Jogging in the wind/cold?!

[heather_stella]

I recently quit the gym and have decided to jog outdoors. I went on Saturday and Sunday in the beautiful sunny weather, and loved every second. Although I didn't jog the whole time (snuck a bit of fast walking in there), I felt great and energised afterwards. I was really looking forward to my jog this evening, unfortunately  in the cold/wind, it was the most awful experience. My chest was tight, and I could barely muster up the energy to go past 4km and ended up just jogging back home. Any tips? I am a beginner to outdoor jogging so maybe it's my technique! Grateful for any feedback. Thanks. 

[runnergirl318]

Good for you for giving it a go.  I think it just takes some getting used to.  When I'm running consistantly I get used to the cold quickly.  

also when I run in the wind and the cold I tend to get a nagging little cough that lasts for hours after.  Good times, huh?

spring will be here before we know it!

[steff]

I always tell myself when it's cold, that when the weather is perfect, I will just glide effortlessly with all the practice I've had slogging through.

[alex45674 · Accepted solution]

Heather running outside is all about the right kit.  Breathing can be hard when the temp is really low but keep at it!  Even a short run is better than nothing.  Make sure you have a few warm layers on, and go out slightly cool so that once you warm up you are the perfect toasty temperature.  I find a woolly hat or baseball cap makes me feel warmer too.  Another trick - if you take water with you, or use sports drink powders you mix with water to make up, make them with warm rather than cold water.  Keeps your hands warm and gives you a warm boost.  Keep going girl!

[NativeSFGirl]

Hi there! When it is cold here (for me cold is anywhere between 45-55 degrees) I usually wear my sport bra, a long sleeve shirt and then a short sleeve shirt on top of that.  My legs are never the issue, just my upper body.  I usally warm up anywhere 10-15 minutes into the run and have to take off my short sleeve at that point. 

When it is really cold I find it best to chew some gum as well, since I am a mouth breather for the most part and my mouth get dry from the cold weather.  I always take it a bit slower in cold as well since wind is a factor here as well and it is harder to breath in the cold/wind. Maybe try slowing your pace a bit in the cold and see if that helps with breathing.

I love running outside, it is great.  Once I started I just can't get back on a treadmill now.  Feel free to friend me if you want. All the best to you!  I am sure you will get some great tips on here.

[heather_stella]

Thanks, everyone for your tips and advice. I live in the UK and have never exercised outdoors here before (at least since school) so getting used to the wind chill is difficult! 

I layered up with a proper base layer yesterday and I felt a lot better. Just need to get myself used to the right breathing technique! It isn't fun not being able to breathe through your nose! 

[alex45674]

Hiya I am in the UK too, cold and damp do not make for great breathing but you will do it, keep going!  Glad to hear it is working 🙂

[whome]

Hi There - this is off topic but I am wondering where you will be if Scotland votes to split - will you be in the "Disunited Kingdom" or England or what? Curious minds want to know! 

[alex45674]

Not sure myself, I live in Canterbury in Kent, so I am firmly in England geographically 🙂

[heather_stella]

I, like Alex also live firmly in England (same city which is random). But, I was born in Scotland.... if I'm honest though, it doesn't fuss me either way.... I don't think it will affect me! 

[alex45674]

Very random! I love Canterbury!

[heather_stella]

Me too! Although I struggle to find anywhere good to run. I ran Sturry Road and around today but the traffic was horrific!

[alex45674]

Me too! I lived Ashford until 7 months ago when my boyfriend Owen and I bought a house together.  Ashford seemed more running friendly but nowhere near so nice!  We live just off Nackington Road/Stone Street, and our house to the Cathedral Gate and home again is a nice little 5k, although uphill on the homeward journey!  I do that most days before work, when I can run that is - hoping to be back to running soon after my car accident.  Can't wait to get out.  Owen used to live in Harbledown and it is pretty on the paths out towards the Uni of Kent too.  Everywhere is hilly though heehee but hey we know it is good for us and it gets those floors climbed!

[heather_stella]

We live on Barton Mill Road right over the river but just bought a house in...... wait for it....... ASHFORD! I've just moved in my job to there and my other half works there. I might drive upto the uni and jog around there somewhere. I hope you get better from you accident soon as the sun as amazing at the moment when out and about! 

[Will_M]

I haven't moved up to running IRL because that is really hard to do everyday. But to keep warm on the way to the gym during the colder season I wear a Nike Running pullover jacket. It's 100% polyester, but it's in the way they weave it I guess... It regulates body heat really well. You could always try that. Breathing cold air is way harder on the lungs than mildly warm air in general. Nothing a bit of conditioning won't sort.    

[alex45674]

Hope your move goes well!  I did 3 short walks yesterday, and I have a Doctors appt today to get checked out.  Am slowly getting back to fit 🙂 I agree, such lovely sunny days but cool - perfect for running and I am missing them!  Enjoy your runs.  Keep stepping!