Hey Jane. As a runner from Minnesota, I feel very qualified to comment. lol. You are 100% correct that the first mile or two is the hardest. I often have to run in well below zero with windchills in the minus 20 to 30 below and you'd be surprised on how little I have to wear. I wear my running tights and if really cold will put on a pair of running pants over that. I wear the same socks and shoes I wear year-round. I have three long sleeve running tops I rotate and my running jacket. My running jacket is made of slightly thicker material. Not super thin but not super thick. Just right. I do wear a black Gator. The only place air can touch my skin is around my eyes however usually have 2 miles I pull the Gator under my chin because I am warm. I usually wear a pair of thin gloves but on those super cold days I have heavy gloves I use for Ice Fishing. The hardest part is literally getting out the door. Mind over Matter. For those slippery days. I put hex head screws into the bottom of my trail shoes. They grip the ice and do not add weight to my shoes. I live about 15 minutes north of town and the nice thing about Rochester is they keep the running trails plowed all winter. Sometimes the trails are plowed before the roads. I only use my treadmill during snowstorms and even then, it is hard to keep me inside.
Coach Jane is a badass in a toque! Love it! My favorite part of cold weather running is the long hot shower afterwards. I just bring my recovery shake in the shower with me and it’s the best.
It's all about layering. Marino wool makes a great base or mid layer. You know you overdressed when you first step outside and you already feel warm. You dress for 15 to 20 degrees warmer than what the actual temperature is.
LOVE merino wool! Smartwool makes my favorite winter running socks and headband. I would love to get a base layer shirt from them...now that you mentioned it, I think I'll be scouring some sales after Christmas. Any other good merino wool brands you'd recommend?
@@runningwithjane I've only tried the Smartwool brand. But what's amazing is the fabric does such an excellent job regulating temperature without the bulk. Plus it keeps its form and doesn't wrinkle and you can wear it a few times in a row before washing because there is no odor to it even after a long run. I like the Smartwool merino thermal tops because their not real bulky and they still keep you warm and feel breathable either as a base or as a single layer. Their expensive but worth it when they go on sale. Right now their 30% off at REI.
I love the KARI TRAA brand! I invested in a 100% piece and it's been a game changer in AK with just a puffy vest for runs over 5 degrees. And I can wear it for like 2 weeks without any stench 🥸@@runningwithjane
Totally agree with point #6, it's so easy to get chilled when you finish. If I'm driving to my start point, I keep an extra jacket in the car to change into for the drive home. Thanls for all the great content!
Thank you so much for this video! The past few winters I always wondered if I was dressing correctly since I'd come back with my inner shirt soaked in sweat. I thought I might be wearing too many clothes and maybe I shouldn't be sweating so much. Thanks for explaining everything; your videos are so helpful and I've learned so much from you! 😀 BTW - love the hat!
Hi Rob! Well, you can always take off layers as you go if you stop back by your house or car, but sometimes I don't want to do that. But the reality is you're just going to sweat if you're in the aerobic zone. More than anything the sweat is a reminder that we still need to stay hydrated well. I think as long as you stay comfortable on the run and not overly warm, you've chosen the right gear. I often take my gloves or hat off later in a run, so just make sure you have a place to stash them.
Thanks! Yes, I have done that too. If I don't have a pocket, I'll just put my gloves or hat in my tights. They're tight enough so they never slide down.😀
That was another great video Jane, and I love your hat! One thing I always pay a lot of attention to is the wind. It does suck going into the wind to start, bit it's nice having it at your back on the way home.
Ugh, the wind is brutal sometimes. That's when I cover every inch of my body haha. But I love your positive thinking...it's gotta help you at some point during the run!
A compression base layer (chaffing stopper), then a merino wool layer, then a wind/water proof but breathable outer layer fabric can take me to -25C windchill. Balaclava is a MUST, since it can convert to whatever you need based on the weather. Mitts with hand warmer inserts will help on even the coldest days. A run belt/vest which can easily go under the wind proof jacket, yet is easily accessible, is enough to protect your soft flasks from freezing. And the final piece, shoes which don't have tons of air flow. Running with cold feet is the worst.
