I haven’t always been a runner, but it certainly feels as if it’s woven into my DNA. I’m not fast, my form could use some work, and I don’t run a lot of races. But I do know, when I don’t run, I’m not the best version of myself. The more I run, the more true that last statement is. Not only do I love it, but I need it. Last summer was my first consistent season of training, and compared to now, it was minimal. I started to increase my mileage and accomplished some goals I never thought were possible. I ran the Pemi Loop in a day (a popular 31.5 mile loop in White Mountains of New Hampshire) and after that I was absolutely hooked. It wasn’t even completing the loop that hooked me, it was the training. I thoroughly enjoyed training, pushing my limits, and seeing growth. Then we moved to Vermont, in the middle of November, and there was a foot and a half of snow on the ground. Long story short, my training fell apart.
As someone who grew up in New Hampshire and frequented the White Mountains, I thought I had mastered how to stay active even whilst the snow fell and the temps dropped. Well, as life will often have it, I was wrong, so very wrong. I never expected Vermont to be this cold. I’m talking -20°F some mornings. It was well below zero regularly. For the first time in about 3-4 years Lake Champlain, completely froze over. I flat out stopped running for a couple of weeks, I thought it would pass. It didn’t. It was time toughen up. With 1 car between my partner and I, no uphill or cross country ski setups, and absolutely no knowledge of the trails up here, I had no other choice if I was going to stay sane, I had to figure out how to run in these conditions.
Here’s what I learned and how I survived:
1.) You need less than you think:
Despite what you might think, running in the cold doesn’t require that many more layers than you would normally wear. What it does require, is the right kind of layers. You NEED moisture-wicking wool or synthetics. Cotton is not an option. If you sweat and your clothes don’t wick, you’ll freeze. Literally, first your clothes, then you. You can become hypothermic quick, and if you like longer distances like I do, that situation can turn critical, fast.
There is no magic layering system or pinterest board that can tell you what to wear at what temperature. Like everything in running, you need to listen to your body. For me, I can run when it’s 10 degrees in a baselayer top, like the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Crew, a midlayer zip up (the zip allows for ventilation if needed), a pair of moisture-wicking tights/pants, a Skida Alpine Headband and Tour Neck Warmer, and a pair of mittens. And yes, only 1 pair of socks (Darn Tough Vermont is my go-to), my Hoka One One’s take care of the cold that would seep in through less cushioned soles, so I don’t need multiple pairs.
My suggestion for figuring your system out; always start feeling a little cold and experiment going a few miles. You’ll warm up fast once moving. Try headbands vs. hats, gloves vs. mittens, thicker socks vs. thinner, you get the point. You’ll learn what your body needs to stay comfortable.
2.) Roads are slippery when wet, and even more so when frozen:
It only takes one fall to learn this lesson. The most important piece of gear you can have for running in the cold weather is traction. Bottom line, if you can’t stay up right, you can’t run and you’ll more than likely end up injured. If you’re a runner, or athlete of any sort, you know how much an injury can set you back. So, if the temps dip below freezing or there’s snow on the ground, a pair of spikes, like the Kahtoola NANOspikes or a pair of Icebug running shoes with built in traction, will allow you to run more confidently so you don’t succumb to the ice road shuffle.
3.) Don’t underestimate the snow banks, don’t overestimate the drivers:
There are several reasons underestimating snow banks is a bad idea. More than likely you’re going to have to jump into one to get out of the way of traffic, and it’s probably going to be much deeper than you think. They block your view and more importantly they can obstruct the view of drivers. Never assume a car can see you when you’re behind or near a snow bank. Wearing bright colors helps, especially as they days get shorter, but the most important thing is to stay alert. Don’t wear headphones that prevent you from listening to your surroundings, keep your head up, eyes open, and anticipate spots that may be tricky for vehicles to maneuver. For example, if a car is coming to a stop on a hill and you’re waiting to cross, make sure they stop before you get in front of them, sliding usually happens when they hit the brakes the hardest.
There are so many benefits to continuing your training in colder weather. I personally think it’s more enjoyable than battling through a sunny 90°F day. Not only does running in the winter help fight the winter blues, but it will allow you to maintain a solid base for you next training season so you can spend less time building and more time progressing. Plus, you get to feel like a total badass for toughing it out and getting it done.
So get out their folks, and keep getting out there, even when the temperature drops. You’re stronger than you think you are!
-Brittany Beland,
Web Product Content Creator for Skirack & Patagonia Burlington
