6 tips for running & staying active in the winter | running tips pt. 2

Hey, friends!

Winter can make it so hard to stay active and get outside to exercise with the chilly temperatures, snow, and less light. Since winter can last pretty from November to April here, not going outside to run isn’t an option, so for the last two months or so, I’ve been making myself go outside and do it. So, here are my best tips and favorite gear for running and staying active in the winter!

Haven’t read the first post in this series? Go check it out here: 9 tips to keep you motivated on long runs

1. find a route that’s usually clear

With cold weather comes snow and ice which is not great for running since you have to slow down and might end up falling. There are a couple of trails & routes I’ve found that are usually pretty clear of snow/ice and even if running the same thing can get boring, it is so much better than accidentally falling and getting injured or slowing down.

2. warm up inside

If you stretch, get your warmed-up going before you head outside, and can start your run right when you’re out the door, it will make its way warmed and more motivating to just get your run done with. Also, if you warm up inside when you’re fully dressed, it will make going outside sound refreshing.

3. use a treadmill

I hate that this tip has to be on the list because I hate running on a treadmill but there are going to be times when it’s just too cold or snowy to go outside, and that’s when the treadmill is amazing. (Actually, I take that back. I don’t think having to run on the treadmill is ever amazing, but sometimes, it’s necessary.)

4. take advantage of time to do other workouts

This winter, I’ve enjoyed using the time that I haven’t been running to swim, strength train, ski, and try other workouts that I normally wouldn’t be doing. If it doesn’t work for you to run outside and you don’t want to use a treadmill, try a different workout you haven’t done before or don’t do a lot.

5. dress for the weather

The Norwegian saying “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing,” is honestly pretty true. The best tip for doing anything in cold weather is definitely layering and finding warm clothes that are still comfortable to run in. These are a few of my favorite things for winter running:

• Old Navy Long-Sleeve Seamless Performance Top A nice long sleeve is definitely essential for running in the cold. I have the pink right now and I’m hoping to get a gray one as well. I wear it so much for running & skiing but also it’s soft to just wear around the house!
• Old Navy Narrow-Channel Quilted Puffer Vest My mom has this vest (or a similar one) and I’ve stolen it for a few runs when it’s cold and I didn’t want to wear a coat.
• Old Navy StretchTech Hooded Zip Jacket For when I do wear a coat, this is the one that I almost always wear. I got this in October and have worn it for so many cold runs. It’s light enough that it’s comfortable to wear but also breaks the wind and is warm.
• Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings These are my favorite leggings for literally everything and since you can’t wear shorts outside in 30-degree weather, I usually wear these leggings to run in. I also have a pair of Powersoft Joggers that I like as well!
• Nike Women’s Dry Headband & Glove Set Running gloves & a hat/headband are probably the most important thing on this list. For me, if I don’t wear a hat or headband I get a headache and it makes the run completely miserable, and having cold hands is just as bad. I love that the gloves keep my hands warm without making them too hot and the headband is also really nice.

6. just do it

In the end, you just have to get dressed, brave the cold, and do it. Once you convince yourself to get going and get warmed up, it doesn’t seem as bad. When you finish your run, make sure to put on some comfy clothes, get hot chocolate or tea, and reward yourself!

now, it’s your turn!

I hope this post was helpful for anyone who wants to get outside and run or exercise during these colder months! Comment below with your favorite tip from this post or anything that has helped you this winter!