Running when it’s cold outside…brrrr. Helpful Tips To Get You Out The Door

This is a repost but still relevant. 

Am I the only one having trouble getting out to run in the morning? Days are getting shorter and mornings are getting colder. I live in Southern California where most of the year it is pretty mild, but winter does come around and mornings get chilly. It may not be 10 below but temperature is relative to what you are use to.

Some runners love running in the cold. I don’t mind running when it’s cold outside, it’s getting started that’s the difficult part. I have compiled a short list of what helps keep me running through the winter months.

It’s cold outside, so…

  • Start warm. By this I mean make sure the house is warm. I find that if I’m cold, then I am way more hesitate to change out of my warm jammies to put on running clothes.

 

  • Drink Hot Coffee. Warms you from the inside and gives you a boost of energy. If you are not a coffee drinker(whaatt?) have a cup of tea.

    coffee to warm you
    Oh happy day!

 

  • Dress in layers. I have a light jacket that I can wrap around my waist if I get too warm. I prefer my vest that I can just unzip. Gloves can be removed and put in pockets or stuffed in your waistband.  Find moisture-wicking microfleece running gloves on Amazon. Beanie or headband that covers your ears can make all the difference in the world (very important if you live in a real cold state). Make sure clothes are made with breathable, quick-drying fabrics. Never wear cotton as a base layer, it gets wet from sweat and then you are cold and wet. Not a good combination.
inappropriate clothing
Dress in layers. Don’t be this guy!
  • Make a run date. If someone is depending on you, there’s a better chance you’ll get up and go. And…misery loves company. πŸ˜‰

 

  • Think positive. You know you’re going to be glad you went. Before you know it you will be warm and shedding some layers. And don’t forget, you’re strong!

bed171682074759b9ad854c38bca6e40These pictures may not represent my running conditions, but I do run in the mountains when there is snow, and I would run in these conditions if I had to. Fortunately I moved away from harsh winters a long time ago. πŸ˜‰

Thanks for reading and stay warm!

I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics. Thanks ladies for the link up!

tuesdays topics

Keep running!

                  Denise  

 

 

11 COMMENTS

  1. Kim at Running on the Fly | 12th Nov 19

    I try to get outside for all my runs, year-round. That said, it does get a little challenging when the windchill is below ZERO and there’s ice underfoot. But, that’s usually the exception; it’s not always that extreme. Most times, I’m only cold for the first mile (if even that), then things mellow out. I much prefer the heat of summer, but the cold air is invigorating and the hot chai latte’ I have afterwards is a welcome post-run treat πŸ˜‰

    • Denise | 12th Nov 19

      I’m pretty sure there is very little that keeps you from getting your workout. You inspire me!
      I have yet to try hot chai latte’.

  2. Chocolaterunsjudy | 13th Nov 19

    Yeah, motivating out the door when you’re already cold in the house is hard! I am so guilty of delaying forever. Meeting someone always helps.

    • Denise | 13th Nov 19

      I don’t know why I stall when I’m sweating 10 mins into my run every time.

      • Chocolaterunsjudy | 14th Nov 19

        Inertia. πŸ™‚

  3. kookyrunner | 13th Nov 19

    I think that making a run date is super important. If I know that someone is waiting for me, I’m more inclines to get off my butt and layer up to run!

    • Denise | 13th Nov 19

      I need to try to make more run dates. It’s hard when we all have different schedules.

  4. Deborah Brooks | 13th Nov 19

    I actually prefer the cooler weather runs. Run dates always get me out the door!

    • Denise | 13th Nov 19

      I prefer cool weather runs too. It’s freezing temps that make it tough getting out the door.

  5. Zenaida Arroyo | 16th Nov 19

    Lately I am having a hard time getting out in the morning. It is 7am and I am still at home. I already had coffee so not sure if I should have more. πŸ™‚ It is cold but not as cold as it was these past few days.

    Thanks for linking up with us!

    • Denise | 19th Nov 19

      Yeah, one cup of coffee is my pre-run limit, otherwise I risk stomach issues.

Leave A Comment

Tell me what you think...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.