Question to all runners!

This will be my first winter as a runner, and I am strictly an outdoor runner, for some reason I have no balance on a treadmill. So anyways, I have already had to adapt to the changing seasons, no more running in the morning before work because it is so dark, and the chilly temps (which I actually like), but my question is- how many people plan to continue running outdoors through the winter?

Is it possible, or am I going to have to learn to run on the treadmill or be chained to an ellipitcal during the winter months??

the past 3 winters i have transitioned to indoor treadmill running when real winter set in -- because of the cold and the dark (during the week i can't run during normal daylight hours).

i am determined this winter to stay outside.  we'll see how far i make it.  :)

nowadays i'm only running 3 days a week, and i won't have any excuses (except that it will be cooooollld).

I'm a morning street runner (newbie - 4 months) and plan on running all winter, but I live in north Texas these days! But I have lived both in Enfield, CT and Orange, CT. I think running in winter will depend on where you live in CT. Along the sound there shouldn't be many days where you can't run if bundled up enough.

I found these articles on Active.com

If you stay alert and dress smart, there's no reason to stop ...

When it comes to winter exercising, don't get left out in ...

I had to use Active.com to register for some 5k's and remembered seeing them - in spite of the warmer weather here I need to read them too! At my age the engine doesn't generate a lot of heat anymore! I'll be running Thur morning with an expected temp of 48F (Fort Worth, tX) and a 5K on Sunday may be almost as cold. So I was planning on locating these and reading them!

I gotta give you guys props because I can NEVER run outside if it's cold. I just can't breathe if I try to run outside, it's like my throat freezes up when the cold air hits it and I cough alot :( SO I have to stick to the treadmill and miss out on the beautiful outdoors.

i'm planning to run outside all winter, but i do have access to an indoor track for those -20c days.  i hate treadmills.  more importantly, i have to take the dog out anyways; i'll be a lot colder walking than running!

i'm also going to invest in some more polypro and reflective gear, as well as yaktrax.

edit: sugarbabie, i have the same problem in cold (esp. cold & dry) air.  i have an inhaler; it makes all the difference.

This is my first year back at running in quite a few years.

Back when I was a competive runner in high school and college (in the northeastern US) we ran outside 5-6 days a week.  You have to wear a lot of clothes and gloves and hats etc.  My only issue was my face would get really cold and I had to keep my ears covered.

I will be running outside as long as it isn't snowy or too cold.   I generally run outside now on Sunday, wednesday and Friday mornings (early, about 5:15 am) and treadmill running on M,Tu,Th.  I'll be on the treadmill on wednesdays and fridays on rough days but will still trudge through the weather on sundays (gym is close to work but 25 minutes from house.  Not worth the drive.)  Maybe I'm smarter now that I'm older, or just less brave.

You do have to stay well hydrated in the winter.  You actually still lose quite a bit of water in the cold when exercising and can dehydrate.

good for you, i am more of a treadmill runner (esp in the winter!) but i do enroll in some short races just to stay a bit outdoors somewhat

I live in the Chicago area, and this will be my first winter running, too.  I run outside in a forest preserve on weekends, but on an indoor track at my health club during the week.  I much prefer indoor track to treadmill, but I like outdoors SOOOO much more.  I'm determined to run outside for as long as I can.  "Can" meaning until snow stays (forest preserve trails won't be ploughed) or I find it just too miserable trying to run in weather that cold. 

This will also be my first wnter running.  I plan to run outside as much as I can.  I suspect on days with temps below -20C, I won't want to run outside.  Part of teh reason I took up running was that I could do it anywhere and my lack of a gym membership didn't matter.  I have been researching drop-in rates/ day passes for gyms with an indoor track for extended temps below -20C.  (I can not run on a treadmill, I lose my balance!)  Luckily I live in Calgary, which gets a lot of chinooks, so the number of days below -20C I should be able to work around or mitigate with day passes.

