5 Winter Running Tips To Keep You Moving

Baby it’s Cold Outside! 5 Ways to Run and Stay Fit All Winter Long

Photo by Matt Mroczek at Chicago Ugly Sweater Art Run.

By Erica Agran

People always ask me how I keep running and stay in shape over the cold winter months. I live in Chicago, so the weather is no joke. I do love running in the cold weather as long as I have the right gear. I have some other practical tips for winter running and staying fit all winter long. Here are my top five tips for winter running to keep you moving:

1. Make it fun!
   Look for fun runs and holiday themed running events in your area. I had the best time at Runstreet’s Chicago Ugly Sweater Run. We lucked out with just below freezing weather and spirits were high. If you live somewhere cold, there are always people trying new ways to stay fit all winter. Check out Runstreet Art Runs, and Facebook events or Google to find some meet ups.

2. Get the right gear to run outside. Wear layers to keep warm and go get some fresh air and Vitamin D. All natural merino wool base layers and socks are great for warmth and sweat wicking – plus they don’t smell when you heat up! I love CEP Compression Merino Run Socks under my pants or tights and Icebreaker or Smart Wool pieces on top. Take off the base layers quickly when you come inside so you don’t get cold and clammy! Also, if the footing is tough, be careful and ratchet back the pace or wear trail shoes/Yak Trax if you need to.

3. Hit the ’mill. Some runners hate the treadmill. I don’t mind treadmill running as long as I keep it interesting with intervals or hills. There are a ton of great treadmill workouts online, and check out Runstreet’s Treadmill Running Tips. Pro-tip: Google “treadmill workout” and look at the Images tab. You can display them on your phone while you run. I also love to watch the Today Show or “E!” or anything I wouldn’t likely watch at home to pass the time.

4. Find a buddy (or several). It’s easy to turn off the alarm clock and to stay in your warm bed. I’m much less likely to do that if someone is meeting me. I meet a friend just before sunrise and we get in our run and get to see some beautiful sunrises, too. It’s a win-win. Plus, you can set a shared goal to run a spring race or take a warm weather trip for a race in winter for extra motivation and excitement. There are also some great free challenges on Strava if that motivates you, and you can join the Runstreet Strava Club for extra motivation. Need to meet new runners? Check out local running stores or running groups for winter meet up times.

5. Try a new winter sport or workout class. There are great fitness benefits to winter sports like cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Check REI or your local park district for rentals/classes. You can also work on your strength at the gym and your cardio fitness with high intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. Many gyms offer treadmill and weight combo classes where you can work on strength and speed. I find that spin classes help me with leg turn over, too. Also, check out Runstreet’s Strength Training Exercises for Runners, with strength training workouts you can do at home.

Winter offers some incredible running views, like this one of the Chicago skyline.

How do you winterize your running routine? Comment below with your winter running tips.

Erica Agran is the blogger behind Erica Finds. She’s an avid runner, traveler and healthy “finder” living in Chicago. She recently ran her 52nd marathon and her 20th NYC Marathon. Check out her Instagram (@EricaAgran) for running inspiration, the best new healthy products and great views from her window. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.