Winter running can bring solitude and beauty to your weekly exercise routine. However, it does take some extra planning and gear to keep your runs fulfilling and enjoyable through more extreme weather.
1. What to Wear?
I am truly believer in the adage, “There is no bad running weather, just bad gear.” If you wear the proper layers you will be toasty warm, which makes the run so much more enjoyable. Start with a base layer of merino wool or synthetic thin layer. Then try a medium synthetic hooded layer and top with a jacket. For the bottom a pair of lined running tights are a great purchase. Santa brought me a pair from Athleta and I have been super happy.
You want to avoid cotton clothes because they don’t wick away moisture. I always wear a hat, and I really like the one I got from Target that has a ponytail hole. Gloves are necessary and try pairing them with hand warmers on really chilly days. Another thing to remember when getting all dressed to run is dress twenty degrees warmer than the outside temp. For example, if it’s 30 degrees outside dress for 50 degrees because you will heat up as you run. The first mile I am usually kind of cold and then when I finish my run I feel awesome.
2. Get a Grip
Winter running also comes with ice and snow which can be very slippery. Try a pair of yaktrax to give yourself some more traction. I definitely run a little slower in the snow.
3. Safety First
Running in the winter brings some extra challenges like less daylight hours. Whenever I am running before sunrise or after sunset I try to have three points of reflectivity on me. I am big fan of my reflective vest, headlamp, and blinking light. If you can avoid headphones, that is a great safety tip. I always tell my husband my exact running plans and I keep my charged phone with me. To be honest I am more afraid of animals in the early morning than I am of cars.
4. The Dreadmill
Don’t get me wrong I love running outdoors, but sometimes you must get your run done inside. Weather it is a last-minute childcare issue or 
it is just TOO icy. I try to keep it fun by running intervals. The girls love when I run on the treadmill because they come downstairs and play games while I run. I also like to watch Netflix on the iPad while I run and my current favs are Scandal and Gilmore Girls.
5. Find a Group
Winter running can be great solo, but one thing I love about running is that it can be just as much a group activity. Finding a group of running buddies will definitely motivate you on the chilliest of mornings. When you know, someone is waiting for you at the track you will think twice about hitting the snooze button on the alarm and staying in your nice warm bed. You can find running comrades on Facebook or Meetup or ask your local running stores.
6. Family Fun
For extra dose of family bonding try braving those cooler temperatures together and going on a winter run as a family. When I was on maternity leave with our oldest I loved bundling her up in the stroller and getting some fresh air. To keep your child warm in the stroller a bunting is a great investment or use blankets. Wind guards can also be helpful. If you have older children try hitting the pavement with them as well. Two years ago, I meet up with other fabulous FCMB running mommas Julie, Elysa and Erika and we took the kiddos for a VERY chilly run at Cove beach on January first. While my children are less than enthused to join me in running in freezing temps, they always LOVE the hot chocolate treat after our run.
So, layer up and get out there and don’t let winter get in the way of your running!