Great advice! A lot of people around here (Northern KY), wouldn't make it up where you live. Running group attendance drops significantly when it's below 25. Glad you mentioned mitts over gloves. Coming from Canada, I've been trying to convince people around here that Mitts are far better. Heated seats and steering wheel for drive home feels great.
Being from Canada, you must think they are all softies haha. I guess it's all relative depending on where you live. This is my first winter with a car with heated seats haha so yes, definitely helps! I don't think my steering wheel is heated... but maybe it is ha?!
In Northern California it still doesn’t get so cold the bottle freezes, but I love using a heated bottle of electrolytes to warm my hands and with asthma/allergies my throat feels better and doesn’t contract drinking warmed liquids.
Oh great idea! And I've heard electrolytes (or maybe it was sugar?) decreases the freezing point, too. Does your bottle stay heated or do you just mean you heat up the water before you start?
Living in So Cal Winter does not exist and I can run during the day while in the Summer I have to go out very early especially for long runs. That said seeing these picturesque photos of people running through a snowy forest makes me homesick.
Where are you from originally?? I really do love a snowy run after that first mile (and as long as it's not windy!) Yes, I definitely get jealous of my SoCal athletes from time to time LOL!
It is not related to this subject, but I just want to thank you for the nutrition plan you shared for the Houston marathon. I finished a 26.2 race yesterday and it was my 1st that I was not tired thru the whole race, got PB by 7 minutes. I researched and decided to follow your running gel plan and it perfectly worked and finally beat 3:30 (My goal was 3:29 but crossed the finish line 3:25:12). I was not that tired. So,I felt that I could have aimed for 3:20 with this nutrition plan. It was a weird feeling since I was always bonked and had to lay down for 10 min after 26.2.......Again, thank you SO MUCH for your tips!!!
Hi Peter - thank you for this message!! I'm so happy for you - congrats!! Isn't it a great feeling to feel strong enough at the end to "race?" Guessing you paced really well, too. Which marathon did you run??
I followed 2 pace makers, and one of them asked my heart rate & told me to run faster if I could. So, I passed them at mile 22-23 point. He was right. BTW I ran Irving Frost marathon (TX),@@runningwithjane
I have seriously improved my Montreal winter running practice, but will look at some nuggets. It's not much of an option to keep moving when you are mostly a city runner as is my case, but instead of standing at the exposed corner, I keep a little away, tuck close to a hedge or bus stop for the long traffic lights (avenues). When there is a lot of snow, I chose an option which the running coach Jane may not like: I switch to cross-country skiing. I don't get the specific running training, but it spares my knees and I can actually stay much longer at a relatively high heart rate (saying this although for the first time in 15 years, we haven't had a white Christmas).
XC Skiing is excellent cross training!! Totally OK to take a season to have a main focus on something else and you're still keeping your endurance up. I love it! (Especially if winter city running doesn't bring you that much joy.) Sorry to hear you missed out on a white Christmas the first time in 15 years...it's pretty crazy.😔
Oh wow, the Grinch Cap with the Pom Pom on it, looks so incredibly cute, and with your great tips and smiling face Coach Jane, it brightens up any cold drab winter's day. Nice video clip on the treadmill, even that was a great reminder to keep the posture correct and upright when running. YES!!! getting out the door is the hardest part for me. Coach Jane the "badass", I love it, LOL. Have an awesomeness day and a Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Merry Christmas!! Getting out the door is the hardest part for me, too! That little voice in your brain is saying, "What are we doing??!" Ha! But we never regret it.
I know nothing about that level of cold! I will have to remember you tough runners running in the 20s and 10s and even below when I am being a baby about the 30s and 40s. Great tips!
Hi Joanne! It's all relative though, right?! We all have different positives and negatives depending on where we live. If I could run anywhere full time I think it would either be the Colorado mountains or SoCal!
Nice video, Jane! I'd suggest Gorewear. Get it. Wear it. Enjoy your very cold winter weather running. Get the R5 infinium stuff. It's awesome! Don't be cheap. Very cold/windy days? Ski goggles and a buff/gaitor, windproof beanie, R5 infinium coat and pants, underarmour base layers, glove liners, gloves. I'm a cold running pro. AMA. ;)
This stuff looks awesome! Wear are you running in the cold? We are lucky the single-digits and sub-zeros are rare, but we get them! That I can typically handle, it's the wind that really sucks! But face-covering is a gamechanger for sure.
