5 Winter Running Tips | Common Mistakes

[@runningwithmarc]

Don't forget to leave your top tip in the comments section, so others can read :)

[@Counteris16]

My ears always get cold to a degree that I'm afraid to get them frostbitten, but if I wear a hat then I always get too hot so any recommendations on what could I do?

[@JonsConsciousLife]

I’ll also add that while we may not get as thirsty in the cold weather, we do dehydrate just as quickly so keep drinking as much as you normally do.

[@runningwithmarc]

This is a Golden piece of advice ❤️

[@DanRuns]

This is great advice

[@aaronswank9682]

Love the tips! Sounds a lot like my running in interior Alaska where it is regularly -10F to -35F. The things I’ll add to what other people have said are to start with relatively hot water in your bottle to extend the time until it freezes; use Dermatone or Vaseline for any exposed skin; keep batteries charged or fresh to last in the cold (for headlamp or lighted vest); pay extra attention for vehicles if you are on roads due to hazardous road conditions; if you can, run to higher elevation where it may be warmer from a temperature inversion. I think running in the cold helps your mental toughness and makes you appreciate warmer running all the more. Cheers!

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Aaron, these are some great additional tips!!!! and you clearly learnt these by being out there in the cold :D I totally agree with the mental fortitude

[@dawoodnaderi]

I've started running in winter. i definitely agree with the mental toughness part. i appreciate everything more!

[@Fitness_Odyssey]

Thanks for the great advice! I have just started my running journey and its still winter outside so these tips were really helpful. Running is what i do as the first activity in the morning, followed by a cold shower. This way i start my day more energetic especially when i wake up at 6 in the morning. Its never easy but i found it to be extremly beneficial.

[@HS99876]

Good Video, No matter what, you will sweat and get your base layer wet in first 15 min running in any weather , for me it is important not to get the cold and wind get to the wet base layer, wearing midlayer, windbreaker , jacket or vest( insulated or windbreaker) would help specially in cold and windy days. My first winter running, I am trying different things to stay warm and comfortable while running. I am getting myself ready for -20 C and colder days!

[@nicolaoxborough4245]

Great tips thanks I prefer winter running, it's easier to breath than in summer, it's just hard getting out the door in winter once you're out it's great

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Nicky, hope all is well. I don't think most people regret that post run feeling :) thanks for sharing. Marc

[@HappyPotter24]

Great timing Marc! It was -31 here in the Yukon this morning and I definitely DID NOT go out, feels like it just sprang up a bit too fast. Knowing that you're getting out there helps me get my butt off the couch! And yes, the shirt tuck! So simple but it does really work. As always, I find the hardest part getting out the door, but I'm always so happy I did. It helps when you live in a beautiful place and you like the snow. In my experience the people who really detest winter are the ones who stay indoors for most of it. Getting outside does so much to change that mindset!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for this comment, the shirt tuck as you said, so simple but effective! And Yukon, cool, would love to visit one day, Slightly similar to some places here in Finland from what I have heard/understood.

[@DanAbsalonson]

My tip is to expect the ground to be slippery, and especially on turns slow down. I've always fallen while turning, so slow down that forward momentum, take the turn carefully, then go back up to your speed.

[@runningwithmarc]

It's really slippy here in Helsinki currently also! I try to stick to gravel roads when like that, but even they are slippy at the moment in areas. Thanks for sharing Dan.

[@JasonFarrell]

When it's below freezing, and if you're a (rare) barefoot shoe runner, make sure to add in a thermal insole and/or wear thicker wool socks. Road running conducts heat more easily through thin-soled barefoot shoes vs the thick over-cushioned shoes most people are used to. Also, you can still wear your "summer" shoes in the wet wintery weather if you wear breathable water/wind proof socks. Some people also put duct tape over the mesh vents to keep cold air out, but I'd rather not have a sticky mess to deal with later.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for taking the time to share that Jason 👌

[@HannuPulkkinen49]

Thanks for the good wise video Marc! I think when the road is icy and slippery it is best to wear studded shoes. If you are prone to Achilles problems, you should protect them properly. In severe frost (more than -15) I also use a breathing air heater. I ski a lot, but I don’t run very much so I’m used to protecting sensitive areas with extra windproof panties as when skiing downhill, the pace gets hard and the wind increases the effect of frost.

