Running in winter

[porger80]

Question for the experienced runners pls!

I'm considering giving up my gym membership even though I've been a committed gym goer for 20 years.

I've been converted to short runs (30 mins) almost every day since lockdown in replacement of gym, but weather has mostly been okay/good.

What is it like to run in winter? Is it scary running in dark if you have to do first/last thing in day? Is it cold and miserable and unpleasant? Are you more likely to not do it than go to a nice warm dry gym?

Anyone converted from indoor to outdoor frequent all year round exercise?

I’ve been enjoying running outside in lockdown as well. My plan for keeping it going is running at lunchtimes (rather than in the evenings) as the weather turns...

I think it depends where you run - if you're on pavements etc then running in winter is fine. Of course if you're rural then would be a different consideration (for me anyway).

If you enjoy it, then why not? Have you considered joining a running club for the motivation/social aspects? Game changer for me!

@PinPon would you still go in the proper rain/sleet/bitter cold do you think? I can't help think I've had a really easy intro into running outdoors!

I like running in the dark although I know not everyone is safe to do it. I like the feeling of privacy and the feeling of being out when other people aren't. I have reflective kit, stick to busy roads and keep my headphones low so I'm aware of traffic (in case they haven't seen me).

For short runs, running in the rain can be quite nice. It's crap when you have a 3 hour training run though, I won't lie.

I'd second considering looking for a club, or use an online community like Run Mummy Run to find a local running buddy.

@Mumofcats5 I do think a running club will be in my future for sure but child childcare/work commitments mean I just grab a 30 min run when I can at the moment. I suppose right now I want to figure out if running is a brief summer love affair or not! Good point ref running on pavement or rural, thanks

I run at lunchtime in the winter. (Work provides showers).

You'll need heavier leggings, gloves and some layered tops with a hi-viz top layer, but it's exhilarating especially if frosty, getting in a hot shower afterwards is bliss , and it's good for stress.

I like running in winter but I don't go on my own after dark. I joined a running club in September time (many years ago) for exactly that reason. The club costs me £10pa all in, so much better value than the gym and it's given me a while new social life.

Oddly, I am happy to run in the dark on my own in the mornings.

The club also means you have time slots when you go for a run, unless likely to skip it if the weathers rough.

I love running in the rain, it's only very windy days I don't like. You don't reall notice the wet/cold once you get going.

I still go in sleet and snow but you can't run outdoors when the ground is icy. We do reps in the multi storey car park then or often trails are still ok even if the pavements are too slippery.

I love running in the dark, there's something quite magical about it.

Tips:
The trick to not getting too cold is to make sure you are warm when you head out. So get ready to run inside rather than fannying about with Garmins, high-viz etc outside.

Get a really good and comfortable head torch. I wear a Buff (as a beanie hat) on my head which stops your ears chaffing from head torch rub (who knew!).

Unless you are running in completely isolated conditions you will need to be seen. High-viz and lots of flashing lights. I have bands that go round my arms, a tiny clip on light for the back of my head and ones for my shoes. Blue flashing is good.

I don't mind running in the rain, but I DO mind stepping out of the door into it. If it starts while I'm running it's not a problem. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet for those first 5 mins.
Running in hail hurts.
If you're out for 1/2hr you'll be fine. Even if you get wet through you'll be OK. If you start running in the very cold and rain for longer then you'll need to think about staying dry.

It sounds obvious, but get warm as soon as you can when you get home.

Honestly, we're in a temperate climate, it's never that bad. Running in the crisp autumn mornings or a calm but freezing winter day is really good for your soul.

As Wednesday says, ice ruins everything! That's the only thing I won't run in (unless I can be off road for the whole run).

Running in winter is fine , apart from when there is ice and then I stay in. I normally run with a club, but even solo if you can find a decent urban route then its ok. Personally I wear hi viz and a decathlon body light as it helps if street lights are out. I find that in winter when you are cooped up inside all day its nice to get Fresh cold air for a while. Even if you can't run with a running club the whole time, its a good place to meet others who might want to run at different times during the week.

I much prefer running in the dark cold nights of winter. A few more layers and pick a well lit route. Be careful when it gets below zero and you are good to go.

Bright colours and lights are essential for winter runners.

You can buy a decent chest light from decathlon.

Reflective stuff is fab too.

Gloves and a hat are good.

Good should on the gloves and hat. Oh I love running in winter, looking forward to it now:)

Only do cycling in the summer.

Oh thanks everyone, love the idea of exercise giving me even more than it does normally, sounds like winter running is actually more fulfilling. How lovely! I'm excited now

Oh thanks everyone, love the idea of exercise giving me even more than it does normally, sounds like winter running is actually more fulfilling. How lovely! I'm excited now

@porger80 - You’d asked about running in poor weather conditions. TheOrigBrave had great tips upthread. Getting all ready indoors, wearing the right kit for the weather and trying to set off in a break in the weather (so you can get moving before the heavens open) are all worthwhile. I usually feel glad that I have run afterwards, when I’m home and dry again, even if it was rotten weather during the run.

Omg, this is me! (Well apart from the gym bit!)

Started running 1st Feb, so there were shitty days back then, but mostly it's been the whole summer!

I bloody love it (mostly) but like you OP, have been sooo worried about the winter! Now I might be looking forward to it!

Thank You 😊

I much prefer running in the cold. I can't run in heat/humidity at all..I hate it. You soon warm up when running as well.

We did a Parkrun (hugely recommended when they're back) in Toronto in February and it was minus something. It was amazing.

Can’t beat running on a cold wet winters evening- coming home to a hot shower, cosy pyjamas and a glass of red wine. Makes it all worthwhile.

I like running in the dark and cold. I have a head torch, which I much prefer to a chest light as I can point it directly where I was to look at which I couldn’t do with a chest light

I find summer humidity hardest for running.
Lots of light-ish layers.
Hi-viz, reflectives and LEDs.
Warm up inside, then head out.

Autumn is my favourite running season. Pertty, comfortable, no hayfever!

I love it and prefer winter running to summer. Four degrees is my favourite temperature to run in.

I used to run through London from north of river to SE to get home from work and felt completely safe. Loads of others doing the same. Populated streets, no parks.

I’d still do shorts and take jumper off but I get really hot

Running when it's very cold or in snow is fine. Running on ice is not recommended, however if I expect it to be slippery I keep off roads much as possible.
There are lots of layers you can buy/wear, however I very rarely wear gloves (I have got some) and nothing too padded. Its surprising how much you warm up.
Ear warmers are better than a hat if you wear long hair in a pony tail and a buff is great as can wear as a neck warmer/over the face (mask style) /ear warmer or hair and.

Winter running is lush. You need a good fleece headband to keep your ears warm, base layers, some lightweight gloves and that's about it really. Ice is def not your friend though x