What's worse than running in the cold?

 Not running at all.

 I completely hate running outside when it's cold - but I convince myself that it's better than the alternative. The main thing, and this may seem obvious - is dressing properly. It can be tricky to keep yourself warm while not over heating or getting sweaty. On the other extreme, you don't want to get cold and risk injury or just feeling like crap. When it's cold out (and this may seem painfully obvious) it takes longer for your body to warm up. It's critical that you remember this and take it easy as your start your workout. When prepping for a cold weather run, there are two main things I pay attention to.

1. Dry Fit Clothes
2. Layers

Not a lot of manly photos of running tights online. Odd.

Dry Fit Clothes - These are going to be essential for any weather condition, but certainly when it's cold out. If you are wearing cotton, let's just say it'll be an uncomfortable run between having not only wet clothes, but also cold clothes. I'll discuss the merits later, but for now - remember, cotton = bad.

Layers - Gotta layer up. At first you're going to be cold, so you need some extra protection from the elements, but as you get farther along in your run your body will start to warm up. If you're not wearing clothes that are easy to adjust on the fly, you may end up overheating. Some great options are a zip fleece jacket or a windbreaker. You can open it up on the fly or take it off and tie it around your waist. I'm a big fan of loose long sleeves because you can slide them up as you get warmer. Now, the one layer that I like to wear in the cold which some people (my wife) think is dorky as all hell is running tights.

Personally, I think I look pretty sharp in a pair of running pants, what can I say, I make them look good. She has a differing opinion and struggles to mask her snickers as I strut around preparing for my run. Whatever, I think she's jealous. (and by jealous - I mean completely embarrassed for me that I'm seen in public like this). Bottom line, gotta be comfortable and if you do not keep yourself warm, you are risking injury.

What do you do to fight the cold?

Drive Slow