[@runningwithmarc]

Yes spikes when there is black ice or not much snow is really helpful, I have a pair ready for the coming months, although when there is snow I'm usually fine in any other shoes... and a bit of xc skiing of course ;)

[@kgenest100]

Thanls for the tips! Weatherwise, I recommend to look at the wind factor. Heavy cold winds can easily account for a 5 degree difference vs « advertised » temperature. For running below 0 Celsius I recommend hooded jackets with side pockets to keep some water protected from the cold. We loose a lot of heat from the head and neck, so I find that a hood is a great way to build up heat… than 40 minutes into my run I can simply remove the hood to « ventilate » more. The best winter running jackets should have more isolation in the thorso and less in the arms and back. For mitts, the Black Diamond Stance are super light and great at -20 Celsius.

[@videoforum4047]

And running during wintertime makes the upcoming spring and summer runs so much more enjoyable when you’ve been ”suffering” for months with bad or cold weather :) In the end humans are extremely good at adapting and in time, running at cold temperatures becomes normal once you push through the initial walls of discomfort

[@runningwithmarc]

Yes when you get through winter those t-shirt runs are a different game 😂

[@DanAbsalonson]

5:50 "individual finger sleeping bags" LOL!

[@jennyonthespectrum4581]

As a female runner, I also use hand warmers in my mittens. Our blood flows to our core in the cold, so our hands never warm up that much. It's important for the hands to be protected. A headband is also great, because if it warms up, you can wrap it around your mittens or wrist for extra warmth . . .same with a buff. The material I like best is merino wool for socks, headband, buff, and base layer. A breathable, run jacket like nano shell is great for single digits or lower. I don't like goretex, because it doesn't breathe and you overheat/sweat more. Electolytes in your water bottle keep it from freezing for longer. Also, take frequent sips. Mine usually last 9 miles before freezing, when it's close to 0F. I will try out a rechargeable hand warmer for my water bottle and see if that helps it last longer. You can always stop in a public restroom and run it under hot water if you are near one. I always have water with me. . . .and nuts (they don't freeze).

[@DanRuns]

I’m looking forward to being better prepared this year for colder weather, although I’m counting down the days to spring!

[@runningwithmarc]

Only 1 month until the days start getting longer again. I'll enjoy the winter months for you then :))))

[@BenNotley]

Some top tips here Marc! I always run really hot so I really enjoy running in the colder weather. This video has reminded me that I need to get some new base layers for this winter. I might also pick up some of those reusable pocket hand warmers to click when things get really chilly. Thanks for another awesome video Marc! 😎🤘🏻

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Ben, yeah wearing a skin tight base layer is a winner in so many activities. I've never used them hand warmer things, maybe something to look into for the extreme days 🤷

[@VirtualFeats]

Great tips! Finland isn’t as cold as Ireland 🇮🇪 thank you for this! Thank you! From your running friends in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@runningwithmarc]

Thnaks a lot, I'm sure in Ireland you have quite windy weather to deal with 😅

[@VirtualFeats]

@@runningwithmarc Yes completely! Windy and also wet!! A great day for a duck! 🇮🇪

[@racheld1844]

My only tip would be to echo your last idea of making sure you change straight after a run. I’m guilty of coming in and looking at my run stats first, when really I should be jumping straight in the shower and putting warm dry clothes on. By the time I’m in the shower I’m like an ice block 🥶 and it can take me hours to warm up again!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Well if you do do that, a nice glass of warm blackcurrant juice does the job also :D

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Even now as the temps start cooking and flirting with the freezing point, I’ll wear gloves and a warmer hat that I can easily take off and carry in pockets after that 10-15 mins once I’m warmed up. Too avoid being too warm and sweating too much, I’ll wear 3 thin long sleeve layers vs 1-2 thicker layers. I want to be able to easily either remove a layer of needed or be able to pull up all my sleeves and be comfortable.

