How do I run in the cold?

Run in the cold. I recently saw that meme and as obnoxious and obvious that sounds, it really does ring true. The better question may be, why run in the cold? While the fall and spring are probably the best times of the year to run, there is something about the winter that really takes hold of me. Unfortunately, I have something called Raynauds. Which, to save a long story, makes my fingers and toes so cold at the beginning of my run and painful after that it is almost unbearable. So why on earth do I love running in the winter? Now that we are into the cold months I remembered while running with a friend. It is simply the time spent outside. It is so simple but the impact is so beneficial. After the first 10 minutes or so, my hands and toes thaw and I find that I am actually warm, I realize that I am outside, sometimes for hours. So, on those sunny 7 degree days, there I am and no one else is even attempting to be outside. It feels special.

Now that the cat is out of the bag that I LOVE winter running. Here are some cold weather tips:

1. Layers! Always dress in thin layers of warm clothing. This will allow you to remove layers as you warm up.

2. Keep your core warm, a vest can be useful. New Balance usually has some good choices specifically designed for running. My only gripe with vests is that if you get too warm for it, there are no arms to tie around your waist when you take it off.

3. Keep your head warm. We all know that we lose a lot of heat from our heads. I tend to wear a wool beanie, really anything will work.

4. Tech fabrics and wool are your friend. Ditch the sweatshirts which are typically made of cotton which will just get soaked with sweat. (It's in the name!)

5. Despite the cold, you will still continue to sweat. Hydrate! (Can’t help it!)

6. After your run, change out of wet clothes immediately. If you are not able to get right into a nice warm shower, be sure to change out of those sweat drenched clothes or you will quickly become uncomfortably cold.

7. Gloves that can provide layers. Something like Craft Sportswear's Unisex Hybrid Weather Glove that you can strip back as you warm up can be useful.

8. Dry mittens and/or hand warmers for after your run, especially if you suffer from Raynauds and/or have to drive home.

9. Wool socks will keep your feet dry and warm. Wool will wick the sweat and continue to keep you warm even while wet. Merino wool socks provide a nice, thin version for feet.

10. Poshmark or ThredUp can be good resources for gently used (sometimes new with tags) running clothes and jackets if you are on a budget or want to be more environmentally conscious.

11. If you are really on a budget grab an old wool sweater, again tight fitting (not bulky is a better way to go.) The wool will keep you warm, even if you sweat a lot. My husband does this, especially for trail running.

12. Be OK with the gross factor on this one! When it is really cold, I put vaseline on my cheeks for extra protection. Somehow it not only protects the cheeks but I swear it keeps me warmer.

13. A neck warmer or a fleece lined buff are great for added warmth. The buff can double as a face mask if you need it. Buff USA tends to have the best quality buffs.

14. A running jacket meant for colder weather running is a great choice because you can layer it with a shirt (or multiple shirts when temps are in the single digits.) Not only are they typically lined with a warm fiber, they tend to keep the cold out by breaking the wind. Some brands to check out: Kari Trau, New Balance, Craft and even Athleta or Lululemon.

15. I love fleece lined leggings. My favorite are the Lumen Subzero Wind Tights from Craft Sportswear because they are not bulky but still keep me warm.