Cold Weather Run Time

by Joe
(Pittsburgh)

If the temperature is below 20 F, night time, minimal chill factor, is there a maximum time length to run?


Answer by Dominique:

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your cold weather running question.

Twenty degrees Fahrenheit gets pretty chilly of course. I have done 1 hr - 1.30 hr runs in those temperatures without issues.




As long as that wind-chill is minimal, it probably most comes down to making sure you are well prepared for the weather.

The main things to consider when running in the cold weather are plenty of layers of clothing, appropriate head wear as you lose a lot of heat via your head and abundant hydration.

When running in windy conditions it becomes a lot tougher. Draining, exhausting and you then need to consider applying some moisturizer as well for exposed skin, especially the face.

Other than that it is a matter of finding non-icy roads (this can be very tricky and dangerous in the dark, speaking from painful experience!).

Best of luck during the winter months. Temperatures hit just under 100 Fahrenheit this side of the globe today, causing a different set of challenges all together!

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Cheers,
Dominique