[@runningwithmarc]

Great point about the thicker layers Jon. I think you have good experience/knowledge on this topic also :D

[@cash5993]

I'll probably never run in cold weather but still watched this

[@runningwithmarc]

😂 thanks, where are your winter months spent?

[@noelr4312]

This was very helpful. We experiencing some cold 🥶 weather here in Alabama USA tomorrow 12-23-2022 around 13 degrees with wind chill to hit single digits and negative temperatures. I’m excited to get out and jog in it. I have gloves Nike dry fit gear shorts, tights, shirt, thermal hoodie, breathable dry fit mask to lock moisture in. I will also use hand warmers. Im ready to see what it’s like to see how you guys adapt in colder climates and push through it.

[@thomasfritz2698]

.......i don`t expect many people following my tips,but i like them 1. I follow nature and reduce my activities in the coldest time of the year with reducing each run time by 20 % 2. Plan as many runs as possible between 2 pm and 4 pm 3. Zero hard runs and zero long runs 4. Buying the majority of my winter running clothes out of the nordic skiing department 5. No running under minus 12 degrees Celsius 6. After the "fall highlight" and a short recovery i do a block with mostly speedy stuff either until the first snow or at the latest until December 20. 7. Incorporate snow shoeing into the winter running

[@runningwithmarc]

Some nice ones there Thomas, thanks for listing them. XC ski clothing for sure is a good bet. I have some xc trousers that are nice windproof fabric on the front and normal on the back for that very reason. Wishing you some nice winter runs ahead :)))

[@JohnAnderson-km1fb]

A tip I learned along the way is to use rubber or plastic gloves under gloves to keep hands warm in cold snowy windy conditions.

[@peachmelba1000]

I have been running throughout this winter. I work about 10km from my house, so on Tuesdays and Thursdays I run there and back as my commutes. If it's dry out but cold I have zero issues. Yesterday however was the first day of significant snowfall we've had which happened coincide with my run home. I always have Fridays off, and let me tell you, today I am wiped! It's been a couch day. There may have been about 2-3" down when I started for home, and it only got thicker. Took me 80 minutes, where under normal conditions it takes 56-60 minutes. Really brutal.

[@mihgio3235]

one of the best videos on this subject! thx

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks a lot Mih Gio 👊🔥

[@SeeChadRun]

All great tips! Great video too! I also follow the rule to dress X degrees warmer than the current temperature. I've gotten really good at knowing what clothing I can/should wear based on the temps. That include which items/kit to wear, but also, how to layer them. I've found that for me, my feet and legs do a great job at not getting cold. My fingers and ears on the other hand seem to get cold easy. I sometimes wonder if my hands get cold because my core is not warm enough even though it may not feel like it. Anyways, keeps the videos coming!

[@runningwithmarc]

Yeah Chad, the more you do something the more you get a better understanding of it. So dressing for the weather becomes systematic. Thanks for the kind words, Marc :)

[@DanAbsalonson]

Great tips. I've overdressed many times. Using my weather app to check the temp outside helps a lot, and add 10 degrees is a great tip. Thanks for the video.

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers Dan, glad it was of good value :)

[@BanjoStu]

Good tip on the mittens. I've always had poor circulation in a few fingers so feel the cold in them. Even though it doesn't get quite as cold here in the UK I've just invested in some windproof mittens. 👍

[@runningwithmarc]

Nice stuff Stu, for me they work a treat, I'm just about to buy a second pair myself, you know when you run more frequently and one pair is still drying from the wash :D

[@thekivi]

Finally advises for actual WINTER WEATHER and not some autumn weater and +10° c🤩 P.S. A finn here too!

[@runningwithmarc]

Winter in Finland is a different animal :D

[@jeffa1110]

My favorite tip is run with friends! Enduring together makes it more enjoyable. Ran earlier this week at -17C. MN is very similar to Finland. Sauna when done! I still need advice on good clothing to keep my special lower body parts warm?