@@runningwithjane It really is pretty awesome stuff. I was skeptical when I ordered my first set last winter. I no longer doubt what it's capable of handling and ordered more for backup/extras. I'm in Wisconsin. As long as it's not mega windy I can handle temps well down into the negatives. Single digits no problems. Thankfully it's not like I have to deal with those super cold temps all winter. Usually some days in January but February is typically the really cold month. There's usually a few weeks in there where it's super cold and not very fun. As long as I get out the door I can make it work most of the time. I also wear goretex trail shoes with darn tough socks. The Nike Pegasus Trail GTX and Salomon Sense Ride 4 GTX have been game changers for my feet. Just as much as the ski goggles and gaitor have been for my face.
Close enough to a marathon and certainly will require the same type of training! Excited for you! Have the best attitude you can about winter training knowing it's not always going to be fun, have a no excuses attitude and use the right gear and you will be good to go! You GOT this!
Dealing with a tight Achilles heel tendon after 8/14 miles yesterday being on punchy snow. Should I be worried, or just stretch it good? I am not increasing my mileage dramatically, but terrain is definitely unpredictable until morning of long run days. @@runningwithjane
Appreciate all the solid running info! I know your focus is marathon/half, but any chance you might sneak in a video with more emphasis on 5k/10k tips in the near future?
All good points Jane. I actually prefer cold weather running for the most part over summer. I can get out at more reasonable times versus 4:30 AM runs in the summer here. I think one thing you need to take into account is what the wind is doing. A 20F run with no wind is quite a different story from a 30F with 20 mph winds. I know I've paid some pretty painful prices over the years by not taking that into account. Also -- especially for us guys -- is layering, particularly in the privates area. Double underwear can really help. I am one of those guys who wears shorts year round... Generally speaking I try to find a route without ice, even if it means doing 1 mile loops. I usually run on the bike trail and they sometimes plow it, sometimes they don't. I've taken a few spills over the years and that can really wreck a run. I'd be interested in hearing your take on cold weather and its impacts on the body. I know the shoes are less cushy in the winter and I find myself dealing with a LOT more soreness even for ordinary runs during the winter. As always, I enjoy your content and your wisdom when it comes to running.
That's good to hear! We've actually been very mild this year as well...but then we've had 2-3 very random snowstorms that were gone in one day. Nov. and Dec. in CO are typically really nice months for running (going to be a high of 56 for my 20-mile long run tmrw!) But it is pretty rough training weather here from Jan-March.
Some salty sports drink (Tailwind, Skratch, or LMNT) will also keep your hand-helds ice-free and I don't need to heat or warm up the water that way. KEY if you are a salty sweater (you'll know if you have a salt crust on your shirt, hat, etc.)
Curious how often you wash your down vests, do you find they get sweaty? Do you wash them every time? I’ve just started running in a jacket (I used to just pile on the layers and run in no kidding 5 long sleeves) and I’m trying to decide what to do.
I definitely wash them but not every time. If the collar is touching my neck that part definitely gets sweaty and then I need to wash it probably. I probably smell it and decide that way hahaha!
Hi Melissa! Dopey Challenge at Disney World beginning of January! My longest long run is tmrw. I will do a video that week about my training I've done, but it is for fun with friends, not for time.
Hey Jane. As a runner from Minnesota, I feel very qualified to comment. lol. You are 100% correct that the first mile or two is the hardest. I often have to run in well below zero with windchills in the minus 20 to 30 below and you'd be surprised on how little I have to wear. I wear my running tights and if really cold will put on a pair of running pants over that. I wear the same socks and shoes I wear year-round. I have three long sleeve running tops I rotate and my running jacket. My running jacket is made of slightly thicker material. Not super thin but not super thick. Just right. I do wear a black Gator. The only place air can touch my skin is around my eyes however usually have 2 miles I pull the Gator under my chin because I am warm. I usually wear a pair of thin gloves but on those super cold days I have heavy gloves I use for Ice Fishing. The hardest part is literally getting out the door. Mind over Matter.