I too am going to try to make it this winter instead of my dreaded elliptical. My problem is I have no shoulder to run on because it is knee high with plowed snow, plus I don't want anyone to slide of the road and hit me since I run on a main road.  My other problem is traction. I am so afraid of falling!!  So yeah you crazy winter runners any suggestions?  I know you are out there I see  you!

This is also my first winter running. It's really sad that I only just recently started to appreciate running outside with the fall foliage and seeing the cool houses in my neighborhood-I should have been doing this all summer! I plan to keep running unless its icy/rainy/snowy/so cold it hurts my lungs. We'll see how many days that really is!

Original Post by leslee24:

My other problem is traction. I am so afraid of falling!!  So yeah you crazy winter runners any suggestions? 

 yaktrax (yaktrax canada).  i haven't ordered mine yet, but will...maybe right now!

I'm a treadmill runner. There's nowhere to run in my city (though I thoroughly enjoyed my bicycling this summer). :) The temperature's too low for any outdoor activities at the moment and soon the roads will be too dangerous too. Thank you, mother Russia.

I might try outdoor running next summer. It sounds really fun.

I don't know of any indoor tracks in my area- but that would be a great idea. I haven't even considered the fact that I might not be able to run on the sides of the roads because of snow drifts......

I absolutley hate the treadmill, its so boring.  I love to run outside but I run into the same problem, its dark.  I am joining a local area running group to help get me out there.  I have been running for about two years and this will be the first year I get out in the winter weather.  I used the weather as an exscuse to not run during this season but not this year.  I am going to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March so I have to train.  Good luck getting out there!!

I plan on staying outside, but I live in Arizona :)

Summer will be the interesting time for me...as I just started running a month ago.

If you're just worried about it being dark, don't be! There are safe ways to run even before the sun comes up! If you're more worried about the cold, again there are ways to deal with it. I grew up in Ohio and we would run outside even in the snow and freezing temps. Try wearing a hat and gloves when you run, you'll be surprised how warm they will keep you. Also, wear several layers. That will give you some flexibility in case you get way too warm. If snow becomes a problem, you may have to adapt where you run. Try to find somewhere that shovels the sidewalks/paths because running on the side of a snowy road may not be the safest plan. Good luck and have fun!!

I run outside all winter (including in Minnesota) because (a) I swear I get a better workout, (b) it's better for my mental health than another hour indoors, and (c) I hate the dreadmill (as do my knees).  

Just invest in some good layers (wicking material and a windblock layer really help) and be ready to start peeling them off or unzipping as you warm up. For example, it was 37F when I ran yesterday and I had to carry my gloves and unzip my fleece after mile 1. The one important thing I try to do is scope out my runs for icy spots during daylight hours...  I'm also going to try moving my runs from early am to lunchtime this winter (mainly for visibility), but am not sure how well that will work.

Oh - I also have a flashing red light for night time visibility

just to add to what kslovett said, i love zip turtlenecks.  they cover up very nicely, but when you need to cool off you can let the right amount of air in.

To echo ccrun4fun, in my experience, the most important body parts to keep warm while running in the winter are the ears and the hands, because they do not warm up while you run.  If my ears are covered and I have a good pair of gloves, I will be comfortable enough to keep running.

I've been a runner for a few years and I live in Canada, so we get snow, and quite a bit of it.  As a rule if you live in a snowy region, you have to be prepared to substitute a treadmill on heavy snowfall days.

In these regions the sidewalks are usually cleared within 24 hours and it's okay to run outside.  I try to stick to municipally maintained routes, because they're always cleared and salted the best.

I heat up quite a bit so I don't overdress - but it's important to wear something to cover your head, neck and hands, as any one of those freezing is guaranteed to shorten your run time.  Also, cold weather running is different for your lungs and it takes some getting used to - I have played hockey my whole life and am accustomed to cold arena weather.  If you're running outside consistently, as the weather gets colder you will naturally acclimatize.

Last thing - I wouldn't recommend cropped pants, but tights are a must.  There's nothing worse than running in a puddle, soaking your track pants, and then having them freeze.  Tights will at least stay flexible because they're right on your body.  I use the water-wicking tights available for about $80 at the Running Room.

Good luck!