Thought I was going to die....

I tried to go jogging this morning at 5:30. I havent gone for a couple weeks because it has been so cold and my classes started up again. But I went outside this morning and it was soooooooo cold! I thought that if I started that would warm me up and I wouldn't feel the cold so much. WRONG. I thought my lungs, nose and mouth were frozen. For the first time since I started jogging I actually had to STOP, I thought I was going to collapse. When I jogged past the bank, their thermometer said it was 36 degrees outside.

My question: Even though I was bundled up, my body was not that cold, it was just way harder to breathe. I felt like my lungs, mouth and nose were frozen. Are there any tips to avoid this in colder weather? Also, is there anything bad about jogging in near-freezing temps?

I used to live in Northern Ontario (Canada) and would go jogging at 20 below zero...   didnt hurt me....

I did wrap my scarf around my nose and mouth tho..  and would have to thaw my face out when I returned..  ( I would do 3 to 4 miles..)

Just a note hun (since I know I live in the same area as you) the Weather Channel has been reporting poor conditions for respatory health the last few days.  That could be playing part of it too.  I went out running yesterday afternoon, while it was still in the 50s, and I felt all cruddy in my lungs too. 

Good for you for getting out there and running!  I'm a bit of a weather channel freak and as soon as I turn on the TV and see that it's 39 degrees out side I wuss out!  Way to go, tough cookie!  I was inside on my stationary bike this morning at 5am LOL  I've become such a weather wuss!

Man, you guys really make me want to start jogging. I've always hated running, so it is sort of a personal challenge for me. I want to do the couch to 5K program, but my problem is that i have no time to run, and I don't like treadmills. I've got my kids from 9am to after 9pm most days during the week because my husband works extended hours. I guess I could try to get up before he leaves but it's already starting to get cold outside here, too. I remember running in the winter in gym class and how bad it hurt my lungs. I think you have to acclimate yourself to running in extreme weather. I'll do some web research. Unfortunately, in Wichita, it's almost always extreme weather of some sort. 

i want to start jogging too!! i should probably start WALKING first though, eh?

I used to walk to and from school (6km round trip) and when it was -35 degrees outside I would wrap the scarf around my mouth and nose like was said before and tuck my head as much as possible in my coat. a little awkward but you can make it work and it helps get rid of the stinging cold.

When it's below 35F outside, I wear a stocking cap and gloves.  I've run in temps as low as 15F, and never had an issue with my body being cold.  As far as your lungs, it will take you awhile to get used to the cold air that is rushing into your body.  It usually takes me a week or so to get used to the colder temps and then I'm fine.