[@runningwithmarc]

Yeah the cold front is coming! When you find out, let me know :)

[@skateata1]

If you have a stationary bike, that's a great way to warm up.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good suggestions, Marc! I had to actually wear a single layer last week, so I related well to this topic! 😄🥶

[@runningwithmarc]

haha, quite funny 😂

[@paulataylor9702]

Thanks Marc. As always great tips and your videos are great!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Paula, much appreciated 👌

[@yveslaingui457]

Great tips, I was the under the impression you couldn't run in winter with temps in minus twenty or lower

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Yves :)

[@beverlycole4836]

"The Cold Never Bothered me Anyway" ❄...Marc, great tips for my winter running. I slather my cheeks with Vaseline and I wear a buff. Finishing my run with thermos of green tea. Have a great weekend enjoy the Ginger Beer ! :))))

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Beverly, what temps do you usually experience in winter months? Yes last winter I started to try with thicker layer of shea butter on the face to help when really cold.... also XC skiers here sometimes put rock tape/KT tape on there cheeks/nose when extreme conditions.

[@beverlycole4836]

@@runningwithmarc In Asheville, NC the cold season last 3 months. Nov.-Feb. Average daily high tem below 54.F The coldest month is January average low of 29.F high 47.F I also XC ski in higher elevations! Thanks for the tips👍This morning run is 27.F 🧤

[@annaruthjamison1600]

so good, thank you so much!

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear you enjoyed it :)

[@DanRuns]

6 seconds after notification

[@runningwithmarc]

🔥🔥🔥

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Quick on the draw, Dan

[@davidforcey3809]

Do you have any extra tips for running in freezing rain or sleet with a driving wind? (Training this Spring has been miserable in Wisconsin!)

[@runningwithmarc]

Good question David, and I know what that feels like, quite the challenge :D As for tips, on top of all the other things that were mentioned, I love the adversity of the conditions, so I really enjoy the challenge, not just in running and trying to improve by making my running a little harder each time, but in the weather also, it makes it that extra little bit more challenging, and in turn it's more rewarding.... there is also a really nice feeling when it's really adverse weather and most people stay in, and you go out and brave the elements, to me it makes me feel quite alive and as though I'm a real hardcore runner. So they aren't really tips maybe as you would expect. Of course a windproof layer that is waterproof for the upper half is going to help you stay warmer and a little dryer. I hope that helps, but it also sounds like you are good as you're out doing it already :)

[@davidforcey3809]

@@runningwithmarc Thanks for that inspiration to take it on as a challenge! That got me out there yesterday... not as cold, but 25mph winds. I should really find somewhere more sheltered to run.

[@19Kamau79]

I had spiritual experience in Western Finland weather as picking single loop long run route and realized just 8km before home I'm slowly occurring hypothermia, of course battery of mobile gets frozen well before human kind, also area was very remote. It's better be humble against mother nature and have short loop around your home to repeat, sometimes weather is unforgiving.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for sharing, yes you are right, good planning can come back to help you in the long run (used the pun again :D )

[@TheHighDreamsYouTube]

Hey there, to bad that I only discovered your account just now, wished I had found it sooner! I wanna support you on your KZbin journey! Keep uploading like this! 💙 +1 Subscriber! 🍀

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for the kind words and really happy to have you joining along :)

[@acdc2183]

Great video!

[@runningwithmarc]

glad to hear you watched :D

[@claudomana]

Thank you! Do you have dôme advice for shoes? It’s my first winter like a runner in Quebec City and I’m so afraid to fall lol 😂

[@knutsfordsteve]

It's 30 deg C here in the Maldives

[@runningwithmarc]

❤️

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Now I want a cocktail and a ginger beer

[@runningwithmarc]

😂 well lucky it's Saturday night

[@JonsConsciousLife]

@@runningwithmarc my Jameson and Coke has been poured

[@yakiweiss546]

On this weekend we got some winter , what can I say 13° in the morning .. at the end everything is relative in our life .

[@runningwithmarc]

😅, yes I bet that feels chilly to you also... I remember living in Sydney, Australia, and the beginning of winter there, I remember feeling really cold at 18c.... as you said, it's all relative.

