How To Run in Cold Weather

Wear clothing made of fabric that wicks moisture away from your body, like polypropylene. Avoid cotton, which holds onto moisture. Fleece hats and gloves or mittens are a good choice because they allow skin to breathe, preventing your scalp and hands from getting too sweaty.

If the temperature is between 0 and 20 Fahrenheit, wear two or three tops under a windproof jacket, wind pants over insulated tights, and a hat and gloves. If it dips below 0, add another top, another bottom, a pair of glove liners or an extra pair of mittens, and wrap a scarf around your mouth.

Wear running shoes with Gore-Tex uppers – they’ll keep out any wetness – and thick socks made of anything but cotton, which can cause blisters by absorbing moisture.

Before you head outside, do something inside that gets your blood flowing but doesn’t make you sweat, like walking up and down the stairs a few times.

If wind is a factor, start out running into the bluster and end your run with the wind at your back. That way, the wind won’t give you a chill after you’ve worked up a sweat.

On extremely cold days, consider dividing your normal run into two sessions so you’re not outdoors as long.

Beware of roads that look wet but may, in fact, be covered with ice.

Change out of sweaty clothes as quickly as you can after your run so you don’t get the chills.