How to run and not freeze your ass off outside

Winter running...

It kinda sucks but once you get in the grove and get the motivation you can make it happen. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't want to run this morning so I made an extra cup of coffee and worked on this instead but I WILL RUN TODAY!

So... It's freakin cold outside. The alarm goes off and you don't want to get out of bed. As you lay there you begin to think about your A race you have planned for the spring... Time to get up and get after it.

What do I wear?

Here is a run down of items you will need:

Hands:
Mittens are going to be warmer than gloves with fingers
If it’s wet, find some latex gloves (check your first-aid kit) and wear those under the gloves. Latex is waterproof and will keep your hands dry. Wool is also a good choice, wool stays warm even when wet.

Feet:
Moisture wicking and warm socks. Gortex shoes are a great option if you have them. If not, wear the shoes with the least amount of mesh. You can put duct tape over the mesh if you need to.

Neck/Face:
Cover your face or mouth with a light breathable mask if you’re prone to coughing or your mouth gets very dry. You can use a scarf or baclava. I often use a neck gator to cover my face and it keeps the neck very warm.

Reflective clothing:
You should always wear reflective clothing and something that breaks up the color pattern so you can be seen.
It's dark in the morning and gets dark early. You may run when its light out and by the time you get home it's dark.
Use a headlamp or carry a flashlight. I like to have mine blink so people can see me better.
If you’re running on bright day with lots of snow, wear black.

Dressing for the temperature:

You are going to warm up when you run and you are going to sweat. Be careful because when you stop your sweat is going to freeze. If you know you will stop during your run always take extra clothing to put on. Wear tight clothes. Tight clothes trap heat better and if they get wet, your body heat will help keep you warm. Same concept as a wetsuit.

30 degrees:
(It ain't that bad outside)
2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a vest to keep your core warm. Some kind of tights would be a good choice. Tight clothes keep the body warmer. Hat/gloves.

10 - 20 degrees:
(Ok it sucks until you get moving)
2 tops
2 bottoms. A tight base layer and lose jacket and pants. Hat/gloves and neck gator/scarf/balaclava.

0 - 10 degrees:
(Committed! Get after it!!!)
3 tops: Long sleeve base layer, a fleece and jacket.
2 bottoms: Tight base layer, loose pants and for the guys don't for get "wind briefs"
Hat/gloves and neck gator/scarf/balaclava.

-10 to 0 degrees:
(You are crazy! Don't forget to invite me!)
3 tops
2 bottoms
Extra pair of mittens (you can put over your gloves)
Neck gator or scarf/balaclava.

-20 degrees:
(Ok, you insane...)
3 tops
3 bottoms
2 extra pairs of mittens
Hat/gloves and neck gator/scarf/balaclava.

Need motivation to run?

-Get a training/accountability partner. Someone who is going to bust your chops if you are late or no show.

-Plan a race, this will always get you motivated, especially if you have to train.

-Have a contingency and know its ok to do another workout if the conditions don't favor a run. Plan yoga, spin, or HIIT training session. You are not going to lose fitness if you do something else.

-Buy new clothes. New clothes are always motivating. If you have the proper gear running is much more fun in the winter.

I hope these tips help. I was inspired by an article on Run Connect and thought I would share as I am struggling to find my motivation this morning.