Running in the cold

[subdude]

Here in Minnesota, with Thanksgiving almost here and Christmas close behind, I know that it's about to get a lot colder and icier. I've been enjoying running on the weekends lately (I can't run during the week because it's dark when I leave and get home), but we won't be having 50 degree days much longer. So, just wondering with respect to running and cold weather:

1) How cold is it before you switch from shorts and short sleeves to sweat pants/wind pants and long sleeves?
2) How cold is it before you won't run outside at all?
3) How does cold weather affect your outdoor running when you do it? (Pace, distance, etc.)
4) Are there certain health benefits to running in the cold over running in nice weather? Are there certain health risks? (By that, I mean more than something obvious like running in shorts when it's -20 F and you die of hypothermia or you get frostbite or running on ice and slipping.)

FWIW, I have my Concept2 rower in my basement to use whenever I can't/don't want to run. But as much as I love my rower, I'd rather not go too long with it being my only cardio option.

 

[g8r80]

Here in Minnesota, with Thanksgiving almost here and Christmas close behind, I know that it's about to get a lot colder and icier. I've been enjoying running on the weekends lately (I can't run during the week because it's dark when I leave and get home), but we won't be having 50 degree days much longer. So, just wondering with respect to running and cold weather:

1) How cold is it before you switch from shorts and short sleeves to sweat pants/wind pants and long sleeves?

About 50F. But, I live in Florida and I'm a wuss...

2) How cold is it before you won't run outside at all?

About 40F.

3) How does cold weather affect your outdoor running when you do it? (Pace, distance, etc.)

I think 50F is ideal and I go a little faster than when it is warmer and when it is colder.

4) Are there certain health benefits to running in the cold over running in nice weather? Are there certain health risks? (By that, I mean more than something obvious like running in shorts when it's -20 F and you die of hypothermia or you get frostbite or running on ice and slipping.)

I can't think of any health benefits (but I can think of a lot of detriments) to running in cold weather over nice weather other than it toughens you up mentally.

FWIW, I have my Concept2 rower in my basement to use whenever I can't/don't want to run. But as much as I love my rower, I'd rather not go too long with it being my only cardio option.

You can always go the treadmill route.

 

[joebedford]

I live in Tennessee, but am a little less of a wuss. ;-)

It does depend on how hard I'm running, though. If I'm racing, I have run in short sleeves and shorts with the temps in the 20s (albeit with gloves and earmuffs). This was on a sunny day with no wind. OTOH, I have worn long sleeves with temps in the 40s if it's windy, or overcast, or I'm not running hard. Long pants aren't usually going to come in until the mid 20s, again, unless I'm running slower. I have run in the single digits when bundled up. Below zero, I probably wouldn't bother. I love running when it's cold, more so than when it's hot!

 

[mens03bike]

.., i am new here just like i am new in biking community.. i haven’t actually tried mountain biking… only those road trail… but I am wanting to try in future days… hoping to have friends here that can get along with me… I am now looking out for a nice trail....

 

[sjake]

I currently jog 5-6 miles per day..Here where I live, any temp below 50 I ALWAYS dress in layers. Within the first miles or so, the hoodies come off and are tied around my waist! But for me, I find that the colder temps bother my legs(they get crampy-ish) and slows my speed..So anytime its below 40 I always run inside and focus on time instead of distance. During the winter months, I try to run longer times. I find this approach improves my distance/stamina greatly by springtime. As for health benefits, the colder temp jogs, I agree with g8R80..I don't know of any in terms of benefits..But the safety in terms of snow ice slipping are great..Don't risk injury..