I know to dress like it will warm up 20 degrees more while I'm running but my question is as it gets colder have any of you guys gotten to the point where you've had to wear really heavy jackets while running. Just curious because I know it will be cold soon? Oh yes and how did you run in this and was it harder because it's colder, how did your leg muscles react?
Runners-Cold weather question
- Thread starter Mic
- Start date
The coldest temps that I've run in have been in the teens. The temps don't bother me, but if it's windy then the run is pretty miserable for me. I've never worn a heavy jacket when it's really cold - I usually wear some kind of wicking long-sleeve undershirt with a heavy polarfleece shirt over it and my heavier running tights. Also, my heavier fleece gloves and a fleece headband. I also try to cover my mouth some of the time while running so that I'm not breathing in the frigid air.
My leg muscles were fine - I made sure that I was warmed up before I left the house. But, maybe others have different experiences with cold leg muscles.
Erica
My leg muscles were fine - I made sure that I was warmed up before I left the house. But, maybe others have different experiences with cold leg muscles.
Erica
Hi 
I'm not very experienced lately in running in cold weather, but I did for many years. I was fine with headbands, tights or "long-johns", sweats, and gloves. HOWEVER, my running career stopped dead in its tracks because I went out for a run in cold weather and didn't prepare myself well, tearing a hip flexor. I wasn't warmed up enough, my pants were not at all heavy enough, and I started out too ambitiously taking those last two things into consideration. So I'd just make sure that you are adequately warmed up before you even step outside, wear some kind of tights or long-johns, and your legs should be fine. Aside from the initial warming up phase, I don't think the cold affects the leg muscles negatively.
The worst part is the upper body and hands for me. It just sucks up the cold, so I'd layer on the tops and gloves.
Sara
I'm not very experienced lately in running in cold weather, but I did for many years. I was fine with headbands, tights or "long-johns", sweats, and gloves. HOWEVER, my running career stopped dead in its tracks because I went out for a run in cold weather and didn't prepare myself well, tearing a hip flexor. I wasn't warmed up enough, my pants were not at all heavy enough, and I started out too ambitiously taking those last two things into consideration. So I'd just make sure that you are adequately warmed up before you even step outside, wear some kind of tights or long-johns, and your legs should be fine. Aside from the initial warming up phase, I don't think the cold affects the leg muscles negatively.
The worst part is the upper body and hands for me. It just sucks up the cold, so I'd layer on the tops
and gloves. Sara
Thanks guys that's what I was thinking I might hear. So once again just really make sure I'm layered and make sure I warm up before I even get out there. I suppose I better warm up before I layer the other stuff on me, otherwise I'd get too hot. I agree about the comments with the upperbody and the wind, I hate running against that wind when it's really strong, and my hands seem to be the last part of my body to warm up. So I'll make sure I have a scarf, hat and gloves too. Thanks again, oh well I'll have to see what the winter brings.
JeanneMarie
Cathlete
You all are tougher than I! As soon as the temps dip into the high 40's, I'm inside on my treadmill.
My hat is off to those of you who run when it's so cold. I don't know how you stand it!
My hat is off to those of you who run when it's so cold. I don't know how you stand it!