For those slippery days. I put hex head screws into the bottom of my trail shoes. They grip the ice and do not add weight to my shoes. I live about 15 minutes north of town and the nice thing about Rochester is they keep the running trails plowed all winter. Sometimes the trails are plowed before the roads. I only use my treadmill during snowstorms and even then, it is hard to keep me inside.
Coach Jane is a badass in a toque! Love it! My favorite part of cold weather running is the long hot shower afterwards. I just bring my recovery shake in the shower with me and it’s the best.
Yes!! I do this as well...it's the best! The getting out of the hot shower to get on with the day is the hard part haha.
Team shower snacks and recovery shakes!
It's all about layering. Marino wool makes a great base or mid layer. You know you overdressed when you first step outside and you already feel warm. You dress for 15 to 20 degrees warmer than what the actual temperature is.
LOVE merino wool! Smartwool makes my favorite winter running socks and headband. I would love to get a base layer shirt from them...now that you mentioned it, I think I'll be scouring some sales after Christmas. Any other good merino wool brands you'd recommend?
@@runningwithjane I've only tried the Smartwool brand. But what's amazing is the fabric does such an excellent job regulating temperature without the bulk. Plus it keeps its form and doesn't wrinkle and you can wear it a few times in a row before washing because there is no odor to it even after a long run. I like the Smartwool merino thermal tops because their not real bulky and they still keep you warm and feel breathable either as a base or as a single layer. Their expensive but worth it when they go on sale. Right now their 30% off at REI.
I love the KARI TRAA brand! I invested in a 100% piece and it's been a game changer in AK with just a puffy vest for runs over 5 degrees. And I can wear it for like 2 weeks without any stench 🥸@@runningwithjane
Totally agree with point #6, it's so easy to get chilled when you finish. If I'm driving to my start point, I keep an extra jacket in the car to change into for the drive home. Thanls for all the great content!
Yes, you gotta!!! You're so welcome and appreciate you watching!
Thank you so much for this video! The past few winters I always wondered if I was dressing correctly since I'd come back with my inner shirt soaked in sweat. I thought I might be wearing too many clothes and maybe I shouldn't be sweating so much. Thanks for explaining everything; your videos are so helpful and I've learned so much from you! 😀 BTW - love the hat!
Hi Rob! Well, you can always take off layers as you go if you stop back by your house or car, but sometimes I don't want to do that. But the reality is you're just going to sweat if you're in the aerobic zone. More than anything the sweat is a reminder that we still need to stay hydrated well. I think as long as you stay comfortable on the run and not overly warm, you've chosen the right gear. I often take my gloves or hat off later in a run, so just make sure you have a place to stash them.
Thanks! Yes, I have done that too. If I don't have a pocket, I'll just put my gloves or hat in my tights. They're tight enough so they never slide down.😀
That was another great video Jane, and I love your hat! One thing I always pay a lot of attention to is the wind. It does suck going into the wind to start, bit it's nice having it at your back on the way home.
Ugh, the wind is brutal sometimes. That's when I cover every inch of my body haha. But I love your positive thinking...it's gotta help you at some point during the run!
And thanks for watching, Ted!
A compression base layer (chaffing stopper), then a merino wool layer, then a wind/water proof but breathable outer layer fabric can take me to -25C windchill. Balaclava is a MUST, since it can convert to whatever you need based on the weather. Mitts with hand warmer inserts will help on even the coldest days. A run belt/vest which can easily go under the wind proof jacket, yet is easily accessible, is enough to protect your soft flasks from freezing. And the final piece, shoes which don't have tons of air flow. Running with cold feet is the worst.
Excellent tips!!
Great advice! A lot of people around here (Northern KY), wouldn't make it up where you live. Running group attendance drops significantly when it's below 25. Glad you mentioned mitts over gloves. Coming from Canada, I've been trying to convince people around here that Mitts are far better. Heated seats and steering wheel for drive home feels great.
Being from Canada, you must think they are all softies haha. I guess it's all relative depending on where you live. This is my first winter with a car with heated seats haha so yes, definitely helps! I don't think my steering wheel is heated... but maybe it is ha?!
@@runningwithjane Check into it. Best thing ever!
In Northern California it still doesn’t get so cold the bottle freezes, but I love using a heated bottle of electrolytes to warm my hands and with asthma/allergies my throat feels better and doesn’t contract drinking warmed liquids.
