Icicles hanging from eyelashes post-run is a sign that it’s truly cold. This morning the temp registered -19 with a wind chill of -33 degrees C. I laced up at 5:20 a.m. for a run on the boardwalk with the dog before work. True winter!
Here is what I wear for running below -10 Celcius:
-Two wicking T-shirts, one short sleeve, one long.
-Softshell running jacket
-Polartec briefs with wind-proof panel
-winter tights (inner layer)
-tights with stretch Gore-Tex front panel or Schoeller soft-shell pants (outer)
-normal running socks
-Trail shoes, road shoes, or road shoes with La Sportiva ice studs, depending on conditions
-New Balance balaclava
-Castelli headband
-Shell mitts with fleece liners
The best thing about running in extreme cold is that it doesn’t actually feel cold. I never fail to get a sweat going. My feet are NEVER cold, even at -35, except in some cases of extreme wind in well ventilated road shoes, wet feet or when I’m moving very slowly, like trail running in deep snow. In those cases a pair of Gore-Tex socks goes a long way. Otherwise normal running socks are enough.
The windproof briefs are critical, especially for running into a stiff wind, is breathable clothing to prevent freezing condensation between layers.
With this gear list, the only part of me that gets cold, oddly, is my core. I sweat, the wind cuts through the front of my soft-shell, blood flows well to the extremities, but you could refrigerate food on my stomach. It’s not a painful cold, unlike the price of forgetting the aforementioned briefs; just a gradual, energy depleting chill that takes a long, hot shower or a hot tub soak to cure. I need one of those lightweight vests with the mesh back and insulated, windproof front panels.
The payoff of winter running is being one of the only people out on a crisp, perfect morning; letting the dog roam free; the crackle of trees and fences adjusting to the temp; the tinkle of lake ice brushing the shore; the squeak of dry snow underfoot; nodding at snowplow drivers through a mask of frost, knowing they must think you’re crazy; the satisfaction of mastering comfort in an inhospitable environment; the unique sensation of stripping icicles off your eyelashes; and, of course, the reliable running buzz that you preserve by excising the words “it’s too cold” from your exercise vocabulary.
As all runners, skiers and winter cyclists know, exercising outside isn’t cold. Waiting for the bus on a windy night is cold. Waiting for the car to warm up is cold. Standing still and stomping your feet is cold. Sitting at a computer in an under-heated office is cold. Being on the inside looking out is cold. Self-propelled movement is the best way to stay warm.
