My love for winter running is probably best described as sick. And I don't mean the, ”Yo bro, that sick,” sick, I mean the more snow, the more sleet to the face, the more traction robbing powder, the better. There's just something about it. But it's really all about perception. Once you warm up, your face goes numb, the cold wind starts to become refreshing, and it gets as close to any other run as it can be, or at least that's what I tell myself. Granted, the right gear can truly make all the difference in the world (I'm still learning this myself). Bad gear can not only be the difference between it being “enjoyable” and downright miserable, but it can be straight up dangerous. It's easy to get overzealous, especially once you get that first mile down and warm up a bit, and get out too far only to realize that on the return trip you are going to have to walk or slow down, lowering your body temp and chilling all the sweat. I have made this mistake once or twice and thankfully both times only came away with a nasty cold. In other words, stay close to home, explore the neighborhoods if you live in a city, or if you do decide to venture further out make sure there's someone nearby that can drive out and grab you if need be. And even if you do overreach and make it back, waking up with a stuffy nose and headaches isn't as rewarding as sore legs. Take my word for it.
But when you’re properly bundled up, the snow is coming down, it's dead silent out, that insulated silence that only fresh powder being dumped on the earth can provide, and often you’re the only one out, it's just magical. Traction is often shit so pace goes out the window, but that's ok keeping yourself upright and moving forward is enough of a workout. Once that's accepted it just leaves distance as the primary factor to consider, and because of the slower pace often your heart rate will be lower allowing for a much more comfortable run at a longer distance, hopefully being able to just “zone.” Properly bundled up there shouldn't be much more exposed to the elements than just your face, and that shit will go numb so don't worry about that. On a side note though: if you do experience wind burn i’ve heard of people using vaseline/ bag balm to prevent it. Now, on the flip side there will be runs where its not “pretty” out, its just fuckin’ cold. This is where the gear really pays off. It takes a lot more motivation to get out and run if you absolutely know you are going to freeze your ass off the whole time. At Least for me personally.
And i'm not saying the gear has to be high-speed, top-end, worthy of a mortgage type shit, just something that works. Yes, some of the higher-end stuff can work better than some of the cheaper stuff, but for starting or reasons of maintaining a hobby or health I'd say just stick with cheaper stuff. Base layers are an absolute must, i'm sure the more expensive stuff is nicer here as well, but i’ve been using Amazon knock off type stuff the last few years and they have worked just fine. For anything below ~45F base layers and shorts may be enough if the sun's out, otherwise might add some gloves or a windbreaker. Dropping below ~35F, I add a lightweight puffer jacket, cheap amazon brand again, and some kind of hat to cover the head and ears. Once it starts getting in the teens and below, without sun I even consider a pair of sweatpants or thicker “running pants” to add to the bottom, but with the gloves, puffer and hat the top half will stay pretty good for most temps. At Least this is my setup, everyone runs a little differently. Basically this is how I account for the copious amounts of sweat I perspire, especially my top half, so I've found that as long as I keep it covered from wind I'm good. But again, none of it really all that special, my biggest suggestion just being plan, plan, plan.
And I’d be lying if I said that the idea of someone looking out their window or car thinking to themselves, “that crazy fuck…” didn’t fuel me a bit. Like I said, sometimes winter running is all about perception so even though you might feel warm or ok, from the outside it looks like you’re riding the frozen struggle bus. And there is nothing wrong with using that as fuel. Shit, when I see someone out running in the cold while I'm driving the car or sitting in the house, that’s what I think even though I'm one of them getting out in the cold. Use what you can for fuel. However, even with all these great things to say about winter running, the beautiful runs, the things you learn about your own discipline, I have to say my favorite part may be spring! The newfound energy and eagerness to get outside as much as you can and soak in some sun because its been fucking cold and dreary the last 3-6 months depending on location. Not to say you won't be grateful for spring if you spent all winter working inside, but not on the same level as the winter warriors, the ones with weight loss goals they aren't willing to deviate from, the run-streakers that work in more conditions than the damn USPS, the ones that “need” it, the ones training for the next big thing not wanting to lose their gains. Whatever the reason, winter is as sure as night so adapt and overcome.
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