[@juha2031]

Do you take video suggestions? In this video you had some clips of you doing exercises, like that glute exercise with a band. Could you do like "Top 5" or "My favorite" exercises for runners? And maybe something more special than your everyday squats etc. :) Imo people don't do enough calf or ankle exercises for example =)

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey, sure, that is a good idea, so thanks for sharing. Strengthening even if bodyweight exercises are really important. Hope all is well in Eerikkilä.

[@suniljatav9963]

Good information

[@Hadguasgedom4]

Thanks 🙏

[@jakefarmer3122]

Hey just found the channel, and really appreciate the tips. do you have any gear recommendations for the really cold days? I live in Norther AB as well and just got up to running 7-10km a few times a week but with winter around the corner I'm not sure how to continue when we start to hit the -30 to -40 times. Speicifcally looking at footwear, any advice is appreciated!

[@runningwithmarc]

Really cold day, I am usually wearing..... Base layer trousers, xc skiing trousers (they are windproof on the front and some fabric panels on the back (or waterproof trousers if none of them), socks and trail running shoes (maybe even goretex ones as they have a bit more of protection), Base layer upper, long sleeve running jumper, and windproof jacket, thicker mittens, buff on the neck (maybe even two, one to cover nose), hat. That's what I would wear in -30c. But also keep in mind if you are wearing all of that, you need to keep your running at an easy pace, so that you don't sweat too much, otherwise you can get cold from the moisture when you stop. Hope that helps Jake, and welcome to the channel :)

[@jakefarmer3122]

@@runningwithmarc thanks for the quick reply! do you typically wear ice cleats while running? and normal shoes or do you wear more of a boot style?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@jakefarmer3122 I am just wearing running shoes, as those are meant for running. On snow it's fine in normal shoes, when it's ice, then some with spikes, but that is usually in late winter. Ice Bug and VJ seem to have some good winter options for running.

[@HannuRytkonen]

Extra tip: breath thru the nose if possible. It warms more the air and is healthier for the lungs.

[@runningwithmarc]

Nice tip Hannu 👌

[@florianzbinden3123]

Yeah same tip from me, it helps a lot not to freeze your lungs. I live on a cold area in Switzerland and my football trainer insisted on this.

[@ellakarkkainen]

Ei olis uskonu että asut suomessa. :D Kiva ku teit tämmöse videon

[@JonsConsciousLife]

🥈

[@runningwithmarc]

🔥

[@dadododo_]

Good tips bro, but Caribbean Sea suonds like a plan. ;)

[@runningwithmarc]

:D sounds good to me also

[@skateata1]

Us Americans: using Google to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit to follow the video. 😅

[@runningwithmarc]

Oh oops, I should have put it on the screen! I often remember to convert for all, :D

[@alialiev3288]

Me watching winter running tips in English , trying to figure out that Fahrenheit really is

[@dawoodnaderi]

wait. there's no link for the mitten!

[@runningwithmarc]

Ah oops, the mittens are - Arcteryx venta mitten... I think they may have stopped manufacturing them now!

[@gogogojeff]

Finger sleeping bags!

[@jayahmier1077]

I wanna start running but I’m scared to slip on ice 😂

[@runningwithmarc]

For when it's really icy here, I have shoes with spikes in which helps.

[@jayahmier1077]

@@runningwithmarc can you please tell me the brand?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@jayahmier1077 I am using 'VJ Sport', my wife has them also. Another brand that make good ones are 'IceBug', and I'm sure there are others.

[@jayahmier1077]

@@runningwithmarc thank you so much 🤍

[@AZ-kh7np]

Did you notice dude has 2 watches on

[@hrrrrr2084]

Always in shorts

[@runningwithmarc]

Would be ideal :D

[@hrrrrr2084]

@@runningwithmarc That's what I do! :D

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for sharing Marc, really useful stuff. I typically really like the cold for running but the -25 you have in Helsinki might be a bit too much even for me 😅

[@runningwithmarc]

Yes it was quite a shock for me at first, but I'm almost looking forward to it again :D