Oh great idea! And I've heard electrolytes (or maybe it was sugar?) decreases the freezing point, too. Does your bottle stay heated or do you just mean you heat up the water before you start?
Living in So Cal Winter does not exist and I can run during the day while in the Summer I have to go out very early especially for long runs. That said seeing these picturesque photos of people running through a snowy forest makes me homesick.
Where are you from originally?? I really do love a snowy run after that first mile (and as long as it's not windy!) Yes, I definitely get jealous of my SoCal athletes from time to time LOL!
@@runningwithjane From Switzerland even though not in the mountains and so we only had a few weeks of snow per year.
It is not related to this subject, but I just want to thank you for the nutrition plan you shared for the Houston marathon. I finished a 26.2 race yesterday and it was my 1st that I was not tired thru the whole race, got PB by 7 minutes. I researched and decided to follow your running gel plan and it perfectly worked and finally beat 3:30 (My goal was 3:29 but crossed the finish line 3:25:12). I was not that tired. So,I felt that I could have aimed for 3:20 with this nutrition plan. It was a weird feeling since I was always bonked and had to lay down for 10 min after 26.2.......Again, thank you SO MUCH for your tips!!!
Hi Peter - thank you for this message!! I'm so happy for you - congrats!! Isn't it a great feeling to feel strong enough at the end to "race?" Guessing you paced really well, too. Which marathon did you run??
I followed 2 pace makers, and one of them asked my heart rate & told me to run faster if I could. So, I passed them at mile 22-23 point. He was right. BTW I ran Irving Frost marathon (TX),@@runningwithjane
I have seriously improved my Montreal winter running practice, but will look at some nuggets. It's not much of an option to keep moving when you are mostly a city runner as is my case, but instead of standing at the exposed corner, I keep a little away, tuck close to a hedge or bus stop for the long traffic lights (avenues). When there is a lot of snow, I chose an option which the running coach Jane may not like: I switch to cross-country skiing. I don't get the specific running training, but it spares my knees and I can actually stay much longer at a relatively high heart rate (saying this although for the first time in 15 years, we haven't had a white Christmas).
XC Skiing is excellent cross training!! Totally OK to take a season to have a main focus on something else and you're still keeping your endurance up. I love it! (Especially if winter city running doesn't bring you that much joy.) Sorry to hear you missed out on a white Christmas the first time in 15 years...it's pretty crazy.😔
Oh wow, the Grinch Cap with the Pom Pom on it, looks so incredibly cute, and with your great tips and smiling face Coach Jane, it brightens up any cold drab winter's day. Nice video clip on the treadmill, even that was a great reminder to keep the posture correct and upright when running. YES!!! getting out the door is the hardest part for me. Coach Jane the "badass", I love it, LOL. Have an awesomeness day and a Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Merry Christmas!! Getting out the door is the hardest part for me, too! That little voice in your brain is saying, "What are we doing??!" Ha! But we never regret it.
20 miles in 20 degrees today. Was sorry I didn't have mittens. Gloves didn't cut it. But that warm shower after
The mittens make the difference!!! Oh yes to the warm shower....the best! I'm always sorry I have to get out and get to work haha.
I know nothing about that level of cold! I will have to remember you tough runners running in the 20s and 10s and even below when I am being a baby about the 30s and 40s. Great tips!
Hi Joanne! It's all relative though, right?! We all have different positives and negatives depending on where we live. If I could run anywhere full time I think it would either be the Colorado mountains or SoCal!
Nice video, Jane! I'd suggest Gorewear. Get it. Wear it. Enjoy your very cold winter weather running. Get the R5 infinium stuff. It's awesome! Don't be cheap.
Very cold/windy days? Ski goggles and a buff/gaitor, windproof beanie, R5 infinium coat and pants, underarmour base layers, glove liners, gloves. I'm a cold running pro. AMA. ;)
This stuff looks awesome! Wear are you running in the cold? We are lucky the single-digits and sub-zeros are rare, but we get them! That I can typically handle, it's the wind that really sucks! But face-covering is a gamechanger for sure.
