How to Not Freeze to Death- Training in Winter

For my readers who, like me, hail from somewhere that often looks like this in the middle of the winter,

with unpredictable winter temperatures, you are probably aware that winter running is reasonably unpleasant, since you have to deal with:

1. Breathing cold air
2. Cold and tight muscles
3. Risk of frostbite
4. Icy roads/ sidewalks
5. Getting wet from snow
6. Shorter days, and early nights.
7. Treadmills and indoor tracks are a bore.
8. JUST BEING FREEZING COLD AND MISERABLE!

All of these factors can lead to slower times, and altogether less pleasant runs.  In many cases, unless I'm feeling extra motivated, this leads my winter mileage to suffer.  I end up inside watching Netflix, instead of braving the slushy mess or icy tundra outside.

But, if we all stayed indoors all day long, every time the temperature dropped below freezing, then we'd miss the beauties of winter, and every spring, we'd have to crawl out of our caves and start our training from stage 0, letting our training bases crash and burn year after year, and leaving us lightyears behind our warm-climated counterparts.

And this is why they invented man's best friend: underarmour.

So invest in:
1. A warm hat
2. Underarmour base layers: I have literally been using the same long-sleeved underarmour turtleneck and pants since I started running five years ago, and it's still going strong.  I throw it on under a moisture-wicking t-shirt and some shorts, and top it off with a fleece if it's cold enough to warrant the extra layer.
3.  GLOVES- Gloves are your best friend.  I am partial to the Spyder Women's Sweater Glove, which I use for everything from walking to class to nordic skiing to running.
4.  An extra layer or two can't hurt, whether it's sweat pants, a fleece, or a windbreaker.  You can always shed it midway through your run, and it's better to have too much than too little.

Pretty simple, right?  If you're a native to this climate, you should already have the bulk of that.  If it's the middle of a blizzard, you also may want a neck warmer, but in general, you'll be too hot with one of those.

Be smart.  Know your body.  If you're too cold, cut your run short, and head to the treadmill or the indoor track (also a viable option if it's dark outside).  If your feet get wet from the snow, you might get blisters or frostbite, so beware of that.  And remember, your times will probably be slower in the dead of winter.  The cold air makes it harder to breathe.  You have to watch your step because of the ice.  And your muscles will be cold and tight because of the low temperatures.  But, don't despair.  Spring will be here before you know it.  And when it comes, you will appreciate the opportunity to run a hundred times more.  Meanwhile, layer up and get outside.  It's time to run!