks but luckily, my little guy is walking now and we do walk to the park together on sunny days.
Great tips Lucie! You are certainly a dedicated runner. I don’t run, but I love to get out and walk, no matter the weather. Even walking, I have to slow way down. I slip and fall on the ice at least a couple times every winter, much to my hubby’s amusement. lol
Just came back from a winter run, lits of snow here in Northern Ontario. This year i plan to buy little spikes that go on the bottom of shoes and boots for winter running. They predict lots of snow here so i will also be taking my 20 year old canadian tire special skiis out for my lunchtime workouts.
Good points to follow. Luckily in the UK it has not dropped below zero yet. I too have ankle socks which I’ve been using since the summer, so will have to rethink the strategy when the chilly weather comes.
Thanks Marek for the comment. We’ve been hit hard by winter very early on. It will be interesting to see if I can go run come January or February!
Lucie, i ran all winter last year with much more snow and colder temperatures here in i Northern Ontario. Your winters are milder, so im sûre you can run all winter
Great advice! I use dressmyrun.com to help me figure out what to wear in cold weather. It never fails me! I have it set that I run warm, so I need slightly less clothes and later accordingly.
Thanks Jess. I’ve never heard of dressmyrun! I’ll check it out!