@@runningwithjane It really is pretty awesome stuff. I was skeptical when I ordered my first set last winter. I no longer doubt what it's capable of handling and ordered more for backup/extras. I'm in Wisconsin. As long as it's not mega windy I can handle temps well down into the negatives. Single digits no problems. Thankfully it's not like I have to deal with those super cold temps all winter. Usually some days in January but February is typically the really cold month. There's usually a few weeks in there where it's super cold and not very fun. As long as I get out the door I can make it work most of the time.
I also wear goretex trail shoes with darn tough socks. The Nike Pegasus Trail GTX and Salomon Sense Ride 4 GTX have been game changers for my feet. Just as much as the ski goggles and gaitor have been for my face.
If you wear glasses and want an awesome cap... M GORE WINDSTOPPER Thermo Beanie. You will love it.
Perfect timing. Just signed up for my first "marathon", it's only 25 miles, in March (in AK).
Close enough to a marathon and certainly will require the same type of training! Excited for you! Have the best attitude you can about winter training knowing it's not always going to be fun, have a no excuses attitude and use the right gear and you will be good to go! You GOT this!
Dealing with a tight Achilles heel tendon after 8/14 miles yesterday being on punchy snow. Should I be worried, or just stretch it good? I am not increasing my mileage dramatically, but terrain is definitely unpredictable until morning of long run days. @@runningwithjane
Appreciate all the solid running info! I know your focus is marathon/half, but any chance you might sneak in a video with more emphasis on 5k/10k tips in the near future?
All good points Jane. I actually prefer cold weather running for the most part over summer. I can get out at more reasonable times versus 4:30 AM runs in the summer here.
I think one thing you need to take into account is what the wind is doing. A 20F run with no wind is quite a different story from a 30F with 20 mph winds. I know I've paid some pretty painful prices over the years by not taking that into account. Also -- especially for us guys -- is layering, particularly in the privates area. Double underwear can really help. I am one of those guys who wears shorts year round...
Generally speaking I try to find a route without ice, even if it means doing 1 mile loops. I usually run on the bike trail and they sometimes plow it, sometimes they don't. I've taken a few spills over the years and that can really wreck a run.
I'd be interested in hearing your take on cold weather and its impacts on the body. I know the shoes are less cushy in the winter and I find myself dealing with a LOT more soreness even for ordinary runs during the winter.
As always, I enjoy your content and your wisdom when it comes to running.
What a great channel… I want to be a full time runner.
Thank you! What does your running journey look like currently?
I’ve been really lucky in Kansas City and been able to do most runs in 35-40 degrees so far. I know the real cold stuff will be here soon enough
Same here in the greater-NYC area; winter seems almost like an anomaly these past few years.
That's good to hear! We've actually been very mild this year as well...but then we've had 2-3 very random snowstorms that were gone in one day. Nov. and Dec. in CO are typically really nice months for running (going to be a high of 56 for my 20-mile long run tmrw!) But it is pretty rough training weather here from Jan-March.
Some salty sports drink (Tailwind, Skratch, or LMNT) will also keep your hand-helds ice-free and I don't need to heat or warm up the water that way. KEY if you are a salty sweater (you'll know if you have a salt crust on your shirt, hat, etc.)
I've heard that - appreciate you sharing the tip!
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Thank you! To you as well!
@@runningwithjane happy New Year to you and your family
#5 Don't stop. This.... so much this. Never stop if it's cold. lol
Right?! It's so hard to get your extremities warm again!
@@runningwithjane You know it, Jane. I limit my stopping to about 20 -30 seconds if I have to pee. That's it though.
I wish I had cold marathon training runs instead of hot august runs in Texas.
Ugh, I don't blame you! I seriously don't know how you guys do it! That would be really miserable...at least in the cold we can bundle up!!
Curious how often you wash your down vests, do you find they get sweaty? Do you wash them every time? I’ve just started running in a jacket (I used to just pile on the layers and run in no kidding 5 long sleeves) and I’m trying to decide what to do.
I definitely wash them but not every time. If the collar is touching my neck that part definitely gets sweaty and then I need to wash it probably. I probably smell it and decide that way hahaha!
When’s the next marathon? Have you announced it yet?
Hi Melissa! Dopey Challenge at Disney World beginning of January! My longest long run is tmrw. I will do a video that week about my training I've done, but it is for fun with friends, not for time.