Running Through The Elements: Cold Weather Edition!

I hate being cold. I'd much rather be really stinking hot than cold. And honestly, unless it's really hot outside, I'm usually cold! Like right now. I'm laying on my couch, typing my blog, wearing thick socks, flannel pajama pants, a long sleeve thermal shirt, a hoodie, a bathrobe, and a blanket. (I know, I know, we need to turn our heat on one of these days...)

Even though I hate being cold, I can still run in super freezing temperatures. If I can do it, you can do it. Here's the secret. It's going to blow your mind...

WEAR WARM CLOTHES.

Shocking, right? 

What I Wear In The Cold

But seriously, there is no reason you can't be all toasty and warm on your run. There is awesome cold weather gear out there. Yes, it's expensive. But the $100 I spent on an Under Armour shirt and pants was some of the best running money I spent. I've had these pieces for over 4 years and they still work well. I can't wear these pieces unless it is REALLY cold out, or else I'm way too hot.

The same goes for this jacket. It's a Denali. It's super warm and waterproof. I got it at Marshall's for $30. It's a $130 jacket. Marshall's usually has jackets like this that you can get for around $30! Go look for some. However, even if I had to pay full price for this jacket, knowing what I know about it now, it would still worth it.

If wear an Under Armour long sleeve, a fleece vest, 

and this jacket, I am TOASTY, even when the temperatures are below 10 degrees.

One thing I still have not found yet are the perfect pair of gloves. They are either too thin and my hands are frozen after 2 miles, or they're too thick and my hands sweat and THEN freeze. Please share any gloves you have found for really, really, really cold temperatures, because I still have not found a good pair.

A Word About Wind...

Wind sucks. Actually, it blows. But it also SUCKS. If you can find something to cover your face, that is good. If not, I guess you just have to suck it up and take some wind to the face! Remember, when tears stream down your face, it builds character.

Some Closing Remarks

Another thing to remember... It's rarely as cold as you think it's going to be. Yes, sometimes it's just as horrible as you imagine would be, but most of the time, if you're dressed right, it ends up being fine.

However, don't be stupid. Last winter, there were two mornings where I stopped after 4 miles because I knew if I kept going, it would be dangerous. I should have doubled up on the pants, but I didn't, so I ended up being way too cold. So STOP if your discomfort is dangerous.

I wrote about running in the scorching HEAT too. Check that out here!

Have any cold running tips for the readers?

What about help finding the perfect REALLY COLD weather gloves???